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New Georgia Animal Hospital

770-505-7387

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  • Signs That Your Cat is Experiencing Pain

Signs That Your Cat is Experiencing Pain

  • Created in Newsletter Library

Cat laying in bed

Is Your Cat Suffering From Pain?

Hiding pain is one of your cat's natural instincts. In fact, displaying pain or weakness makes cats an attractive target for predators in the wild. Although dangerous predators don't lurk in your home, those instincts still surface when your favorite feline is suffering. Luckily, a few tell-tale signs can help you determine if your pet is hurt or sick. Your cat may exhibit one or more of these behaviors if it's in pain.

Frequent Meowing

Your cat can't tell you where it hurts but can communicate with you by vocalizing. If your pet meows more often than normal, pain may be the reason. Cats in pain may also hiss or growl, particularly if you happen to touch a painful area. Purring doesn't always mean that your cat is happy. In fact, purring can also occur if your pet is in pain or stressed.

Breathing Changes

Has a sharp pain ever taken your breath away or changed your breathing pattern? Your cat may react the same way. Rapid breathing or panting are signs that something isn't quite right with your pet.

Hiding Out

If your pet is spending most of its time under a bed or in another out-of-the-way place, pain may be the reason. When that natural instinct kicks in, pets automatically look for a safe, secure hiding place. In addition to providing protection from predators, hiding spots also prevent curious children or concerned family members from bothering your pet.

Trouble Moving

Your cat may have problems jumping, walking, or struggling to stand if it's in pain. Limping, shaking, and restlessness could also mean that something hurts. You may notice that your cat can't seem to find a comfortable position, avoids putting all of its weight on an injured limb, or does not want to be held.

Behavioral Changes

A normally friendly cat may become irritable or aggressive due to pain. Other cats may not hide but might actually want to spend more time with you if they are in pain. Any of these changes in your cat's behavior could be caused by pain:

  • Poor appetite
  • Drooling
  • Weight loss
  • No interest in grooming (matted fur and a messy coat can be signs of grooming issues)
  • Urinating or defecating outside the litter box
  • Sleeping more or less than normal
  • Lack of interest in spending time with family members
  • Biting or licking part of the body
  • Disinterest in playing

Physical Changes

Your poor pet may grimace when a bout of pain strikes or walk a little differently. You may notice glazed eyes, large pupils, frequent blinking, or tail flicking. A cat in pain may look hunched and keep its feet tucked under its body.

Common Causes of Pain in Cats

Pain can occur for many reasons. Your cat could have been hurt after a fall down the steps or when playing with another pet. Does your pet spend time outdoors? Poisoning, an attack from a wild animal, or a car accident could be the reason your pet's behavior has changed.

A health disease or condition could also be the source of the pain. Common conditions that cause pain include:

  • Toothache
  • Stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth)
  • Cancer
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Urinary tract blockage
  • Bladder stone
  • Interstitial cystitis
  • Kidney failure
  • Abscess
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Nerve damage
  • Ear infection
  • Eye infection or condition
  • Digestive problems
  • Orthopedic (bone) disorders
  • Ingrown nails

Arthritis, a degenerative joint disease, is a common cause of pain for older cats. Pain and difficulty jumping or walking can be signs of arthritis. The disease often affects the elbow, ankle, knee, or hip joints in cats, according to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Even subtle changes in your cat's behavior may mean that your furry friend is struggling with pain. If you've noticed any of these behaviors in your pet, give our office a call as soon as possible. We can offer treatments that will ease your pet's pain and improve its comfort.

Sources:

American Animal Hospital Association: How to Tell if Your Cat Is in Pain

Hill’s: Is Your Cat Hiding Her Pain? Recognizing the Signs & Symptoms, 7/11/16

International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management: Common Signs of Pain in Dogs and Cats

