Dear Dr. John,
My cat is getting older, and I’ve noticed that she is not as nimble as she used to be. She is pushing 15 and she cannot jump up on the kitchen counter or other places like she used to. She is a bit overweight, and I suspect that she may have some arthritis. How would I know if she is in any kind of pain? I want her to be comfortable and content and if she were in any kind of discomfort, what could I give her for it? I’ve always been told that animals tolerate pain better than humans. Is that so? L.P.
Dear L.P.,
Several different pain scale assessments have been developed for cats in the past few years. But there are plenty of signs that one can look for to determine if a cat is painful in any way. These include decreased appetites, lethargy, being withdrawn or hiding, decreased movement, decreased interest in play, and being more vocal. One might see any of these signs or a combination of them, but they might also signify other problems or illnesses.
Some of the pain assessment methods for cats can be found online and these include the Feline Grimace Scale and the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale. These have been developed to help veterinarians assess and treat cats for pain, but pet owners can also learn about what to look for and then work in collaboration with their veterinarians to treat the cat if it is called for.
You can always video your cat and share it with your veterinarian. Pain in pets was never considered seriously several decades ago but today it is part of every proper physical examination and assessment as to overall health. I would consult with your veterinarian to determine if your cat really does need any kind of pain medication or supplements to her diet. Weight loss may also be of help to allow her to get around more easily. I suspect if she were truly in pain, you would probably know it.
As for whether animals tolerate pain better than humans, subjectively I agree. People cry with merely a paper cut whereas dogs, cats, and other species deal with pain better but it doesn’t mean that they should have to.
Dr. John de Jong owns and operates the Boston Mobile Veterinary Clinic. He can be reached at 781-899-9994.
