Cat Chronic Pain Recognition and Assessment

Chronic pain in cats is systematically underrecognised because cats mask pain effectively. Modern pain assessment tools and owner education can dramatically improve the detection and treatment of feline pain.

Key Facts

The Feline Grimace Scale uses facial action units including ear position, eye aperture, and whisker changes to assess acute pain
Chronic pain in cats manifests primarily through behavioural changes rather than vocalisation
Approximately 40% of cats over 5 years old have osteoarthritis detectable on radiography
Reduced grooming, reluctance to jump, changed social behaviour, and altered elimination habits are common chronic pain signs
NSAIDs including meloxicam are effective for feline chronic pain but require careful dosing and kidney monitoring
Environmental modification including ramps, low-sided litter boxes, and heated beds reduces daily pain burden

Welfare Considerations

Chronic pain in cats is the most prevalent and underaddressed welfare problem in companion animal medicine. A cat that is slightly less playful, grooms less thoroughly, or jumps onto furniture less frequently may be living with chronic pain for months or years before anyone notices. The Feline Grimace Scale and validated owner questionnaires are beginning to shift this — providing objective tools that bypass the challenge of assessing pain in a species that evolutionarily conceals vulnerability.

What You Can Do

Learn the Feline Grimace Scale and apply it when assessing your cat for pain
Monitor your cat's jumping behaviour, grooming habits, and social activity as chronic pain indicators
Request pain assessment as part of every veterinary visit for cats over 8 years old
Discuss long-term NSAID treatment with your vet for cats showing signs of chronic musculoskeletal pain
Modify the home environment with ramps, low-sided litter boxes, and raised food bowls for painful cats
Consider referral to a feline medicine specialist if pain management is complex or not responding to standard treatment