A new application has been developed to measure pain in cats

(Montreal) A new app developed by Montreal researchers will help cat owners determine if their pet is in pain.

Unlike dogs who will vocalize and even try to communicate with their owners if they are in pain, acute pain in cats can be harder to detect and may go unnoticed for longer, says one of the app’s developers. , Doctor Paulo Steagall.

“Pain is actually quite difficult to recognize in cats due to their unique behavior, even by animal health professionals,” said Dr. Steagall, who is a professor of anesthesia and pain management at the College of veterinary medicine from the University of Montreal. It is a big daily challenge. »

Cats, true to their reputation, may be more independent and aloof than dogs if they are in pain, which may delay the detection of a problem. Changes in the animal’s behavior, such as changes in attitude or posture, can put the flea in the ear of the owner, explained Dr. Steagall.

The application uses a pain scale (the “Feline Grimace Scale”) developed at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Montreal to help the owner determine if his animal is feeling pain.

All he has to do is observe his cat from a distance when he is awake and quiet, and note five criteria: the position of the ears, the opening of the eyes, the tension of the muzzle, the position of the whiskers and that of the head. Depending on the answers provided, the application may suggest contacting the veterinarian.

As for veterinarians, since the tool reveals to them the degree of pain felt by the cat, it allows them in particular to determine whether they should administer an analgesic.

“The app has been validated to assess acute pain, not chronic pain,” said Dr. Steagall, whom The Canadian Press joined in Hong Kong where he will teach at City University for the next year. It is also an ethical question to ensure that the animals are not suffering. »

The application also allows the owner to take a photo of his animal to send to his veterinarian. The photo can also be sent to the research group at the University of Montreal to contribute to the development of feline well-being, said Dr. Steagall.

The Feline Grimace Scale application was developed thanks to grants from the Zoetis company and with the collaboration of the Quebec company Vertisoft. It is available for free on Android and iOS platforms, in French, English and Spanish.