Cat Chronic Pain Recognition and Management

Chronic pain in cats is common, particularly from osteoarthritis, yet is frequently missed by owners and inadequately treated even when recognised.

Key Facts

Studies estimate 40-90% of cats over 12 years old have radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis
Cats typically hide pain through reduced activity rather than obvious vocalisation
Common signs of chronic pain include reduced grooming, reluctance to jump, and altered facial expression
The Feline Grimace Scale allows owners and vets to assess pain levels from facial expressions
NSAIDs for cats must be used carefully due to species-specific metabolic differences from dogs and humans
Gabapentin, buprenorphine, and newer nerve growth factor inhibitors are effective cat pain treatments
Environmental modifications including ramps, lower litter trays, and heated beds improve welfare of arthritic cats

Welfare Considerations

Chronic pain in cats represents one of the most significant and underaddressed welfare issues in companion animal medicine. The cultural assumption that cats are stoic and self-sufficient means owners often interpret pain-related behaviour changes as normal ageing rather than as a welfare signal requiring attention. A cat that stops jumping onto furniture, spends more time sleeping, or shows subtle changes in facial expression may be experiencing daily chronic pain for months or years before a veterinary diagnosis is made. Even when diagnosed, the treatment choices for cats are more limited than for dogs due to metabolic differences that make many common pain medications toxic. The development of safe, effective pain management for cats has improved significantly in recent years, but access depends entirely on owners seeking help.

What You Can Do

Learn to recognise the signs of chronic pain in your cat — reduced activity and grooming are key indicators
Schedule regular senior wellness exams from age 7 onwards to monitor for early arthritis signs
If your senior cat seems less active, mention this to your vet rather than accepting it as normal ageing
Modify your home environment to support arthritic cats with ramps, low-sided litter trays, and warm beds
Ask your vet about the full range of pain management options including newer targeted treatments