Updated September 25, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.
Quick answer: Cats are experts at hiding pain, especially chronic pain from arthritis, which affects most older cats. Signs are usually changes in behavior: jumping less, missing the litter box, grooming less, hiding, sleeping more, or becoming irritable. Vets also use the Feline Grimace Scale, which looks at ear position, eye squinting, muzzle tension, whisker position, and head position. If you notice these changes, a vet visit can lead to effective pain relief.
Behavior changes
- Jumping less or hesitating before jumping
- Using steps or furniture instead of jumping
- Accidents outside the litter box
- Less grooming, especially the lower back, or overgrooming a sore area
- Hiding or sleeping more
- Irritability when touched or picked up
- Reduced appetite
Facial signs (Feline Grimace Scale)
- Ears flattened or rotated outward
- Squinting eyes
- Tense muzzle
- Whiskers straight and pointing forward
- Head lowered
Common causes of pain in older cats
- Arthritis
- Dental disease
- Constipation
- Urinary problems
- Cancer
What to do
- Book a vet visit and bring videos of your cat moving
- Don’t give human pain relievers
More: pain medication for older cats.
Sources
- Evangelista MC, et al. Facial expressions of pain in cats: the development and validation of a Feline Grimace Scale. Sci Rep. 2019
- Monteiro BP, et al. 2022 WSAVA guidelines for the recognition, assessment and treatment of pain. J Small Anim Pract. 2022
- Cornell Feline Health Center: Arthritis in cats
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.