Can Cats Get Headaches? Signs Your Feline Might Be in Pain

Ever had one of those days when your head just pounds, and all you want to do is curl up somewhere quiet? It makes you wonder — do cats ever feel like that too?

They seem to have emotions, preferences, and good or bad days. But what about something like a headache? Can cats get them?

The short answer is yes, they likely can. But the signs are subtle, and they don’t exactly hold their head and groan like we do. That’s where being a tuned-in, caring cat parent makes a difference.

Do Cats Get Headaches?

While there’s no definitive test to say, “Yes, this cat has a headache,” many vets and feline behaviorists agree — it’s possible.

Cats have nearly all the same cranial nerves and brain structures as humans. They feel pain. They get sinus inflammation. They suffer from dental issues and even vision problems — all things that cause headaches in people.

So, while your cat can’t tell you they’ve got a throbbing head, their body might speak a different language.

How Do You Know If Your Cat Has a Headache?

That’s the tricky part. Cats are masters at hiding pain. It’s a survival instinct. In the wild, showing weakness could make them a target.

But if you look closely, the signs are there. Subtle behavioral changes can hint at something more profound, including a headache.

Common clues to watch for:

• Withdrawing from interaction — not their usual playful or affectionate self
• Squinting or keeping their eyes partially closed
• Light or sound sensitivity — hiding in dark, quiet places more than usual
• Avoiding touch, especially around the head or neck
• Resting their head against cool surfaces
• Appetite changes — eating less or refusing food altogether
• Unusual sleep positions — curling tighter than usual or lying flat with their head down

Suppose your cat is suddenly acting more tired, irritable, or low-energy, and nothing else seems wrong physically. In that case, they might be experiencing head pain.

How Often Do Cats Get Headaches?

There’s no hard number. However, the causes that could trigger headaches in cats are surprisingly common.

Cats might experience headaches due to:

• Stress or overstimulation — new environments, loud noises, or sudden changes
• Sinus congestion or respiratory infections
• Dental issues — abscesses, broken teeth, or gum inflammation
• Eye problems — pressure buildup or chronic irritation
• Neck tension — from injury, bad posture, or too much rough play
• Dehydration — even mild dehydration can cause headaches in humans and likely in cats, too

So, while headaches aren’t something you’d expect daily, they could happen occasionally — especially if your cat is already dealing with one of the issues above.

How Do Cats Sleep When They Have a Headache?

They might sleep more — but not always in their usual cozy, relaxed way.

A cat with a headache might:

• Curl up too tightly, almost like they’re bracing against something
• Hide in darker, cooler corners
• Lay flat with their head on a hard or cold surface
• Sleep with their face buried or paws over their eyes
• Wake easily and seem uncomfortable shifting positions

You might notice they’re trying to rest but not quite settling in the way they usually would. That’s a red flag that something’s off.

Do Cats Get Headaches from Sleeping Too Much?

It’s a funny question — cats sleep a lot. But does too much sleep give them headaches, like it can in people?

Not exactly.

Cats are naturally long sleepers — often 12–16 hours a day. It’s built into their biology. So, oversleeping, in itself, usually isn’t the cause of a headache.

However, suppose a cat sleeps excessively due to illness, pain, or depression. In that case, a headache might be part of that bigger picture. In those cases, sleeping is a symptom, not a cause.

So if your cat suddenly starts sleeping more than usual — and seems sluggish, distant, or irritable — something more could be happening beneath the surface.

When Should You See a Vet?

If you think your cat might have a headache and it doesn’t go away after a day or two — or if other symptoms appear — it’s best to check with your vet.

You should call your vet if you notice:

• Consistent hiding or avoiding light
• Sensitivity to touch on the head or face
• Ongoing lack of appetite
• Vomiting or signs of nausea
• Pawing at the head or eyes
• Drooping eyelids or uneven pupils

Headaches could be a symptom of something treatable or more serious, like hypertension, a dental infection, or even a neurological issue. The earlier it’s caught, the better.

How to Help Your Cat Feel Better

If your cat seems to be suffering from a headache or head pain, you can offer comfort in a few gentle ways.

Try this:

• Dim the lights and lower household noise
• Create a quiet, cozy space away from foot traffic
• Avoid picking them up or petting them around their head
• Encourage hydration with fresh water or wet food
• Gently stroke their back or neck if they seem open to touch
• Watch for changes and take notes to share with your vet

And please — never give human painkillers to cats. Even a small dose of something like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be deadly to them.

FAQs

Do cats get migraines?

It’s not confirmed, but cats may experience migraine-like symptoms, especially in bright light sensitivity, nausea, or neurological issues.

Can stress give a cat a headache?

Yes, chronic stress can lead to tension and discomfort in cats, possibly triggering headaches.

Can eye problems cause head pain in cats?

Issues like glaucoma or eye infections may lead to pressure and pain that feel like a headache.

Are older cats more likely to get headaches?

Older cats may be more prone to conditions like high blood pressure or dental disease, leading to head pain.

What’s the best way to know if my cat’s in pain?

Changes in behavior — hiding, irritability, appetite loss, unusual sleep — are your best clues. Trust your gut. You know your cat best.

A Final Thought — Because They Can’t Tell You

We love our cats for their quiet strength, gentle presence, and the way they know when we need comfort. But when it’s their turn to feel unwell, they suffer in silence.

That’s why it’s up to us to notice the small things.

A squint here. A nap that seems too long. A shift in how they rest their head.

Headaches may not be the first thing we think of when something’s off with our cats, but sometimes, it’s precisely what’s happening. And while they can’t speak, they constantly communicate — through movement, mood, and those little changes we learn to recognize over time.

So, if something feels different, don’t ignore it. Your cat is counting on you to notice — and love them through it.