Cats hide pain instinctively. Recognizing the subtle behavioral signs of chronic pain is essential for ensuring affected cats receive appropriate treatment.
Chronic pain is one of the most significant and most underrecognized welfare problems in companion cats. The stoic nature of cats means that significant pain is present long before it becomes apparent even to attentive owners. Many cats experience months or years of unrecognized, untreated chronic pain — from arthritis, dental disease, or other conditions — that significantly reduces their quality of life. Routine pain assessment should be part of every veterinary wellness examination for older cats.