Why Does My Cat Cringe When I Pet Their Back?
If your cat reacts sensitively or shows signs of pain when you touch their back, it can be worrying. Cats use body language and behavior to communicate, so understanding why your cat cringes or cowers when you stroke their back is important.
In this article, we’ll explore the anatomy of a cat’s back, look at potential causes of back sensitivity, and provide tips on diagnosis, treatment and prevention. By understanding why your cat may react negatively to touches on their back, you can get them the right care and help prevent future discomfort.
Anatomy of a Cat’s Back
Cats have a unique spinal structure that allows them to be very agile and flexible. Their vertebral column consists of 7 cervical vertebrae, 13 thoracic vertebrae, 7 lumbar vertebrae, 3 sacral vertebrae, and between 20-23 caudal vertebrae which make up the tail (Wikipedia). The extra lumbar and thoracic vertebrae account for the cat’s enhanced spinal mobility and flexibility compared to humans.
The muscles along the spine allow the cat to arch its back, twist, jump, and stretch with ease. Key muscles include the longissimus dorsi which extends along the length of the back, the iliocostalis which connects the spine to the pelvis, and multifidus muscles which control fine movements of the vertebral column (Darling).
A complex network of nerves stems from the spinal cord to control movement and convey sensory information from the legs, paws, tail, and back. Damage or irritation to these nerves can cause pain or neurological symptoms.
Common Causes of Back Sensitivity
There are several common causes that can make cats sensitive or painful when their backs are touched:
Injuries
Previous injuries such as falls, accidents, or trauma can cause lasting damage to a cat’s back, joints, muscles or nerves. This can lead to pain, inflammation or sensitivity when touched (Source).
Arthritis
Degenerative joint diseases like arthritis commonly affect cats’ spines or back joints. The inflammation and stiffness from arthritis can make a cat’s back painful to the touch (Source).
Skin Conditions
Skin problems like allergies, infections, parasites, or wounds can cause sensitivity along a cat’s back. Cats may overgroom, bite or scratch at irritated skin, worsening the sensitivity (Source).
Signs Your Cat is in Pain
There are several behavioral signs that indicate your cat may be experiencing back pain or discomfort when touched. Some of the most common signs include:
- Cringing or flinching when their back or spine is touched – This is one of the most obvious signs of back pain in cats. The cat may cry out, recoil, or attempt to get away when pressure is applied along the back.
- Aggression or irritability when touched – Your normally docile cat may suddenly become aggressive, growl, hiss, or even bite when their back is touched. This is their way of vocally expressing the discomfort.
- Excessive vocalization – Cats experiencing back pain may cry, meow, yowl, or otherwise vocalize when their back is touched or pressure is applied. This is an indication of pain or distress.
According to PetMD, these types of pain responses are the most obvious ways to identify potential back problems in cats. Always observe your cat’s reactions carefully and monitor for any signs of sensitivity or discomfort along the spine, neck, or back area. If you notice these responses, a veterinary evaluation is recommended.
When to See the Vet
If your cat is showing signs of back pain or sensitivity persistently or the issue seems to be getting worse, it’s important to take them to the vet for an examination. According to PetMD, you should seek veterinary care if your cat’s back pain lasts more than a few days or is accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, or behavioral changes.
Cats are very good at hiding pain and health issues, so any persistent change in behavior like aggression, reduced activity levels, or vocalizations when touched could signal an underlying problem. Your vet will do a full physical exam and take x-rays or perform other imaging tests to properly diagnose the cause of your cat’s back pain. Getting an accurate diagnosis is key so the right treatment can be provided.
Some potentially serious conditions like intervertebral disc disease, tumors, infections, or nerve damage can cause back pain in cats. So it’s recommended not to delay veterinary care if you notice your cat cringing or showing sensitively when their back is touched. The sooner the underlying cause is identified and treated, the better chances your cat has for recovery and pain relief.
Diagnosing the Underlying Cause
If your cat is showing signs of back pain or sensitivity, the first step is to take them to the veterinarian for a full examination. The vet will check for any abnormalities along the spine by palpating the back and assessing your cat’s range of motion. They will also likely perform a neurologic exam to check reflexes and look for any nerve issues.
Some common tests the vet may run include:
- X-rays – To check for bone changes, fractures, arthritis, or disk disease.
