Companion Cat Chronic Pain Recognition Advanced

Chronic pain in cats is vastly under-recognised and under-treated - validated assessment tools and owner education are key.

Key Facts

Cats experience chronic pain from arthritis, dental disease, urinary disease, and cancer
The Feline Grimace Scale provides a validated tool for assessing acute pain from facial expressions
Chronic pain signs in cats are often subtle - reduced grooming, hiding, and reluctance to jump
An estimated 90% of cats over 12 years have radiographic evidence of arthritis
Many cats with significant arthritis receive no pain management
New treatments including anti-nerve growth factor antibodies offer improved chronic pain control in cats

Welfare Considerations

Chronic pain management in cats is one of the most significant unmet welfare needs in companion animal medicine. Cats' natural stoicism and the subtlety of their pain communication means most chronic pain goes unrecognised and untreated. Owner education, validated assessment tools, and new pharmacological options together create the potential for major welfare improvement.

What You Can Do

Learn the Feline Grimace Scale and use it to assess your cat's pain level
Schedule annual arthritis assessments with your vet for cats over 7 years old
Ask about anti-nerve growth factor antibody treatment for cats with diagnosed arthritis
Provide ramps, raised food bowls, and large litter trays for cats with mobility limitations
Share information about feline chronic pain signs with other cat owners