Cats with spinal problems may exhibit some of the following signs:

• Obvious pain or discomfort (difficulty jumping, reluctance to climb stairs, cries when being picked up)

• Limping or toe dragging

• Difficulty getting up or lying down

• Refuses to play

• Loss of appetite

• Unexplained changes in weight

• Twitching, licking or head jerking when being pet or brushed

• Diarrhea or changes in litter contents, urinating outside the box

• Prolonged or repeated vomiting (though eliminating hairballs is normal, continual vomiting is often a sign of infection and can cause dehydration)

• Discharge from the eyes and/or nose (common sign of upper respiratory infection)

• Finally, cats tend to hide if injured or ill. If your cat has suddenly gone into hiding, it’s generally a sign that something is amiss