Question 1

Can I trust the FGS© for acute pain assessment? Does it always get it right?

Accepted Answer

The FGS© has gone through robust scientific validation used for the most important medical health measurement scales. It has excellent discriminatory ability. However, like any other instrument, it has limitations based on the observer experience and the effects of drugs.

Question 2

Is the FGS© used to evaluate any type of pain?

Accepted Answer

No. The FGS© has been developed and validated for acute pain assessment. If your cat has a chronic condition, the FGS© is not reliable and should not be used.

Question 3

The FGS© is made for evaluation of acute pain. What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

Acute pain refers to pain that usually has a function of a ‘warning/alarm signal’. In some cases, acute pain can be associated with serious conditions and a veterinarian should be consulted. Examples include pain after trauma or surgery, pain related with constipation, urinary obstruction, pancreatitis and/or a wound or abscess.

Question 4

I suspect my cat has osteoarthritis, should I use the FGS©?

Accepted Answer

No. The FGS© should not be used for evaluation of chronic pain such as osteoarthritis.

Question 5

What are other clinicals signs of pain in cats, in addition to changes in facial expression?

Accepted Answer

Cats with acute pain can be quiet and/or depressed and less interested in interacting with the owners or other animals. There are changes in posture, activity and comfort states. They might also have decreased appetite.

Question 6

Can I score my cat while he/she is sleeping?

Accepted Answer

No. Do not disturb the cat and wait until he/she is awake for FGS© scoring. Make sure the cat is truly sleeping (e.g. in a curled-up position) and not showing signs of ‘feign sleep’ due to pain.

Question 7

Can I score my cat while he/she is grooming, eating or playing?

Accepted Answer

No. Wait until these activities are finished before FGS© scoring.

Question 8

My cat scored 3/10, but I still suspect he/she could be painful

Accepted Answer

Reassess the cat in 15-20 minutes. Contact your veterinarian if you need any advice related to your cat’s health. Do not give any medication to your cat as some human pain killers may kill your cat or induce serious adverse effects.

Question 9

My scores are always higher than the scores from my partner. What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

It is normal for different evaluators to have differences of 1or 2 points on the total FGS© score. If your scores are consistently equal or higher than 4 and you are concerned about your cat, please contact your veterinarian.

Question 10

Are there automated means to see if my cat is painful using the FGS©? For example, can I take a picture of my cat and automatically know the if he/she is painful?

Accepted Answer

Not yet. Some companies are advertising the use of the Feline Grimace Scale© for automated assessment of cats’ emotions. However, the FGS© was scientifically validated for acute pain assessment and does not evaluate other emotions (e.g. happiness or sadness). Our laboratory does not have any relationship with these companies. We are currently working on an AI-powered FGS© that will be made available soon.

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