Companion Animals

Domestic Cat Pain Assessment: Tools and Practice

Accurate pain assessment in cats requires specialised tools and training, as cats often mask pain and present subtly compared to other species.

Key Facts

The Feline Grimace Scale enables reliable pain assessment from facial expression alone
Cats commonly under-present pain, leading to undertreatment in veterinary practice
Chronic pain is significantly underdiagnosed in cats, particularly arthritis in senior animals
Owner-reported changes in behaviour are often the first indicator of feline pain

Welfare Considerations

Pain undertreatment in cats is a significant welfare issue arising from their natural tendency to conceal vulnerability. Improved pain assessment tools and owner education are reducing this gap, but further progress is needed.

What You Can Do

Learn the signs of pain in cats and use the Feline Grimace Scale as a reference
Ensure your cat has regular veterinary check-ups including pain assessment
Advocate for mandatory pain assessment training in veterinary curricula