Cat Chronic Pain Management | Animal Welfare Hub

Chronic pain in cats is frequently under-recognised and under-treated. New analgesic options are improving feline quality of life significantly.

Key Facts

Cats mask pain well due to evolutionary pressure, making detection difficult for owners
Osteoarthritis affects an estimated 40% of cats over seven years old
Meloxicam and robenacoxib are licensed NSAIDs for cats in many countries
Frunevetmab (Solensia) is the first licensed monoclonal antibody for feline OA pain
Gabapentin is widely used off-label for neuropathic and chronic pain in cats
Pain scoring tools like the Feline Grimace Scale help clinicians assess pain objectively
Multi-modal analgesia combining drugs and environmental modification is now standard of care

Welfare Considerations

Chronic pain profoundly reduces feline quality of life, limiting mobility, grooming, social interaction and play. Because cats suppress outward pain signs, suffering often goes unrecognised for months or years. Evidence-based recognition tools and newer targeted analgesics mean pain management can be more effective and safer than ever.

What You Can Do

Learn to recognise feline pain signs including reduced grooming, hiding, and altered facial expression
Ask your vet about modern pain scoring tools and the newest analgesic options including monoclonal antibodies
Provide easy-access litter trays, ramps and warm bedding to reduce pain-related difficulties
Schedule regular vet checks for cats over seven to proactively monitor for osteoarthritis