New research could lead to faster diagnosis
International veterinary scientists have identified 25 behaviour signs that show cats are in pain.
Published in the journal PLOS One, the list is the first of its kind to be agreed by a panel of veterinary experts in feline medicine.
Scientists hope that the research will help vets and owners spot important signs that animals are in pain. Ultimately this will reduce suffering by leading to a faster diagnosis.
Lead researcher professor Daniel Mills, professor of veterinary behavioural medicine at the University of Lincoln’s School of Life Sciences, said: “Both owners and veterinarians are clearly able to recognise many behavioural changes in cats which relate to pain. However, owners may not always recognise the clinical relevance of what they see. For example, they may view the changes as an inevitable part of natural ageing and not report them to the vet as a concern, or at least not until the behaviours become quite severe.
“We hope that having an agreed list of more objective criteria, which relates to specific signs of pain, could improve the ability of both owners and vets to recognise it.
To read more about the study visit vetcommunity.com (VC login required).
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.
