Pain Recognition in Cats — A Clinical Guide

Recognising pain in cats is challenging because they evolved to hide vulnerability, but validated assessment tools now help.

Key Facts

The Feline Grimace Scale is a validated tool for assessing acute pain in cats from facial expressions
Orbital tightening, nose/cheek flattening, ear position, and whisker position are key pain indicators
Chronic pain in cats is harder to assess and requires owner knowledge of subtle behavioural changes
Reduced activity, altered grooming, changes in socialisation, and altered facial expression indicate chronic pain
Treatment trials with analgesics can both treat pain and confirm its presence diagnostically

Welfare Considerations

Pain recognition in cats is a fundamental welfare skill for all cat owners and veterinarians. Cats evolved as solitary hunters for whom showing vulnerability is dangerous — they mask pain instinctively. Using validated assessment tools and understanding subtle behavioural changes allows earlier identification and treatment of pain, significantly improving welfare.

What You Can Do

Learn the Feline Grimace Scale for assessing acute pain in cats
Monitor your cat for subtle chronic pain signs including reduced activity and altered grooming
Never assume a cat is not in pain just because it seems calm
Seek veterinary advice promptly if you suspect pain in your cat
Support research into feline chronic pain assessment and treatment