Companion Animals

Cat Chronic Pain Recognition and Assessment

Chronic pain in cats is widely underrecognised due to their stoic nature, but validated assessment tools now allow better identification and management.

Key Facts

Cats evolved to hide pain as prey-predator dual rollers making recognition challenging
The Feline Grimace Scale allows real-time pain assessment from facial action units
Chronic pain indicators include reduced grooming, altered posture, and reduced activity
Arthritis affects over 90% of cats over age 10 but is diagnosed in fewer than 10%
Regular mobility and activity assessments by owners and vets improve chronic pain detection

Welfare Considerations

Unrecognised chronic pain represents a major and pervasive welfare problem in cats. Validated pain assessment tools combined with owner education about subtle behavioural changes can dramatically improve recognition rates and therefore treatment access.

What You Can Do

Learn to use the Feline Grimace Scale for at-home pain assessment
Discuss arthritis screening with your vet from age 7
Monitor for gradual changes in activity, grooming, and social behaviour
Advocate for routine chronic pain assessment in annual feline health checks