TL;DR: Sensitivity to touch in the lower back or belly indicates your cat is in pain and requires a veterinary exam within 24 to 48 hours, though immediate emergency care is needed if they cannot urinate or are vomiting persistently.
Why is my cat sensitive to being touched on their lower back or belly?
- Signs of physical distress include reacting with sensitivity, hissing, or recoiling when touched.
- Sensitivity in the lower back may indicate feline hyperesthesia, spinal arthritis, or muscular strain.
- Sensitivity in the belly or abdomen often points toward internal issues like gastrointestinal upset, constipation, urinary tract obstructions, or organ inflammation.
How urgent is it if my cat shows discomfort in their back or abdomen?
- Medium Urgency: This situation requires a veterinary examination within 24 to 48 hours to address your cat's pain.
- Immediate Emergency: Seek emergency care right away if your cat is unable to urinate, is vomiting persistently, or has pale gums, as these are signs of a critical crisis.
How can photos and videos help my vet diagnose my cat's discomfort?
- A video showing your cat’s gait or their reaction to being touched provides clinical clues that descriptions alone might miss.
- Footage of a 'tucked up' sitting posture can help identify the severity of the pain.
- Photos of the specific area can help identify visible swelling, skin lesions, or bruising contributing to the discomfort.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
In cats presenting with pain upon touching the lower back or belly, acute abdominal pain requires localization. Examination should include auscultation of the abdomen for bowel sounds to localize the problem to the reticuloendothelial, reproductive, urinary, or GI systems; the peritoneal space; or the muscle, skin, nerves, or fat around the abdominal wall. An initial minimum database should consist of a PCV, total solids, glucose, and BUN. Other important diagnostics include urinalysis (before fluid administration), venous or arterial blood gas, an electrolyte panel, a CBC, and a serum chemistry panel. When coagulation disorders are suspected or surgery is anticipated, blood smears to estimate platelet number and a clotting profile should be performed.
Chapter: Urology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1532)