How you can support your cat if it is in pain

Pain can occur for many reasons, and often it is difficult for us humans to recognize if our pet is in discomfort. In this article we will tell you how to recognize that your cat is unwell and how you can best react.

Acute vs. chronic pain

A distinction is made primarily between acute and chronic pain. The former are primarily preceded by injuries, while the others occur primarily with equally chronic illnesses. Acute pain is much easier to recognize because it is often accompanied by severe vocalizations or, in some cases, bleeding. In the case of chronic processes, it is definitely more difficult to clearly identify them. The following symptoms may indicate this:

• Apathy
• Loss of apetite
• Cat appears unkempt and grooms itself less often
• Increased aggression
• Increased hiding
• Licking the affected area, for example a limb

What can you do?

If your pet exhibits any of the behaviors listed above or any other unusual behavior, consult your veterinarian first. He will examine it closely to determine what is wrong with it, for example through blood or X-ray tests. Of course, he will also inform you about possible therapies. Of course, the most important thing to follow is your veterinarian's instructions when it comes to treating your cat's pain. But of course you can support them additionally.

• Adapted (medical) diet: For some illnesses it may be necessary to switch your cat to a medical diet. It's best to follow your vet's advice here. Obesity is also often a factor that should not be underestimated for many illnesses. It may be necessary for your cat to lose weight slowly but steadily.
• Modified bedding positions: It may be beneficial to move your cat's beds to the floor rather than to elevated places. This way she doesn't have to jump to get to her cuddle spot.
• Lots of rest: To recover from an illness or to get used to long-term therapy,needs a lot of power. So make sure your cat can always retreat if he wants to.
• You can find more tips to support your cat's mobility in this article.