Headaches are common among people. But from a measurement perspective, we have no way to detect an "in progress" headache. We can only tell the doctor where it hurts by communicating with it.

However, our cats do not have this ability. However, they do get headaches!

This lesson explains what signs indicate a cat has a headache. And how you can help your cat in these situations.

1. What is a headache?

Headaches generally include not only the head, but also the neck. Headaches are roughly divided into two types: primary and secondary.

Primary headaches are generally "harmless" or "benign" and are not caused by other health or structural problems.

In humans, common primary headaches include:

Tension headache: the most common type

Migraine: Recurrent moderate to severe headache

Cluster headache: the most severe type of primary headache

Secondary headaches refer to headaches caused by other diseases or injuries.

The problem of headaches in animals has not yet been fully studied. This is even more true when it comes to cats. Because primary headaches are difficult to monitor, detection is generally difficult.

However, cats and dogs do develop headaches, and they are usually secondary.

　2. Anatomy of headache

Headaches are associated with head or neck pain. The brain itself is insensitive to pain because it has no pain receptors. This means that when a headache occurs, it is actually pain in other places on the head that have pain receptors. (Please note here that the head is the head and the brain is the brain. The brain is just a part of the head. What is said above is that the brain does not have pain receptors)

These sites with pain receptors include: the meninges (the three membranes covering the surface of the brain), blood vessels (arteries and large veins), venous sinuses, cranial and spinal nerves, head and neck muscles, eyes, ears, teeth and other parts of the head. department area.

The most common cause of the headache itself is traction or irritation of the meninges and blood vessels. Headaches can also be caused by dilated blood vessels, vasospasm, meningeal inflammation or infection, and muscle tightening.

The exact pathophysiology of feline headaches is unclear, and the exact mechanisms by which headaches occur have not been described in any species—including humans.

3. Causes of headache

Headaches in cats can be caused by many different things, including head trauma, brain disease (e.g., concussion, encephalitis, tumors), other illnesses (e.g., upper respiratory tract infection), fever, dental problems, allergies, certain Food, dehydration, stress, etc.

　4. How to identify cat headaches

As mentioned above, identifying a headache in a cat can be difficult.

In addition to being unable to speak, cats are also good at hiding their pain. Biologists believe this is a survival instinct to avoid threats from potential rivals.

However, once your cat has a headache, you may still be able to see some clues from the following aspects.

-Anxiety (for example, suddenly, I don’t want you to touch it)

- Breathing changes (shallower or faster, etc.)

-Out of breath

-Excessive grunting (also grunting when relieving pain)

-Changes in eyes and vision

-Changes in heart rate and pulse

-Decreased appetite

- Lethargy

-Lack of vitality

-Fever

-Grooming yourself excessively

-Cat litter box accident (peeing outside)

5. What can you do?

Headaches are difficult to diagnose and therefore difficult to treat.

So, if you ever suspect that your cat has a headache, the sooner you see a doctor, the better.

Generally speaking, secondary headaches are easier to treat. If you find the root cause and then solve the root problem, the headache will be relieved.

But a primary headache is more difficult. Because it's hard to find the exact reason. You will most likely have to take note of its daily habits and diet in order to explore possible causes.

In fact, the pain management of cats has always been a subject that many people pay relatively little attention to, including some veterinarians. I have even seen cats with suspected spontaneous cystitis not given painkillers during treatment. This is a very puzzling thing.

Regarding cat headaches, there is even less relevant information. I hope this article can attract the attention of some cat owners.