Advanced pain assessment tools developed specifically for geriatric cats are improving the detection and management of chronic pain in this population, reducing unnecessary suffering.
The development of validated assessment tools for geriatric cat pain has transformed our ability to detect and monitor suffering that was previously invisible in this stoic species. Multiple complementary assessment approaches addressing different aspects of the pain experience provide a more complete picture than any single tool. Objective monitoring tools including activity monitors allow tracking of pain-related functional changes between veterinary visits, enabling more timely treatment adjustments. The translation of these research tools into clinical practice remains incomplete, with many general practice veterinarians not routinely applying validated pain assessment scales. Veterinary education and client engagement are needed to close the gap between assessment capability and clinical application.