Cats
Reduced jumping, grooming changes and hiding may be more informative than vocalizing.
SYMPTOM → WHAT DO I DO?
Signs of pain or discomfort
Pain may appear as hiding, posture changes, reduced movement, guarding or new behavior.
CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN PROMPTLY
READ THIS FIRST
Observations can help your veterinarian. They cannot rule out an emergency.
Contact an emergency veterinary facility immediately for difficult breathing, collapse, ongoing seizures, inability to urinate, major bleeding, abnormal gum color, sudden severe abdominal swelling or rapidly worsening weakness.
What could be behind this symptom?
These are possibilities, not a diagnosis. The right explanation depends on the examination, species and medical history.
- Joint disease, injury, dental disease or spinal problems.
- Abdominal, urinary, ear or eye disease.
- Inflammation, infection, postoperative discomfort or another underlying illness.
What can you safely check at home?
Write down what you see and bring photographs or video only when doing so does not delay care.
- Posture, walking, jumping, facial expression and willingness to be handled.
- Location, duration and whether the discomfort follows eating, urination or movement.
- Appetite, breathing, hiding, vocalizing and any recent injury.
Avoid actions that can make things worse.
- Do not give ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen or leftover prescriptions.
- Do not manipulate a painful limb, squeeze the abdomen or force movement.
- Do not assume an animal is comfortable because it does not cry.
When should you contact your veterinarian?
- Call promptly for persistent discomfort, limping, reduced grooming or changed behavior.
- Ask how to transport and handle the animal without worsening pain.
Get emergency help immediately if you see:
- Severe sudden pain, suspected fracture, abdominal distension or inability to urinate.
- Collapse, difficult breathing, neurologic changes or significant trauma.
The same symptom can mean different things in different animals.
Domestic equines
Rolling, flank watching, reluctance to walk or a laminitis stance requires immediate contact.
Rabbits & small mammals
Hunching, tooth grinding and reduced eating may indicate significant pain.
TRUSTED SOURCES
Sources behind this guidance
American Veterinary Medical AssociationFirst aid tips for pet owners and limits of home care ↗Merck Veterinary ManualVeterinary professional and pet-owner disease references ↗Merck Veterinary Manual: urinary obstructionWhy urinary blockage in cats requires immediate veterinary attention ↗
These educational resources support a conversation with your veterinary team. They do not replace examination, diagnosis or species-specific emergency care.