Cat Chronic Pain Recognition and Management

Chronic pain in cats is substantially underdiagnosed and undertreated because cats mask discomfort effectively and lack safe long-term analgesic options compared to dogs and humans.

Key Facts

Osteoarthritis affects an estimated 90% of cats over 12 years old, yet pain management is often inadequate or absent.
Cats cannot safely use NSAIDs long-term due to renal and hepatic toxicity risks, limiting routine pain management options.
Feline-specific validated pain assessment tools including the Feline Grimace Scale allow more objective pain evaluation.
Gabapentin, buprenorphine, and newer anti-nerve growth factor antibodies (frunevetmab) offer effective options for chronic feline pain.
Behavioural indicators of chronic pain in cats include reduced grooming, altered posture, changes in litter box use, and reduced interaction.

Welfare Considerations

The stoic nature of cats and the limited safe long-term analgesic options have historically meant that chronic feline pain has been vastly undertreated. An elderly cat moving stiffly, hesitating to jump, or spending more time alone is frequently accepted as normal ageing rather than recognized as a pain state requiring intervention. Improved welfare for senior cats requires proactive pain assessment at every veterinary visit and willingness to use newer, safer analgesic options.

What You Can Do

Learn the Feline Grimace Scale and use it to assess your cat's pain level at home and at veterinary visits.
Discuss pain management options specifically with your vet for any cat showing mobility changes or altered behaviour.
Make environmental modifications including ramps, low-sided litter trays, and elevated heated beds to reduce chronic pain impact.
Schedule twice-yearly wellness checks for cats over 10 to enable earlier detection and treatment of age-related pain conditions.