The Cat Grimace Scale: A Step-by-Step Guide to Spotting Pain at Home
A simple, vet-developed way to read your cat’s face for hidden pain — and know when it’s time to call the vet.
If your cat suddenly seems “off” but isn’t limping or crying, their face may already be telling you something. The Cat Grimace Scale — formally called the Feline Grimace Scale (FGS) — is a validated tool developed by veterinary researchers that scores pain by looking at five facial features. You don’t need special training to start using it. Here’s exactly how it works and how to check your own cat today.
What Is the Cat Grimace Scale?
The Feline Grimace Scale was developed by researchers at the Université de Montréal, led by veterinary anesthesia specialist Dr. Paulo Steagall, and published in the journal Scientific Reports. It gives cat owners and veterinarians a consistent way to score acute pain by observing five facial “action units,” instead of relying on guesswork.
A follow-up study found that cat guardians using the FGS training materials scored four of the five facial features about as consistently as veterinarians did — muzzle tension was the one feature people found slightly harder to judge. That’s encouraging news: this tool was built for clinics, but it’s genuinely useful for pet parents at home too.
The 5 Facial Action Units It Measures
- Ear position — forward and relaxed, or pulled apart and rotated outward
- Orbital tightening — how open or squinted the eyes are
- Muzzle tension — a round, relaxed muzzle versus a tight, elliptical shape
- Whisker change — loose and curved, or straight and pushed forward
- Head position — held above the shoulder line, or lowered/tucked down
For a deeper look at everyday feline body language beyond the face, see our guide to cat body language and mood cues.
Why Cats Hide Pain So Well
In the wild, an animal that looks weak or injured becomes a target. That survival instinct hasn’t disappeared just because your cat sleeps on the couch — vet-behavior sources note cats have a strong drive to mask discomfort, which is exactly why owners often miss pain until it’s more advanced.
Signs Pain Isn’t Just on the Face
The Grimace Scale focuses on facial cues, but pain usually shows up in other ways too. Watch for:
- Hiding more than usual or avoiding social interaction
- Reduced appetite or reluctance to jump onto favorite spots
- Less grooming (or, in some cats, obsessive grooming of one area)
- New aggression, hissing, or growling when touched
- Restlessness — repeatedly lying down and getting back up
Our home checklist for signs your cat is sick covers these behavioral changes in more detail.
How to Use the Cat Grimace Scale at Home (Step-by-Step)
- Pick a calm moment. Observe your cat when they’re awake but not eating, grooming, or mid-play — those activities naturally change facial expressions.
- Get level with their face from a comfortable distance, without forcing eye contact or restraining them.
- Score each of the 5 action units from 0 to 2 using the table below.
- Add up the total score out of a possible 10.
- Track it over a few days. Take a quick photo each time — this creates a simple record you can show your veterinarian if something seems off.
| Action Unit | Score 0 | Score 1 | Score 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ears | Facing forward | Slightly pulled apart | Flattened, rotated out |
| Eyes (orbital) | Open | Partially open | Squinted |
| Muzzle | Relaxed, round | Mildly tense | Tense, elliptical |
| Whiskers | Loose, curved | Slightly curved/straight | Straight, forward |
| Head | Above shoulder line | Aligned with shoulders | Below shoulder line/tilted |
If you’d like a printable version to keep by the litter box or feeding station, see our printable cat pain tracking chart.
When to Call Your Veterinarian
Reach out to your vet promptly if you notice a persistently high Grimace Scale score, a sudden change in your cat’s face or posture, or facial signs combined with appetite loss, limping, hiding, or litter box changes. Cats can hide serious conditions — including dental disease, arthritis, or internal pain — for a surprisingly long time, so it’s always better to have a professional take a look than to wait and see.
Want help finding a vet or preparing for an appointment? Check out our guide to choosing the right veterinarian for your cat and our checklist of what to bring to a cat vet visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a normal Cat Grimace Scale score?