- MRI or CT scan – For a detailed view of the spine to identify tumors, disk herniation, or spinal cord injuries.
- Blood work – To check for infections or illnesses contributing to pain.
- Urinalysis – To assess kidney issues that may be causing referred back pain.
Your vet will piece together findings from your cat’s history, exam, and any diagnostic tests to pinpoint the underlying cause of their back sensitivity. This will then inform the proper treatment approach. Early diagnosis and care is key to resolving the problem and getting your cat comfortable again.
Treatment Options
There are several treatment options available for cats with back pain, depending on the underlying cause:
Pain medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like meloxicam or carprofen can provide pain relief and reduce inflammation. Opioids like buprenorphine or tramadol may be prescribed for severe pain [1]. Your vet will determine the appropriate medication and dosage for your cat.
Rehabilitation therapy: Physical therapy, massage, and exercises can help improve range of motion, flexibility, and muscle strength. Hydrotherapy involves swimming exercises in water to improve mobility without putting weight on joints [2].
Surgery: If a specific cause like a herniated disc is identified, surgery may be done to decompress the spinal cord and nerves. More severe injuries like fractures or luxations may require surgical stabilization and fusion.
The treatment plan will depend on your cat’s condition, your vet’s recommendations, and your preferences. Work closely with your vet to provide your cat with the most effective pain relief and quality of life.
At-Home Care
There are several ways you can provide pain relief and comfort for your cat at home if they are suffering from back pain or sensitivity:
Massage – Gentle massage along the neck, shoulders and back can help relax muscles and increase blood flow. Use light pressure and stroke in the direction of the muscle grain. Start slowly and stop if your cat seems distressed. Some cats may prefer a heating pad first to loosen muscles before massage. See reference: https://www.petmd.com/cat/general-health/natural-pain-relief-cats
Heating pads – Applying a heated pad on low setting to the painful area can boost blood circulation and loosen tight muscles. Place a towel between your cat and the pad and limit use to 15 minutes to avoid burns. Observation is advised. See reference: https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/neck-and-back-pain
Diet – Ensuring your cat maintains a healthy weight takes pressure off the joints and spine. Feed an age-appropriate diet with omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation. See reference: https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_neck_back_pain
Rest and restrict activity – Provide soft, warm bedding away from high traffic areas so your cat can rest comfortably. Discourage jumping and climbing to prevent further injury. See reference: https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/neck-and-back-pain
Prevention
There are a few key things cat owners can do to help prevent back pain and sensitivity in their feline companions:
Weight control – Keeping your cat at a healthy weight takes pressure off the joints and spine. According to vet Dr. Jean Hofve, carrying excess weight puts up to 30% more stress on joints and spine, which can lead to pain and arthritis. Stick to the feeding guidelines on your cat food and monitor your cat’s weight.
Proper handling – Be very gentle when picking up or holding your cat. Support the hindquarters when lifting and keep the body level to avoid straining the back. Limit overhead holding. The signs of pain or tension in the body are indications to put the cat down. Allow cats to move at their own pace and encourage low-impact exercise.
Provide steps/ramps – Avoid letting cats jump down from high surfaces like refrigerators or bookcases. This continual jarring impact can strain the spine. Provide ramps or steps up to furniture so they don’t have to leap and land hard.
Regular veterinary checkups can catch early signs of spinal issues or arthritis for preventative care. Cats hide illness very well, so twice yearly exams help monitor for subtle changes.
With diligent care and handling, cat owners can help protect their pet’s back health and keep them pain-free.
Conclusion
The discomfort that cats feel when their backs are touched typically stems from underlying health issues. Cats often hide pain, so noticing signs like cringing, vocalizing, aggression, or changes in behavior is important. While the exact cause can only be diagnosed by a vet, common culprits include arthritis, injury, infection, kidney disease, and hyperthyroidism.
To keep your cat comfortable, handle them gently and minimise touching near the back and tail. Provide ramps and limit jumping. Soft, warm bedding can help for achy joints. Scheduling regular vet checkups is key for early detection and treatment. With some care and attention, you can help your cat live well despite back troubles.
The earlier back pain is addressed, the better the outcome will be for your cat’s health and quality of life. Stay alert to changes and reach out to your vet if you suspect any issues. With the right diagnosis and care plan, you can help ease your cat’s discomfort and keep them purring.