AAHA
AAHA Guidelines
How to: Pain Assessment Tools for Cats
How to: Pain Assessment Tools for Cats
Assessment of pain in cats involves a convergence of evidence from physical examination (including observation of behavior), owner input (including standardized questionnaires and video), and imaging as indicated. Several features of a cat’s natural behavior influence the behavioral signs seen with pain and discomfort. As mid-level predators, cats display both predatory and prey-type behaviors. Cats may not overtly express pain, but they do exhibit detectable signs. Cats are small and agile and depend on their ability to jump and climb to escape danger. When escape is not possible, cats may use aggression to defend themselves. However, cats do not use aggression as an early defense and typically use elaborate chemocommunication to avoid conflict. Because the ability to escape is critical to a cat’s sense of safety, their access to vertical spaces must be preserved. When cats with painful conditions are unable to access elevated spaces, affective signs such as changes in sociability and mood and reduced tolerance of handling become visible across owner and clinical assessments. Table 1 summarizes the various pain assessment tools for use with feline patients. Figure 1 illustrates a logical approach to the diagnosis and monitoring of acute or perioperative pain, and chronic pain, in cats.
* These guidelines are supported by generous educational grants from Arthrex Vet Systems, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., Elanco, and Zoetis.
