Chronic pain is common in older cats but frequently goes unrecognised and untreated. Understanding the signs, causes, and management options is essential for maintaining quality of life in senior felines.
Chronic pain in cats represents one of the most significant underrecognised welfare issues in companion animal medicine. The combination of cats's stoic behavioural masking of pain and veterinary limitations in species-safe analgesics has historically meant that conditions causing significant suffering were left untreated. The development of validated feline-specific pain assessment tools and new analgesic options including anti-NGF monoclonal antibodies is transforming chronic pain management. Owner education about the signs of feline chronic pain — altered behaviour rather than vocalisation — is the essential first step. Regular quality of life monitoring using validated scales helps owners and veterinarians make informed decisions about management and end-of-life care.