Chronic pain from arthritis, dental disease, and neuropathy is extremely common in cats but largely unrecognised due to feline stoicism, causing significant hidden welfare harm.
Cats experiencing chronic pain reduce activity, groom less, interact less with household members, and stop jumping to favourite spots — changes owners often attribute to 'normal aging'. Unrecognised pain means unmanaged suffering for months or years. NSAIDs like meloxicam provide effective pain relief when monitored for kidney effects. Gabapentin is increasingly used for neuropathic pain. Recognising and treating chronic feline pain is one of the highest impact welfare interventions available to cat owners.