Companion Animals

Cat Pain Recognition and Management

Cats are stoic pain hiders making pain recognition challenging, with validated assessment tools and owner education essential for identifying and treating pain appropriately.

Key Facts

Cats evolved to hide pain as prey animals making assessment challenging
Feline Grimace Scale provides validated tool for acute pain assessment in cats
Chronic pain signs include reduced grooming, withdrawal, and reluctance to jump
NSAIDs require care in cats due to limited metabolic pathways compared to dogs
Solensia (frunevetmab) provides monthly injectable arthritis pain relief for cats

Welfare Considerations

Cat pain welfare requires both validated assessment tools and owner education about subtle pain signs. Chronic pain in older cats is significantly underdiagnosed and undertreated. Modern pain management options including Solensia have transformed quality of life for arthritic cats.

What You Can Do

Learn the signs of pain in cats including subtle behavioural changes
Seek veterinary assessment if your cat shows any behaviour changes that may indicate pain
Discuss pain management options including Solensia with your vet for arthritic cats