Pain rarely comes with crying and yelping. Far more often it hides behind small changes in behaviour — exactly the ones we so easily put down to "old age" or "that's just how he is".
Changes in behaviour
Pay attention if your pet:
- Withdraws, hides, has no interest in play
- Gets snappy or aggressive when touched
- No longer jumps up where it used to reach with ease
You know best
If you feel "something's off", you're usually right. You notice changes that don't have time to show in a ten-minute exam.
Physical signs
And some that show on the body:
- Changed posture, hunching, an arched back
- Limping or stiffness, especially after resting
- Panting without heat or exercise, trembling
Especially in cats
Cats are masters at hiding pain. Watch the details: less grooming, so an unkempt coat; a tendency to keep away from the family; changes in how it uses the litter box.
What to do
One thing to hold onto above all: NEVER human painkillers (paracetamol, ibuprofen) — they're toxic, especially to cats. If you suspect pain, book an appointment; safe, effective pain relief exists.