11/10/2025
Cats are masters at hiding pain, but their faces tell the truth! 😿
Your cat won’t cry or meow when they’re in pain, they’ll hide it.
But if you know what to look for, their face reveals everything.
🐾 The Feline Grimace Scale, developed by researchers at the University of Montreal, helps you recognize pain through 5 subtle signs:
👂 Ears turned outward or flat
👁️ Eyes squinting or half-closed
🐽 Tight muzzle
🐱 Whiskers straight and forward
🫶 Head lowered or tucked near the chest
Each is scored from 0–2:
0 = Relaxed & comfy 😺
1 = Slight tension 😿 may be uncomfortable
2 = Obvious tension 😾 likely in pain
If the total score is 4 or more, reach out to your vet.
Pain could be caused by dental issues, arthritis, or illness, and early care makes all the difference.
💡 Tip: Take photos or short videos of your cat when you notice something off. They help your vet assess what’s happening.
Your cat can’t tell you they’re hurting,
but you can learn to see it, and help them feel better. ❤️