dvm360: Feline Chronic Pain, 1/8/19

American College of Veterinary Surgeons: Osteoarthritis in Cats

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Testimonials

Google Reviews
4.6
David Keever
Karen Coffey
Heather Tackett
sandra cox
recommended by 168 people
The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. They work in a timely manner and genuinely love animals.
sandra cox
14 hours ago
Heather Tackett
2 days ago
The staff working here are very personable. We have taken our pets there for over 10 years.A couple of years ago, we had to make the hardest decision ever. Our little Doxie was very sick and Dr. Alexander explained all the options available but we all knew the best thing to do was to let her go. Dr. Alexander got Lowe as comfortable as possible and let us stay with her as long as we wanted. Everyone there was so kind and sympathetic to us and they took care of the cremation for us. They gave us Lowe's paw print in plaster and Dr. Alexander even sent a card to us a couple of weeks later. That meant so much to us. They have always been available to see our pets any time we called or came in for an emergency. It means so much to know we have New Ga Animal Hospital as our veterinarian. We can always count on them. We're thankful we tried them and you will be too!Karen Coffey
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Karen Coffey
4 days ago
I have 3 dogs and 2 cats. I live 30 minutes away from this Clinic. I choose to drive to New Georgia because I personally know the Doctors and Staff, whom are very open and friendly. I know them to be very conscientious about their work and my (and all) animals they treat. I always get a follow up phone call if the situation calls for it. This is one of the few remaining family owned veterinarian clinics in our area. I highly recommend that you and your pet(s) check them out.
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David Keever
5 days ago
Dr Alexander's team is courteous, competent, & caring. My beloved pup recently passed, but before, Dr Alexander prepared my family, tended to her, took care of her, & explained to us how to give the special TLC she needed. We love this crew of talented & caring individuals. Advocate for this extremely rare group to everyone. Well worth the praise!♡
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Vanessa Turner
6 days ago
Andra Maulding
6 days ago
Dr. Alexander is the best! She is very patient and listens to all questions and concerns. She has a love for fur babies like no other! She helped me figure out an alternative treatment for my dog when the one previously recommended turned out to be more expensive than I originally thought. You will not find a better clinic to take your babies to.
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Kaitlyn Pickel
6 days ago
Great doctors that care for your furry family members, always have a great experience when I’m there!
Kayla White
6 days ago
Living out of town, I have had the opportunity to reach out to this company for expert advice which was gladly given and appreciated as a first time canine owner. The owners are eager to help and love your fury friends!!!
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Bernd Toro
6 days ago
This place is awesome, Dr. Alexander took great care of my Toby. Great Service and very Friendly!
Tyler Wright
6 days ago
Great staff! Compassionate and caring toward my 80 lb lab! My lab had a fatty tumor and was removed with the utmost care. Detected other tumors and kept a good eye out monitoring any growth. Wouldn’t take my girl to anyone else! Thorough with at home instruction in caring for her.
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Patricia Keever
6 days ago
Dr. Alexander cares for her patients and their people, and because of that (and many other reasons) she’s the only vet our animals see. I highly recommend New Ga Animal Hospital.
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Joy Leaphart
6 days ago
Compassionate and caring staff. Personal interaction with owners and their pets. Great medical care and follow up.
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Ramona Duncan
6 days ago
We were greeted with a super friendly staff. They were quick to take our dogs back and were great with them during their shots. Dr. Alexander was very knowledgeable and was able to answer all of our questions and gave us several suggestions to better help our pups. They even have Disney movies playing in the lobby all day, so that’s a plus for those with kids. We will continue to take our animals here!!
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Aliah Keever
6 days ago
I adopted my 1st dog over the weekend and took him to New Georgia Animal Hospital expecting an easy fix to his problem. Instead I found out a lot more. Everyone in the staff seems very knowledgeable in every question they're asked. They were very kind and seemed to really care about all their animals. I have found the final part of his family and would reccomend them to anyone needing someone to help care for their pets.
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Theresa Perdue
3 weeks ago
I wouldn’t take my pets anywhere els! They are very sweet and take very good care of my baby.
katlyn Stover
1 month ago
Highly recommended New Georgia Animal Hospital. We brought our Aussie in today and they were all so sweet and helpful. I came in with a dog in one arm and a baby carrier in the other. They brought me paperwork to my seat, carried my puppy to our room, and even offered to help me back out to my car. Definitely a small, local feel. I’m glad we chose them to care for our sweet Autumn Girl!
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Kyle Huff
1 month ago
Professional Hometown VetWe moved to the area recently. First experience we had was with our elderly cat who had a Urinary Tract Infection. They took such an interest in her, were so kind and gentle and got her on the road to recovery right away.Our next experience was with a middle-aged cat who suffered from severe anxiety. They were very considerate and proactive in making sure we tried everything we could to give her the best life possible. Unfortunately, with the severity of her anxiety it was doing her more physical harm than good keeping her alive. It was also putting our family at risk when she would lash out and attack unexpectedly and unprovoked.Dr. Duncan handled the moment we had to say our final goodbye to our baby. She was so kind, understanding and considerate. I felt like she genuinely felt my pain. I was allowed to be in the room for her last moments and Dr. Duncan even offered personal comfort.When all was over, they even gave us a clay heart with her paw prints to bake and keep, something we will treasure forever. Following up with a sympathy card from Dr. Duncan apologizing we couldn't do more for our baby... Thank you Dr. Duncan and New Georgia Animal Hospital for being so amazing in everything.
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Mama Berry
1 month ago
savannah alexander
1 month ago
Abigail Naomi
1 month ago
They treat us and the animals so well. Love them
Deborah Farah
1 month ago
Great staff
Gary Hopkins
1 month ago
Awesome Vet! Love this place. Really cares about your animal and it does not over charge
Tina Watts
1 month ago
Amazing service, nice and friendly! My dogs love coming here, reasonable prices, great service, & I can certainly trust them with my dogs.
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Isabel Marin
2 months ago
Friendly staff, clean and comfortable waiting and exam rooms. Very personalized service and care. Wouldn’t take my pets anywhere else!
Show more
Sammy Alexander
2 months ago

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