As pet parents, we always want to ensure that our cats are happy and healthy.
Unfortunately, sometimes cats can experience internal injuries that may go unnoticed for a long time because they’re just too good at hiding their pain.
That’s why it’s important to be able to identify signs that something may be wrong and get them the help they need as soon as possible.
Here are some common signs of possible internal injuries in cats, and what you can do to help your cat:
1. Understanding Cat Behavior and Normalcy
Observing your cat regularly can provide you with a baseline for your pet’s typical physical and emotional status, which is key to spotting problems quickly.
A healthy cat should have bright, clear eyes, clean ears, and fur. They should also be active, playful, and have regular eating and drinking habits.
Cats are creatures of habit, so deviating from their typical routine is usually a sign that something is wrong.
Here is a list of things to do when it comes to spotting changes in your cat that may be linked to internal injuries:
- Evaluate the cat’s physical behavior – These can be signs of internal injury if they aren’t moving around as much, are having difficulty walking, or seem lethargic and uninterested in activity. And monitor your cat’s behavior for any sudden changes, unexplained aggression, or anxiety.
- Check for odd color or consistency in their fur – If you notice a change in their usual coat patterns or colors that is not typical for your cat, it could be a sign of internal injury.
- Look at the cat’s eyes – If they seem glazed over and unresponsive, this could mean a more serious problem.
- Pay attention to their breath – If they’re having trouble breathing or making strange sounds, this can indicate internal pain.
- Monitor their appetite – Cats with injuries will often start eating and drinking less than they once did
- Changes in behavior – Check for any other changes in behavior, such as vocalizing more than usual, hiding away from people or other pets, or sudden aggression toward others.
- Body positions – Check for any abnormal body positions or stiffness in your cat’s movements.
- Distress – Look out for signs of distress, such as excessive drooling, panting, and sweating, and check your cat’s temperature to make sure it is not elevated
- Difficulty breathing – Observe if your cat is having difficulty breathing and/or rapid breathing. Feel your cat’s abdomen for any tenderness or pain that might indicate an internal injury.
2. Recognizing Signs of Pain or Discomfort
Cats can exhibit specific signs that suggest that they are in pain or distress.
These may include hiding in unusual places, excessive grooming, aggression, unusual vocalizations, and changes in sleeping patterns.
Physical signs can also be observed, including changes in appetite and drinking habits, reluctance to be touched or picked up, and changes in litter box usage.
3. Identifying Visible Symptoms
One way to detect internal injuries is to observe any visible changes to your cat’s appearance.
Unusual swelling or a bloated stomach could indicate internal bleeding or damage to internal organs. Any wounds or cuts, even small ones, should also be investigated.
Limping, favoring one side of the body, or displaying unusual postures or positions can also be signs of an internal injury.
4. Noticing Changes in Breathing or Heart Rate
According to VCA Hospital, it’s considered abnormal if your cat’s resting/sleeping breathing rates are consistently greater than 30 breaths per minute, which may indicate an issue.
I counted the number of breaths my cat, Cleo, takes per minute, and she does about 20 breaths per minute.
That said, if, by any chance, you notice changes in your cat’s breathing or heart rate, you definitely should contact your vet.
It’s also important to note that other symptoms like lethargy, blue gums, or hiding can be signs of health issues in cats and should prompt immediate veterinary attention.
How do I know if my cat has abdominal pain?
Some of the signs that a cat might be suffering abdominal pain are:
- Lethargy – Your cat may seem less energetic or inactive.
- Trembling – Shivering or shaking could be a sign of discomfort.
- Crying/Whimpering – Unusual vocalization, such as crying or whimpering can indicate distress.
- Abnormal Posture – The cat might “guard” the stomach by curling up or leaning forward. Some cats may also adopt a hunched posture or an arched back.
- Vomiting/Diarrhea – Frequent vomiting or diarrhea could signify digestive discomfort.
- Loss of Appetite – If your cat eats less than usual or shows no interest in food, it could be due to abdominal pain.
- Blood in Feces – This could indicate internal issues causing discomfort.
- Difficulty Urinating – Struggling to urinate can be a sign of urinary tract issues, which can cause abdominal pain.
- Changes in Behavior – Any significant changes in behavior can signal that something is wrong. This can include being more withdrawn, hiding, or showing less interest in play and social interaction.
How do you tell if a cat is injured after a fall?
After a fall, trying to physically say whether or not a cat is injured may not be a decision we should make lightly without a vet’s help, especially depending on the nature of the fall.
For starters, if you notice any signs of pain or distress, such as panting, drooling, or aggression, it’s best to take the cat to a vet for further examination.
In addition, you should look out for any signs of external injuries like cuts or bruises, changes in behavior such as hiding or aggression, and any abnormalities in breathing or heart rate.
Regardless of what my observations were, I would personally take my cat to the vet, or at least call to notify my vet that my cat fell, just so they know what happened and can give me advice on how to monitor for any changes in behavior that could be a sign of an internal injury.
When to Contact a Veterinarian
To be on the safe side, I always bring my cat to the vet or call them right away whenever something is going on with my cat that I am concerned about.
If you suspect that your pet is injured or experiencing significant pain, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian.
Sometimes, immediate veterinary attention is necessary, such as when your cat is unconscious, vomiting, or experiencing severe pain and trauma, but in my opinion, it’s always best to get your vet’s opinion before attempting to diagnose your pet.
Prevention is also key, so it’s essential to schedule regular check-ups with your pet to address any potential issues early on.
Cats are very good at hiding pain, and an internal injury is not something that you and I can or should diagnose as cat parents.
It’s best to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention as soon as possible. You should do this anytime you’re concerned your cat might have internal injuries.