Chronic Pain Recognition in Cats

Cats are masters at hiding pain, meaning chronic conditions often go unrecognised and untreated for extended periods.

Key Facts

Osteoarthritis affects at least 40% of cats over 6 years and 90% of cats over 12 years
Cats with osteoarthritis often show reduced activity rather than obvious limping
The Feline Grimace Scale allows pain assessment through facial expression analysis
Chronic pain in cats causes reduced grooming, hiding, reduced appetite, and behaviour changes
Effective pain management for cats has improved dramatically with veterinary research

Welfare Considerations

Chronic pain in cats represents one of the most significant and underaddressed welfare problems in companion animals. Cats evolved to mask vulnerability and rarely display overt pain signs. Osteoarthritis causes constant pain affecting mobility, grooming, and quality of life in a large proportion of elderly cats. The development of validated pain assessment tools including the Feline Grimace Scale and the recognition that reduced activity is itself a pain sign has dramatically improved clinical recognition and treatment.

What You Can Do

Learn to recognise subtle pain signs in cats including reduced activity and grooming changes
Schedule veterinary checks twice yearly for cats over 8 years of age
Ask your veterinarian specifically about pain assessment at routine appointments
Provide a litter tray with low sides and beds accessible without jumping for older cats
Never assume that an elderly quiet cat is simply content — assess for chronic pain