Tips for Keeping Tabs on Your Pet’s Pain
As pet owners, it’s our responsibility to take note of our cat’s discomfort since they can’t communicate it to us on their own. September is Pain Awareness Month, so we’re sharing tips on how to keep track of your pet’s pain. As advocates for cats, we want to give you the tools you need to better understand your pet’s health and wellness.
Pain Awareness Month isn’t just for our pets, but for humans as well. The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) announced that feline pain awareness should also be recognized in September to emphasize the fact that our furry friends experience pain in the same ways that we do. While we as humans tend to not deal with our pain until it becomes unmanageable, it isn’t fair to let our pets suffer the same way.
In order to manage our pet’s pain quickly and effectively, it’s important to know what signs to look for in animals who might be experiencing discomfort. Naturally, felines tend to hide their pain on instinct. Because of this, it’s even harder to spot when they’re suffering. Early detection and prompt care are essential for a healthy feline life, so we’re here to share a few helpful tips on how to tell when you might want to take your feline friend to the vet.
- Decreased Play and Movement
The biggest red flag to look for when it comes to detecting your pet’s pain is decreased movement. If you notice your pet participating less in play time or going up and down the stairs less frequently, this could be a sign that they’re uncomfortable or having trouble moving as easily. Going from laying down to a standing position is a difficult movement for older pets, but if you notice your pet struggling to stand, consult your vet to see how you can make life easier for them.
- Decreased Appetite
If your pet is feeling sick or in pain, the first thing to go is their appetite. Since our pets can’t communicate with us verbally, looking at the changes in their daily behavior is the best way to indicate how they’re feeling. Check their food and water bowls to make sure your pet is getting the daily nutrition and hydration levels they need, as well as looking for signs of illness.
- Constant Licking and Biting
With paws instead of hands, our furry friends might not be able to easily reach a sore spot. If you see your feline constantly licking or biting at the same spot on their body, this could be a sign that they’re experiencing some sort of pain or discomfort there. Inspect the area and contact your vet to see what the next steps are for treatment.
- Difficulty Using the Litter Box
Start paying attention to your feline when they go to use the litter box. If you notice your cat straining to urinate or going to their box more frequently than usual, it could be a sign that your pet is experiencing pain that can’t be seen externally. If your feline friend is nearing the age of being considered a senior, observe carefully if it seems uncomfortable for them to use their litter box. Senior cats may have trouble getting into a stance to defecate due to joint pain and other aches. Check out our Senior Litter for a fine and gentle grain on senior paws that helps prevent kidney failure and urinary infections that can cause non-use of the litter box. If you have a younger pet that’s experiencing inappropriate elimination, try using our Cat Attract™️ Litter to solve your litter box issues.
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