Cat Chronic Pain: Recognition and Management

Chronic pain in cats — particularly from osteoarthritis — is among the most common and most underrecognized welfare problems in companion animals. Better recognition tools are transforming care.

Key Facts

Radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis is present in approximately 90% of cats over 12 years old.
The Feline Grimace Scale (FGS), validated in 2019, provides an objective tool for pain assessment based on facial action units.
Cats with arthritis typically show subtle signs: reduced jumping, reluctance to climb stairs, changes in grooming, and altered sleep.
Meloxicam at low doses is now licensed for long-term use in cats in some countries — previously a major barrier to chronic pain management.
Monthly anti-nerve growth factor injections (solensia/frunevetmab) have been approved as a new treatment for feline osteoarthritis pain.

Welfare Considerations

Chronic pain in cats is a welfare problem at the intersection of biology and blindness. The biology: cats are prey animals that mask pain, and their signs of arthritis are subtle behavioral changes that owners easily misattribute to aging. The blindness: owners who don't know what to look for will not see pain that is there. New tools — the Feline Grimace Scale, validated pain questionnaires, and improved owner education — are changing this. New treatments — licensed meloxicam, anti-NGF injections — are providing options that were unavailable a decade ago. The welfare trajectory for senior cats is improving, but requires owners and vets to actively look for pain rather than accepting "normal aging."

What You Can Do

Learn the signs of arthritis in cats: reduced jumping, reluctance to use stairs, and altered grooming.
Use the Feline Grimace Scale to assess your cat's pain level if you suspect discomfort.
Ask your vet about pain management options including licensed NSAID and anti-NGF treatments.
Have senior cats assessed for arthritis specifically at annual wellness checks.