--- title: "How to tell if your cat is hurt or in pain" id: "6187" type: "post" slug: "how-to-tell-if-your-cat-is-hurt-or-in-pain" published_at: "2026-08-05T12:02:40+00:00" modified_at: "2026-08-14T04:46:17+00:00" url: "https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/how-to-tell-if-your-cat-is-hurt-or-in-pain/" markdown_url: "https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/how-to-tell-if-your-cat-is-hurt-or-in-pain.md" excerpt: "Cats are particularly good at hiding pain, which can make it difficult to tell when something is wrong. Even when they’re injured or unwell, many cats may not show obvious signs that they’re in pain, making it easy to miss..." taxonomy_category: - "Health & wellness" --- [Pet Talk](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/) [Health & wellness](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/category/health-and-wellness/) How to tell if your cat is hurt or in pain Health & wellness # How to tell if your cat is hurt or in pain Written by our RSPCA Pet Insurance Team 5 Aug, 2026 - 5 min read Cats are particularly good at hiding pain, which can make it difficult to tell when something is wrong. Even when they’re injured or unwell, many cats may not show obvious signs that they’re in pain, making it easy to miss the early signs that they need help. This can make it difficult to know whether a subtle change in your cat’s behaviour is temporary or whether it’s time to contact your vet, especially after a fall, a fight, or if they’re behaving differently than usual. This blog isn’t intended to help you diagnose your cat at home. Instead, it’s meant to help you recognise the subtle signs that your cat may be injured or in pain and understand when vet care may be needed. **Table of contents** - [Subtle signs your cat may be in pain](#subtle-signs-your-cat-may-be-in-pain) - [Signs to watch for after a fall, or another accident](#signs-to-watch-for-after-a-fall-or-another-accident) - [What to do if you’re unsure whether your cat is in pain](#what-to-do-if-youre-unsure-whether-your-cat-is-in-pain) - [How pet insurance can support your cat’s wellbeing](#how-pet-insurance-can-support-your-cats-wellbeing) ## Subtle signs your cat may be in pain Knowing when your cat is in pain isn’t always obvious. Often, the earliest clues are changes in your cat’s everyday behaviour or habits. Signs that indicate your cat is in pain may include: - Hiding more than usual or resting in a hunched position - Eating or drinking less - Being reluctant to jump, climb, or move around as they normally would - Grooming one area of their body excessively or grooming less than usual - Reduced interest in play or social interaction - Changes to their litter tray habits, including toileting outside the tray - Growling, hissing, flinching, or becoming reactive when touched - Squinting, flattening their ears, or having tense facial expressions On their own, these signs don’t always mean your cat is in pain. However, if you notice several changes at once, or if your cat simply isn’t behaving like themselves, it’s worth arranging a visit with your vet. ## Signs to watch for after a fall or another accident Falls, road accidents, and fights with other animals can cause injury in cats. The RSPCA recommends keeping cats safely contained at home or providing cats with access to a safe and secure outdoor area such as a catio, as this can help reduce the risk of many of these incidents. However, accidents can still occur, even in well-managed home environments. When they do, cats can be very good at hiding signs of pain, which can make it difficult to tell when something is wrong. A cat who seems fine after an accident can still have an injury that isn’t immediately obvious, which is why prompt vet assessment is so important. Even if you didn’t witness an accident, unexplained limping, swelling, [a new lump or bump](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/lumps-and-bumps/) , a tender tail, or reluctance to be handled can all point to an injury that needs vet attention. If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet for advice. ### Signs your cat requires immediate vet attention Some signs may indicate a serious injury or medical emergency and require immediate vet attention. Contact your vet or nearest emergency vet clinic immediately if your cat is showing any of the following signs: - Pale, white, or bluish gums - Laboured, rapid, or shallow breathing - A swollen, tense, or painful abdomen - Weakness or difficulty standing or walking - Cold ears or paws, or other signs of shock such as extreme lethargy or collapse - Bleeding from the nose, mouth, rectum, or an open wound - Straining to urinate or not urinating at all - Confusion or being unresponsive If your cat has been hit by a car, had a fall, or been involved in another accident, it’s worth getting them checked over even if they seem unharmed. As our guide on [common cat injuries](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/common-cat-injuries/) notes, internal injuries are common after road accidents and may not be obvious externally. Prompt vet assessment can help ensure any injuries are identified and treated. Remember to stay calm, minimise handling, and keep your cat as warm and comfortable as possible while arranging vet care. ## What to do if you’re unsure whether your cat is in pain Because cats can hide pain very well, it’s completely reasonable to err on the side of caution. If something about your cat seems different, even if you can’t point to an obvious sign, it’s worth contacting your vet for advice, rather than waiting to see if it passes. Your vet can talk through the signs you’re seeing and advise