Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Chronic Pain: Recognition and Management

Improving detection and treatment of chronic pain in cats, a commonly underdiagnosed welfare issue.

Key Facts

Chronic pain in cats - particularly from arthritis - is estimated to affect up to 90% of cats over 12
Cats mask pain through behaviour rather than vocalisation, making recognition challenging
The Feline Grimace Scale and CSOM are validated tools for assessing chronic pain
NSAIDs and multimodal analgesia significantly improve quality of life when pain is identified

Welfare Considerations

Chronic pain is one of the most prevalent and underaddressed welfare issues in domestic cats. Routine screening for pain signs during veterinary visits, combined with owner education, can dramatically improve the recognition and treatment of this hidden suffering.

What You Can Do

Learn the signs of pain in cats - reduced grooming, hiding, reluctance to jump
Schedule regular senior cat wellness checks that include pain assessment
Advocate for routine arthritis screening in cats over 8 years at veterinary practices