Companion Animals

Cat Pain Management After Surgery

Post-operative pain management in cats requires multimodal approaches and owner vigilance, as cats mask pain behaviours that may indicate undertreated discomfort.

Key Facts

Post-operative pain in cats is frequently undertreated due to difficulty in recognition
The Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale - Feline short form provides validated pain assessment
NSAIDs, opioids and local anaesthetics are combined in multimodal post-operative protocols
Owners can use simplified pain assessment tools at home to detect pain between vet visits
Inadequate post-operative pain management delays healing and increases complication risk

Welfare Considerations

Post-operative pain management in cats is a welfare obligation that requires both veterinary prescription and owner vigilance at home. Validated assessment tools empower owners to recognise and report pain.

What You Can Do

Ask your vet for a take-home pain assessment tool when your cat has surgery
Administer all prescribed pain medications as directed - never skip doses
Contact your vet immediately if your cat shows signs of pain or discomfort after surgery