Cats are highly skilled at concealing pain, a trait rooted in their evolutionary history as both predators and prey. In the wild, showing weakness could make them vulnerable or indicate an inability to hunt. This innate tendency means feline discomfort often goes unnoticed by their human companions. To address this, researchers have developed specific tools and guidelines to help owners and veterinarians identify potential pain.
Understanding the Feline Grimace Scale
The Feline Grimace Scale (FGS) is a scientifically validated method developed by researchers at the University of Montreal in 2019. It assesses acute pain in cats based on observable changes in their facial expressions. The FGS involves observing five distinct facial “action units” that indicate the presence and intensity of pain.
One indicator is ear position, where ears might flatten and rotate outward instead of facing forward. Another sign is orbital tightening, referring to the partial or full closing of the eyes, often appearing as squinting. Muzzle tension is also important; a cat in pain may have a tense, drawn muzzle, making it look more elliptical than its usual relaxed, round shape.
The whiskers offer further clues, as they may appear straight and move forward, away from the face, instead of being loose and curved. Finally, head position is considered; a painful cat might hold its head level with or lower than its shoulder line. Each of these five facial indicators can be scored to determine the overall pain level, with higher scores suggesting more significant discomfort.
Additional Indicators of Feline Pain
While the Feline Grimace Scale focuses on facial cues, other physical and behavioral changes also signal a cat’s discomfort. These non-facial indicators provide a broader picture of their pain experience.
Behavioral changes are often the first noticeable signs. A cat in pain might hide more frequently, withdraw from social interaction, or become aggressive when touched, especially near a painful area. Changes in grooming habits, such as decreased grooming leading to a matted coat or excessive grooming of a specific painful spot, can also occur. Other common behavioral shifts include decreased appetite, reluctance to jump onto furniture, or difficulty using stairs.
Vocal cues can also indicate pain, though these vary widely. Some cats may exhibit increased vocalization, such as unusual meowing, growling, or hissing. Conversely, some might become unusually quiet or purr excessively as a self-soothing mechanism. Posture and gait changes offer further physical indications, including a hunched-over body posture, stiffness when walking, or lameness.
The Importance of Veterinary Consultation
The Feline Grimace Scale and other behavioral changes provide valuable information for cat owners, serving as a guide for monitoring potential discomfort rather than self-diagnosis. A score of 4 or higher on the FGS, for instance, suggests pain management should be considered.
If you notice any of these indicators, contacting a veterinarian is the necessary next step. Only a trained veterinary professional can accurately diagnose the underlying cause of your cat’s pain, assess its severity, and recommend appropriate treatment. Early veterinary intervention significantly improves a cat’s comfort and quality of life.