Abdominal pain in cats can be hard to recognise. Your cat may sit hunched up, move less, not want to be lifted or become irritable when its belly is touched. Vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and loss of appetite can occur, but pain from the urinary tract or other organs can give a similar picture.
The vet therefore needs to assess the whole cat, not just the belly. Feeling the abdomen, temperature, hydration and information about urination and stool help guide the investigation. Depending on the findings, blood tests, urine tests, X-rays or ultrasound may be needed.
Contact a vet if your cat clearly seems to be in pain, becomes lethargic, vomits repeatedly or stops eating. If your cat sits in the litter tray straining without passing urine, it should be assessed as an emergency, as a urinary blockage can be mistaken for constipation or a stomach ache.