Cat Pain Biomarkers and Assessment

Feline pain is historically underdiagnosed and undertreated due to cats' tendency to hide discomfort. New biomarkers and validated scales are changing how vets identify and manage pain in cats.

Key Facts

The Feline Grimace Scale (FGS), developed at the University of Montreal, enables real-time pain assessment from facial expressions
Key FGS indicators include orbital tightening, muzzle tension, and ear position changes
Cats receive significantly less postoperative analgesia than dogs despite equivalent pain stimuli
Substance P and cortisol are being evaluated as objective pain biomarkers in feline patients
Chronic pain in cats is severely underdiagnosed - studies suggest 90% of cats over 12 have osteoarthritis

Welfare Considerations

The stoic nature of cats means their pain often goes unrecognized and untreated. The Feline Grimace Scale represents a major advance, providing a validated, reliable tool that any vet or trained owner can use. App-based FGS tools are making assessment accessible in home settings, enabling earlier intervention. Every cat owner benefits from learning the signs of feline pain.

What You Can Do

Learn the Feline Grimace Scale - free resources are available from the University of Montreal
If your cat has surgery, ask specifically what pain management will be provided post-operatively
Have senior cats assessed for osteoarthritis annually - many show no obvious signs
Ask your vet about multimodal pain management options for cats with chronic conditions
Support research into feline pain biomarkers and improved analgesic options