Can Cats Get Headaches? (Signs, Causes, Treatment + More)

Yes, like humans, cats can get headaches even though it can be quite challenging to detect them when they occur.

We can always rely on our adorable cats for companionship when we are happy and sometimes when we are feeling blue. But how often do we notice when our furry companions are unwell? Cats are also susceptible to headaches but the symptoms might not be direct. Therefore, it is important for the caregiver to always pay attention to the behavioral patterns of the cat to notice when something is amiss. Let’s look at some of the reasons your cat might be having a headache as well as treatment options.

Signs of headaches in cats

Unfortunately for animals, they are not able to communicate their pain like humans. The thought of your feline friend having a headache without your knowledge can be quite heartbreaking. However, there are some signs you could look out for if you suspect that your cat might be having a headache.

• If your cat’s appetite is decreasing, this could be a sign of a headache. If your cat is unwell, you might notice a change in the eating routine. This is quite general since it can be applied to various illnesses. However, it is important to take your cat to your vet once you notice a loss of appetite since lack of food might trigger more severe conditions.
• If your cat is oversensitive to touch, it could signify a headache. Just like humans, cats are likely to avoid being touched, especially in the head area, when they have a headache. If you notice your cat is avoiding your touch more than normal, give them the space they need and consult with your veterinary doctor if it persists. Your cat may also be agitated when being handled or when you touch a painful area. Be wary of being bitten or scratched.
• Excessively red gums. This could result from dental issues, for example, an abscessed tooth would result in a headache. If you notice an excessively red gum line, consult with your veterinary doctor. Excessively red gums can also be caused by carbon monoxide poisoning which causes headaches.
• If your cat is secluding themselves, it could be a sign of a headache. When a cat is unwell, its coping mechanism is to hide its discomfort. Therefore, if your kitty is secluding itself more than usual, you can check them out for a headache. In this context, your cat might also look lethargic and lack the motivation to do the things that it enjoys.
• Loud and excessive purring. This will be quite easy to notice since cats are not the most verbal pets. If your cat is purring excessively, it could be trying to communicate with you. It could also be a sign of pain so don’t ignore it.
• Your cat might be overactive when in pain. While some cats lack energy and prefer to seclude themselves, others become overactive when in pain. This can be noticed if the cat is fidgeting, panting, and pacing.

Other symptoms to look out for include changes in heart rate and pulse, shallower and faster breaths, fever, and changes in litter box behavior.

Causes of headaches in cats

We have highlighted all the signs to look out for if you suspect your cat has a headache. But what exactly causes your furry companion to have these headaches? It’s important to keep in mind that cats will experience headaches due to the presence of other underlying diseases or physiological problems. Some of the causes of headaches in cats include:

Neck or head trauma

If your cat falls and bumps its head, gets hit by something, or pulls a muscle in its neck, it might result in a mild headache.

Allergies

Like humans, cats have allergies too. So I think some of us can relate to this. Environmental allergens like pollen or pathogens like fleas may cause allergic reactions.

Upper respiratory infections

Upper respiratory tract infections have symptoms such as sneezing and coughing which can irritate the brain membrane of the cat hence causing a headache. Upper respiratory infections are also responsible for lethargy, changes in breathing, and swelling of the mucous membranes around the eyes.

Dehydration

Cats are not very fond of water; therefore, they might easily become dehydrated. When humans are overheated and dehydrated, we experience a bad headache and this also applies to cats. However, it might be difficult to detect a headache in cats due to dehydration. You could look for other warning signs such as sunken eyes, dry skin, poor appetite, and dry mucous membranes.

Brain diseases

If your cat is suffering from brain diseases such as a tumor or encephalitis, one symptom might be headaches. Brain diseases affect the nerves and blood vessels causing pain.

Dental problems

As mentioned earlier, underlying dental problems such as gum inflammation and periodontal disease could result in headaches.

Collars

If your cat’s collar fits too tightly, it might trigger a headache. Collars can also get caught on furniture or branches and this might cause some neck trauma.

Treatment of headaches in cats

If you’ve noticed your cat might be having a headache, don’t panic since headaches tend to go away on their own after a while or with treatment.

Some at-home remedies you can provide for your cat include, giving your pet space to recover by providing a quiet place free from daily stressors. Ensure your cat’s water bowl always has clean water to encourage hydration. Try playing with them and giving light exercises to relieve the headaches. Comfort your cat by giving treats and good food in case they are lacking in appetite.

However, if you have tried all these tricks and your cat still looks unwell, take the cat to the vet immediately to identify the underlying condition.

Some hospital treatments include head trauma therapy in case your cat suffered a blow to the head. Dentistry will be necessary if the headache is caused by an underlying dental problem. Chiropractic therapy is also a medical form of treatment if the headache stems from vertebral issues. Your vet can also prescribe pain medication for your cat. This will be determined by the level and cause of pain of the headache. Below is a summary of some of the medications the doctor might prescribe for your cat:

Conclusion

Make sure you consult with your vet in case you notice any of these symptoms to prevent any underlying issues from becoming severe.

FAQs

How can I help my cat’s headache?

Take your cat to the veterinary doctor and provide a quiet place for your cat to rest.

How can I tell my cat is in pain?

Check for symptoms such as oversensitivity to touch, excessive purring, and, loss of appetite.

Maria Giovanni

Maria Giovanni is a pet lover and does have a variety of pets at home, from the lapdogs to parrots and cats. The latter however seems to be her favorite because she operates a shelter that caters specifically to injured and stray cats. You can also leave your cat with her if you have to travel out of town for a longer period and don’t want to lock your cat inside. Over the years Maria has championed for the rights of animals, because of the many vices that are done to the defenseless animals around the world. Compiling information for the Simple Catguide was quite fulfilling because it allowed her to share knowledge on how best people can care for their pet cats.