Chronic pain in cats is frequently unrecognized due to their stoic nature, making validated behavioral assessment tools essential for identifying and treating pain that significantly affects quality of life.
Chronic pain represents one of the most significant welfare deficits in the aging cat population, with the vast majority of cats over 12 years having arthritis-associated pain that goes unrecognized and untreated. The stoic behavioral adaptation of cats evolved to hide vulnerability from predators but serves them poorly in domestic settings where pain recognition determines access to treatment. Owner education about subtle pain signs and provision of validated assessment tools creates a pathway to treatment that transforms quality of life. This is one of the most high-impact welfare improvements available for companion animals.