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Feline Pain Scale Calculator

Four validated feline pain tools in one, all recognised in the 2022 AAHA Pain Management Guidelines. Switch between them below.

CSU: holistic 0–4. Feline Grimace Scale: 5 facial units, /10 (treat ≥4). UNESP-Botucatu MCPS: 10 items, /30 (treat ≥8). Glasgow CMPS-Feline: 7 questions, /20 (treat ≥5).

How to use (CSU): Consider the cat's normal behaviour and demeanour. Evaluate psychological & behavioural signs and body tension from a distance, then palpate the wound/surgical site. Click the score that best matches overall. A sleeping cat cannot be scored — rescore when awake. Body tension is used as a tie-breaker.
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Select the row above that best describes the patient to generate a pain score and analgesic guidance.

Clinical references: Hellyer P, Uhrig S, Robinson N. Colorado State University Feline Acute Pain Scale. CSU Veterinary Medical Center. · Evangelista MC, et al. Facial expressions of pain in cats: the development and validation of a Feline Grimace Scale. Sci Rep 2019;9:19128. · Brondani JT, Luna SPL, et al. UNESP-Botucatu multidimensional composite pain scale for assessing postoperative pain in cats. BMC Vet Res 2013;9:143. · Reid J, Scott EM, Calvo G, Nolan AM. Definitive Glasgow acute pain scale for cats: validation and intervention level. Vet Rec 2017;180:449. All referenced in the 2022 AAHA Pain Management Guidelines.

Built by Dr Duncan Houston · a clinical tool from ASK A VET™

This calculator is a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for veterinary judgement. Pain scoring should be combined with full physical assessment, patient history and knowledge of the individual animal's baseline behaviour.