whether your cat should be examined. You know your cat best. If something seems different or your cat isn’t behaving as they normally would, that’s reason enough to get them checked by a vet. ## How pet insurance can support your cat’s wellbeing Despite our best efforts as pet parents, accidents and illnesses can still occur and may result in unexpected vet costs. With [RSPCA Pet Insurance](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) , eligible injuries and illnesses are covered, giving you the confidence to seek care rather than hesitating over cost. And with every policy contributing to vital [RSPCA animal welfare initiatives](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-insurance-with-purpose/) , including rescue, rehab, and rehoming efforts, it’s protection with purpose. For your own cat and thousands of others across Australia. To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your pet, click [here](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) . Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote [online](https://quote.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) . ### **Disclaimer** As with any insurance, terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read the [Product Disclosure Statement](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/product-disclosure-statement/) to make sure this cover suits your needs. **References** [1] RSPCA Australia. *How can pain be recognised and monitored in cats?* RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: [https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/cats/caring-for-my-cat/how-can-pain-be-recognised-and-monitored-in-cats](https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/cats/caring-for-my-cat/how-can-pain-be-recognised-and-monitored-in-cats) [2] International Cat Care. *Recognising and managing acute pain in cats.* Available from: [https://icatcare.org/resources/cat-carer-guide-acute-pain.pdf](https://icatcare.org/resources/cat-carer-guide-acute-pain.pdf) [3] RSPCA Pet Insurance. *10 common cat injuries: signs, treatment and prevention.* Available from: [https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/common-cat-injuries/](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/common-cat-injuries/) [4] RSPCA Australia. *How can I keep my cat safe and happy at home?* RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: [https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/cats/caring-for-my-cat/how-can-i-keep-my-cat-safe-and-happy-at-home](https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/cats/caring-for-my-cat/how-can-i-keep-my-cat-safe-and-happy-at-home) ## FAQs ### Can cats be injured without showing obvious signs? Yes. Cats are often very good at hiding signs of pain or injury. They can sometimes suffer from injuries without obvious cuts, bleeding, or limping. Changes in behaviour, appetite, or movement may be the only early signs that something is wrong. If you’re ever unsure, it’s best to contact your vet for advice. ### What are some subtle signs that my cat might be in pain? Some of the most common signs include hiding more than usual, hunched posture, eating less, reluctance to jump or move normally, changes in grooming, reduced interest in social interaction, changes in litter tray habits, or becoming irritable or reactive when touched. If your cat is behaving differently than usual, it’s worth speaking to your vet. ### My cat fell but doesn’t seem injured. Do they still need to see a vet? Yes. Even if your cat appears unharmed, it’s important to have them checked by a vet as soon as possible. Cats can sometimes suffer injuries that aren’t immediately obvious, so having them assessed as early as possible can help ensure they receive appropriate care if needed. ### What signs may indicate my cat has a serious injury? Cats can be very good at hiding signs of pain, even when they’ve suffered a serious injury. However, some signs that may indicate a serious injury and require urgent vet attention include pale or bluish gums, difficulty breathing, a swollen or painful abdomen, difficulty standing or walking, collapsing, cold ears or paws, bleeding from the nose, mouth, or rectum, or appearing lethargic or unresponsive. If your cat shows any of these signs, seek vet attention immediately. ### How can pet insurance help if my cat is injured and needs vet treatment? Unexpected injuries can lead to costly vet treatment, particularly if your cat needs emergency care, surgery, or ongoing treatment. With [RSPCA Pet Insurance](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) , you may be eligible to claim for these health conditions provided they are covered, helping take some of the financial pressure out of getting your cat the care they need. To learn more, visit the RSPCA Pet Insurance [website](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) or get a commitment-free quote [online](https://quote.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) today. As with any insurance, terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs. [See more](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/faqs/) ## Related blogs [How often does my dog need to visit the vet? Aug 2026 - 8 min read Read blog](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/how-often-does-my-dog-need-to-visit-the-vet/) [Kidney disease in cats and dogs: signs and treatment Aug 2026 - 9 min read Read blog](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/kidney-disease-in-cats-and-dog/) [Ear infections in dogs: causes, signs, and treatment Aug 2026 - 8 min read Read blog](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/ear-infections-in-dogs/)