What change in cats might indicate they are in pain?

When assessing signs of pain in cats, squinting and a furrowed brow are significant indicators. These facial expressions indicate discomfort or distress. Additionally, a cat in pain may exhibit changes in its normal behavior, such as altered facial expressions, which are crucial in feline body language. Cats often do not overtly display pain as some other animals do, so subtle signs like these can be key in recognizing their discomfort.

The other signs listed have different implications. Tail chasing may suggest boredom or playfulness rather than pain. Curling of the tail can indicate various emotions or states, including contentment or agitation, but it is not a specific indicator of pain. Increased vocalization can sometimes occur when a cat is in pain, but it is less reliable as a universal sign since cats can vocalize for numerous reasons that are not related to pain, such as attention-seeking or anxiety. Therefore, observing squinting and a furrowed brow provides clearer insight into a cat’s experience of pain.