Cat Chronic Pain Recognition | Animal Welfare Hub

Chronic pain in cats is extremely common but consistently under-recognised and under-treated. Understanding feline pain signals is one of the most impactful welfare skills a cat owner can develop.

Key Facts

Feline degenerative joint disease affects an estimated 90% of cats over 12 years old based on radiographic studies, but fewer than 10% are estimated to receive adequate pain management
Cats are stoic pain maskers; the signs of chronic pain — reduced activity, changed sleeping positions, reluctance to jump, altered grooming — are frequently attributed to aging rather than recognised as pain
The Glasgow Feline Composite Measure Pain Scale and the Feline Grimace Scale are validated clinical tools for pain assessment that vets and owners can learn to use
NSAID pain relief appropriate for cats (feline-specific formulations) significantly improves activity levels and quality of life in osteoarthritic cats within 2 weeks of starting treatment
Gabapentin is increasingly used in cats for both chronic pain management and as a pre-veterinary-visit anxiolytic, with good evidence of efficacy and safety

Welfare Considerations

Chronic pain in cats is a welfare crisis unfolding in millions of homes where owners believe their aging cat is simply slowing down naturally. The stoic pain masking that protects cats in the wild from predator detection also hides their suffering from the humans who love them and are trying to care for them well. The veterinary community has made significant advances in feline pain assessment and management in the past decade; the challenge is translating this into routine practice and owner awareness. Regular geriatric wellness checks with structured pain assessment, owner education about subtle pain signs, and willingness to trial appropriate pain management when indicated can transform the quality of life of millions of older cats currently living with untreated chronic pain.

What You Can Do

Learn the signs of chronic pain in cats: reduced jumping, changed posture, altered grooming, reduced social interaction
Schedule veterinary wellness checks every 6 months for cats over 10 years old to catch pain conditions early
Use the Feline Grimace Scale to assess your cat's pain level during episodes that concern you
Discuss pain management with your vet if your cat shows mobility changes — do not assume these are normal aging
Ensure your cat's home environment is adapted for arthritic cats: lower litter tray sides, ramps or steps to favourite resting spots