Lower scores, closer to 0, generally reflect a relaxed, pain-free face. Research on the scale associates a total score of 4 or above (out of 10) with a higher likelihood of pain. It’s meant as a screening guide, and your veterinarian should confirm any concerns with a full exam.
Can I use the Cat Grimace Scale on kittens or senior cats?
The scale was developed and validated using adult cats, so it may be less reliable in very young kittens or cats with facial conditions (like chronic squinting from an eye issue) that mimic pain cues. It’s still a useful starting point for any age, but always pair it with your vet’s assessment.
Is the Cat Grimace Scale actually accurate when used by pet owners, not just vets?
A study testing the scale with over 1,000 cat guardians found that, after reviewing the training materials, owners scored four of the five facial features about as consistently as veterinarians did. Muzzle tension was somewhat harder for non-professionals to judge accurately.
My cat scored high, but seems to be eating and playing normally. Should I worry?
Possibly still worth a check-up. Cats are known for masking pain, so a facial score suggesting discomfort alongside normal eating or play isn’t a reason to dismiss it outright. Mention what you observed to your veterinarian, ideally with photos, so they can evaluate further.
How often should I check my cat’s face for signs of pain?
There’s no fixed schedule, but it’s reasonable to do a quick check whenever your cat seems unusually withdrawn, after any injury or surgery, during recovery from an illness, or as part of a general once-a-week wellness glance for senior cats or those with known conditions like arthritis.
Does the Cat Grimace Scale tell me what’s causing my cat’s pain?
No. The scale tells you that pain may be present — not where it’s coming from or why. Only a veterinary exam, and sometimes diagnostic testing, can identify the underlying cause, whether that’s dental disease, arthritis, an injury, or something else.
Keep Learning Your Cat’s Body Language
A quick facial check can catch discomfort your cat would otherwise hide. Bookmark this guide, and explore more ways to understand your cat on The Happy Pet Hub.
Explore More Cat Health GuidesCats speak in subtle signals, and their faces are one of the clearest windows we have into how they’re really feeling. Practicing a quick Grimace Scale check every so often — especially after an injury, surgery, or as your cat ages — can help you catch discomfort early and bring useful, specific observations to your veterinarian. It’s a small habit that can make a real difference in your cat’s comfort and quality of life.
This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian with questions about your cat’s health.
- Feline Grimace Scale — Université de Montréal, felinegrimacescale.com
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), JAVMA News coverage of the Feline Grimace Scale
- VCA Animal Hospitals, “Signs of Pain in Cats”
The Cat Grimace Scale: A Step-by-Step Guide to Spotting Pain at Home
A simple, vet-developed way to read your cat’s face for hidden pain — and know when it’s time to call the vet.
If your cat suddenly seems “off” but isn’t limping or crying, their face may already be telling you something. The Cat Grimace Scale — formally called the Feline Grimace Scale (FGS) — is a validated tool developed by veterinary researchers that scores pain by looking at five facial features. You don’t need special training to start using it. Here’s exactly how it works and how to check your own cat today.
What Is the Cat Grimace Scale?
The Feline Grimace Scale was developed by researchers at the Université de Montréal, led by veterinary anesthesia specialist Dr. Paulo Steagall, and published in the journal Scientific Reports. It gives cat owners and veterinarians a consistent way to score acute pain by observing five facial “action units,” instead of relying on guesswork.
A follow-up study found that cat guardians using the FGS training materials scored four of the five facial features about as consistently as veterinarians did — muzzle tension was the one feature people found slightly harder to judge. That’s encouraging news: this tool was built for clinics, but it’s genuinely useful for pet parents at home too.
The 5 Facial Action Units It Measures
- Ear position — forward and relaxed, or pulled apart and rotated outward
- Orbital tightening — how open or squinted the eyes are
- Muzzle tension — a round, relaxed muzzle versus a tight, elliptical shape
- Whisker change — loose and curved, or straight and pushed forward
- Head position — held above the shoulder line, or lowered/tucked down
For a deeper look at everyday feline body language beyond the face, see our guide to cat body language and mood cues.
