Although purring typically indicates happiness in our cats, they also purr to communicate when they are stressed, anxious or trying to communicate other needs, such as if they are in pain or uncomfortable.
If your cat is in pain, it might have trouble jumping, walking, or even standing up. Limping, shaking, and restlessness could also mean that something hurts. Your cat might not want to be held, struggle to find a comfortable posture, or avoid bearing all of its weight on an injured limb.
In older cats, arthritis is a common degenerative joint disease that causes pain. Ankle pain and trouble walking or jumping can be indicators of arthritis. For cats, the disease typically affects the elbow, ankle, knee, or hip joints (American College of Veterinary Surgeons).
An illness or condition could also be the cause of the discomfort. Common conditions that cause pain include:
Pain can make a normally amiable cat agitated or hostile. If other cats are in pain, they might not hide—in fact, they might want to spend more time with you. Pain could be the reason for any of the following behavioral changes in your cat:
When an episode of pain occurs, your poor pet might grimace or walk a little differently. Large pupils, glazed eyes, frequent blinking, or tail flicking may be observed. A hunched cat with its feet tucked under its body may be in pain.
A note for our readers: If you have an urgent question and are unable to ask your veterinarian, you can use the Ask a Vet service that will give you access to a veterinarian for 7 days for $5.
After all this schooling, Dr. Stephanie loaded up her belongings and her cherished Labrador She works at a clinic in the “big apple” and resides there. ”.
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Dr. Stephanie received her Bachelor of Science (Maj. Vet tech) from the University of Queensland, Australia, in 2006. She left her gorgeous, sunny home country of Australia after graduation to pursue her veterinary degree at Murdoch University in Perth, Australia, the most remote city on earth. She graduated with a dual degree in veterinary biology and veterinary medicine and surgery five years later.
FAQ
Will cats purr if they are in pain?
Can a cat be sick and still purr?
How do you comfort a cat in pain?