---
title: "Pain Scales in Cats: How to Accurately Assess in Clinical Practice"
slug: pain-scales-in-cats
excerpt: Learn about the main validated pain scales for cats — UNESP-Botucatu, Glasgow CMPS-Feline and the Feline Grimace Scale — and how to apply them objectively in pre, intra and post-operative settings.
author: Milene Fozza
category: Veterinary Technology
published_at: "2026-05-25T20:13:00+00:00"
reading_time: 5
canonical_url: "https://api.allears.vet/en/blog/pain-scales-in-cats"
locale: en
---

Pain assessment in cats is one of the greatest challenges in small animal practice. Unlike dogs, cats mask clinical signs of discomfort as a survival mechanism — behavioral heritage that still confuses even experienced teams. The practical result: underdiagnosed and undertreated pain, with direct impact on recovery, behavior and the relationship with the owner.

The good news is that today there are **validated scales** specifically for cats, with translations into Portuguese and applied research backing them. Using a structured scale, even the simplest, is dramatically better than relying on "he seems fine".

## Why assess pain in a structured way

- **Reduces observer bias**: the same patient assessed by two professionals can receive very different scores — a scale aligns the criteria.
- **Documents evolution**: numerical record allows comparing time points (before, 2h, 6h, 24h post-surgery).
- **Triggers objective intervention**: each scale has a specific cutoff that indicates need for rescue analgesia — removes guesswork.
- **Educates the team and the owner**: shared terms between vet, technician and owner improve home care.

## The three most used scales

### 1. UNESP-Botucatu Multidimensional Pain Scale (UMPS)

Validated for acute post-operative pain in cats, in Portuguese, with a well-established cutoff. Assesses 10 items across 4 subscales:

- **Posture** (facial expression, general attitude)
- **Comfort** (reaction to environment, interaction)
- **Activity** (movements, body posture)
- **Mental state** (vocalization, reaction to palpation of the surgical site)

Each item scores 0–3, totaling 0–30. **Cutoff for rescue analgesia: ≥ 8 points.**

Strengths: feline-specific, validated in Portuguese, high inter-observer consistency. Limitation: takes 2–3 minutes to apply and requires initial observation without manipulation.

### 2. Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale — Feline (CMPS-F)

Feline version of the well-known canine Glasgow CMPS. Assesses 7 items, including facial expression, posture and response to wound palpation. Scoring 0–20.

**Cutoff for rescue: ≥ 5 points.**

Well accepted internationally, with good performance in hospitalization settings. Includes illustrations of facial expressions that help standardize the team.

### 3. Feline Grimace Scale (FGS)

Developed at the University of Montreal, it is the **fastest** of the three — takes under 30 seconds. Assesses 5 facial action units:

- Ear position
- Orbital tightening (eyes)
- Muzzle tension
- Whisker position
- Head position

Each item receives 0, 1 or 2 points, totaling 0–10. **Cutoff for rescue: ≥ 4/10** (or ≥ 0.4 normalized).

Ideal for quick triage during hospitalization, follow-up visits and assessment during admission without handling the patient. There is a free app ("Feline Grimace Scale") with visual examples that greatly helps standardization.

<div class="aev-cta" data-variant="banner" data-href="/register" data-description="Record the scale, score and time for the next rescue analgesia directly in the patient's record. AllEars.Vet transcribes and organizes it all — you focus on the cat, not the form.">Document pain assessment without interrupting the consultation</div>

## When to apply (practical protocol)

Suggested key moments in surgical routine:

| Moment | What to assess |
|---------|--------------|
| Pre-anesthetic | Baseline pain (relevant in orthopedics, trauma, chronic pain) |
| Immediate post-extubation | Quick triage (FGS) |
| 30 min post-surgery | Reassessment + rescue if needed |
| 2h, 6h, 12h post-surgery | Following analgesic peak |
| Before discharge | Ensure score is below the cutoff |
| Follow-up visit | Home assessment reported by owner + reassessment in clinic |

## Clinical signs often overlooked

Even without a formal scale, always observe:
- **Persistent orbital tightening** ("squinted" eyes)
- **Whiskers tensioned forward** (defensive posture)
- **Ears low or sideways**
- **Curled / crouched posture**, with abdominal tension
- **Isolation or unusual aggression**
- **Refusal to groom** (dull, matted coat)
- **Reduced food intake**

These signs, isolated or combined, justify applying a formal scale — and often a rescue analgesic.

## Owner guidance

Teach the owner to observe at home:
1. **Appetite and water intake** in the first 48 h post-procedure
2. **Resting posture** (painful cats avoid lateral recumbency, prefer tense "sphinx")
3. **Social interaction** (hiding, unusual isolation)
4. **Unusual vocalization** (low growls, long meows)

Offer a direct channel (WhatsApp, phone, app) for the owner to report changes — the sooner you know, the sooner you adjust the analgesic protocol.

## The record that makes the difference

Pain assessment only becomes a clinical tool if it is **recorded comparably** over time. Writing "patient comfortable" does not allow comparison with a 24h follow-up. Writing "FGS 2/10, no rescue" does — and that difference, multiplied by dozens of patients per month, is what separates a mediocre analgesic service from an excellent one.

<div class="aev-cta" data-variant="primary" data-href="/register">Try AllEars.Vet free for 7 days</div>

In cats, pain doesn't shout — it whispers. The professional who listens with method (and records with discipline) delivers the best possible care.