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Why do my cats yelp and bite when I touch their limbs? Is it pain?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 9 months and 1 day old | 7 lbs

My cats are 8-9 months old (females from same litter) and I think both have pain in all 4 limbs. They run/climb/play as normal but yelp if their limbs are examined. They’ve yowled a bit and tried to bite me until I stopped. Unsure if it’s just because they don’t like it or something is wrong. No one injuries and they don’t fight any more than play fighting.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 2nd, 2020

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about your cats. I agree, it sounds like they are in pain. Unfortunately there are no OTC pain medications you can give them. Many human ones are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. I'd take them into the vet now to get this pain diagnosed and treated. Best of luck.

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