Cats have historically been undertreated for pain due to their tendency to mask signs of discomfort and limited safe analgesic options. Advances in feline pain science and pharmacology are improving outcomes.
Feline pain undertreatment represents a significant and correctable welfare deficit. The historical view that cats tolerate pain well is contradicted by evidence that cats simply mask it through behavioural inhibition, an evolved prey-species survival strategy. The Feline Grimace Scale has transformed acute pain assessment by providing an objective measure that any trained observer can apply. Chronic pain assessment in cats requires longitudinal owner observation and quality of life monitoring since intermittent clinical signs are easily missed. Veterinary education programmes increasingly emphasise feline pain science, and the development of species-appropriate analgesics continues to expand treatment options.