Companion Cat Chronic Pain Recognition

Chronic pain in cats is systematically underdiagnosed due to species-typical pain masking behaviour, with new assessment tools improving recognition and treatment rates.

Key Facts

Cats evolved as both predator and prey and mask pain expressions to avoid appearing vulnerable
Over 60% of cats over 6 years have radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease
The Feline Grimace Scale and MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN ASSESSMENT tools enable systematic evaluation
Meloxicam and other NSAIDs are effective for feline arthritis when appropriately dosed
Environmental modifications including ramps and lower litter trays significantly improve arthritic cat welfare

Welfare Considerations

Chronic pain is one of the most prevalent and undertreated welfare problems in domestic cats. The species tendency to mask pain means that significant arthritis causing daily discomfort is often dismissed as normal ageing. Cats that cannot access litter trays, food bowls, or favourite resting spots due to joint pain suffer daily welfare compromise that is entirely treatable. New validated pain assessment tools and effective analgesics mean that chronic cat pain can be detected and managed with significant welfare benefit.

What You Can Do

Ask your vet about feline pain assessment at every visit from age 6 onwards
Adapt your home environment with ramps and lower food bowls for potentially arthritic cats
Never assume reduced activity in an older cat is simply ageing - investigate pain
Use the Feline Grimace Scale to monitor your cat's comfort between vet visits
Advocate for chronic pain assessment to be standard in feline geriatric veterinary care