RALEIGH, N.C. -- Just like us, out pets can experience pain.

 

Only they can't tell us what hurts.

 

Doctors at North Carolina State University tell NBC17 that the university is one of the few places in the world studying chronic pain in cats, specifically osteoarthritis.

 

You love your cat; you think you're connected with your furry friend. But do you know when your pet is in pain?

 

"I think acute pain is fairly readily recognized," said Dr. Duncan Lascelles. "We'll have an animal not using a body part or guarding a body part and it doesn't allow us to touch a particular area."

 

Lascelles is a surgeon who specializes in pain management. He says our pets sense pain just like we do; only cats are not as demonstrative about their feelings.

 

So the owner has to watch for cues.

 

"An animal goes to eat at the food bowl and shy's away from it, that might indicate dental pain or acute oral pain," Lascelles said.

 

With any cat, chronic pain is much more difficult to recognize because it comes on slowly over months and even years. And your pet's behavior changes slowly, too.

 

"By far the most common cause of chronic pain is osteoarthritis," Lascelles said.

 

Lascelles is studying cats to try and recognize feline osteoarthritis and how to effectively treat the pain.

 

Here are some signs:

 

"Decreased ability to jump up, jump down, and decreased height of jump cat can do," Lascelles said. "Cats not being able to lie down comfortably."

 

If you suspect your cat is in pain, see your veterinarian. Treatments vary from physical therapy to a regimen of medications.

 

Some additional signs a cat is in pain include: resting in an abnormal position, limited movement when awake and decreased appetite.

 

A pet pain management course at N.C. State just sold out Friday. However, because it's a popular topic, the session will be offered again soon.