When it comes to living with cats, we often label certain actions as “nuisance behaviours.” We become frustrated with the cat who suddenly decides that the Persian rug or bed is a better toilet than the litter box, or the “cranky” senior who swats when we try to snuggle. These moments are easy to interpret as spiteful behaviour or a sudden loss of good manners.
However, if we look beyond the behaviour itself and consider what the cat may be experiencing, these “bad” habits often reveal themselves as practical responses to physical discomfort. What appears to be misbehaviour is frequently a cat’s way of coping with pain or distress.
The Myth of the “Spiteful” House Soiler
One of the most common complaints among cat guardians is inappropriate elimination. When an impeccably house-trained cat suddenly starts urinating on the duvet or beside the litter box, it is rarely a comment on your home décor. More often, it is a response to pain.
For a cat with early-stage arthritis, the high-sided litter box that was once easy to use may now feel like an obstacle course. If climbing in and out of the box causes discomfort, the cat may begin to associate the litter box itself with pain. The soft, flat surface of a laundry pile or bed is not a target for revenge—it is simply a low-impact alternative that is easier and less painful to access.
The Adrenaline Illusion
One of the biggest misconceptions among pet owners is believing that if a cat can still run, jump, or play, they must be feeling fine.
We see our cats sprint across the living room, leap onto counters, or enthusiastically chase a toy and assume they cannot be in pain. The reality is that cats are masters at masking discomfort. During play or moments of excitement, adrenaline and natural instincts can temporarily override pain.
A cat may eagerly chase a feather wand because their predatory drive has kicked in, but later become stiff, withdrawn, or spend hours hiding as they recover. The ability to perform a behaviour is not proof that a cat is pain-free. More often, it reflects their resilience and their instinct to conceal vulnerability.
The “Grumpy” Transformation
Many cat guardians have experienced a cat who suddenly hisses, growls, or swats when touched. While some cats naturally have shorter patience thresholds, a sudden change from affectionate to reactive should never be ignored.
Imagine a cat dealing with referred pain from a dental abscess, an ingrown nail, arthritis, or spinal sensitivity. A gentle touch that would normally be welcomed may suddenly feel like an electric shock.
The resulting swat is not an act of meanness. It is a protective response—a way of creating a boundary to avoid further discomfort. The cat is not trying to hurt you; they are trying to prevent themselves from being hurt.
Changing the Lens
When we stop viewing these behaviours as nuisances and start seeing them as symptoms, our relationship with our cats shifts from frustration to empathy.
Behaviour can be thought of as the “sixth vital sign,” offering insight into an internal experience that cats cannot communicate with words. By looking at behaviour through the lens of physical comfort and wellbeing, we can focus on addressing the underlying cause rather than simply managing the symptom.
In many cases, the unwanted behaviour improves once the source of discomfort is identified and treated.
Supporting a cat’s physical comfort is one of the most meaningful ways we can honour the bond we share with them. Every cat deserves to feel safe, secure, understood, and, most importantly, pain-free.
Having Trouble with Your Cat’s Behaviour? Let’s Chat!
If your cat is trying to communicate and you’re unsure what they’re saying, I’m here to help. Book a free pre-consultation call, and we’ll go over what’s happening and how I can support you. Whether it’s litter box troubles, aggression, anxiety, or something else, we’ll talk about the best steps to restore peace in your home.
Book a Free Pre-Consultation Information Call with Krista, a fear-free, force-free, and positive reinforcement Certified Cat Behaviour Consultant & Fear Free Certified Professional in Ontario, Canada.
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