Why Cats Hide Pain So Well
In the wild, an animal that looks weak or injured becomes a target. That survival instinct hasn’t disappeared just because your cat sleeps on the couch — vet-behavior sources note cats have a strong drive to mask discomfort, which is exactly why owners often miss pain until it’s more advanced.
Signs Pain Isn’t Just on the Face
The Grimace Scale focuses on facial cues, but pain usually shows up in other ways too. Watch for:
- Hiding more than usual or avoiding social interaction
- Reduced appetite or reluctance to jump onto favorite spots
- Less grooming (or, in some cats, obsessive grooming of one area)
- New aggression, hissing, or growling when touched
- Restlessness — repeatedly lying down and getting back up
Our home checklist for signs your cat is sick covers these behavioral changes in more detail.
How to Use the Cat Grimace Scale at Home (Step-by-Step)
- Pick a calm moment. Observe your cat when they’re awake but not eating, grooming, or mid-play — those activities naturally change facial expressions.
- Get level with their face from a comfortable distance, without forcing eye contact or restraining them.
- Score each of the 5 action units from 0 to 2 using the table below.
- Add up the total score out of a possible 10.
- Track it over a few days. Take a quick photo each time — this creates a simple record you can show your veterinarian if something seems off.
| Action Unit | Score 0 | Score 1 | Score 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ears | Facing forward | Slightly pulled apart | Flattened, rotated out |
| Eyes (orbital) | Open | Partially open | Squinted |
| Muzzle | Relaxed, round | Mildly tense | Tense, elliptical |
| Whiskers | Loose, curved | Slightly curved/straight | Straight, forward |
| Head | Above shoulder line | Aligned with shoulders | Below shoulder line/tilted |
If you’d like a printable version to keep by the litter box or feeding station, see our printable cat pain tracking chart.
When to Call Your Veterinarian
Reach out to your vet promptly if you notice a persistently high Grimace Scale score, a sudden change in your cat’s face or posture, or facial signs combined with appetite loss, limping, hiding, or litter box changes. Cats can hide serious conditions — including dental disease, arthritis, or internal pain — for a surprisingly long time, so it’s always better to have a professional take a look than to wait and see.
Want help finding a vet or preparing for an appointment? Check out our guide to choosing the right veterinarian for your cat and our checklist of what to bring to a cat vet visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a normal Cat Grimace Scale score?
Lower scores, closer to 0, generally reflect a relaxed, pain-free face. Research on the scale associates a total score of 4 or above (out of 10) with a higher likelihood of pain. It’s meant as a screening guide, and your veterinarian should confirm any concerns with a full exam.
Can I use the Cat Grimace Scale on kittens or senior cats?
The scale was developed and validated using adult cats, so it may be less reliable in very young kittens or cats with facial conditions (like chronic squinting from an eye issue) that mimic pain cues. It’s still a useful starting point for any age, but always pair it with your vet’s assessment.
Is the Cat Grimace Scale actually accurate when used by pet owners, not just vets?
A study testing the scale with over 1,000 cat guardians found that, after reviewing the training materials, owners scored four of the five facial features about as consistently as veterinarians did. Muzzle tension was somewhat harder for non-professionals to judge accurately.
My cat scored high, but seems to be eating and playing normally. Should I worry?
Possibly still worth a check-up. Cats are known for masking pain, so a facial score suggesting discomfort alongside normal eating or play isn’t a reason to dismiss it outright. Mention what you observed to your veterinarian, ideally with photos, so they can evaluate further.
How often should I check my cat’s face for signs of pain?
There’s no fixed schedule, but it’s reasonable to do a quick check whenever your cat seems unusually withdrawn, after any injury or surgery, during recovery from an illness, or as part of a general once-a-week wellness glance for senior cats or those with known conditions like arthritis.
Does the Cat Grimace Scale tell me what’s causing my cat’s pain?
No. The scale tells you that pain may be present — not where it’s coming from or why. Only a veterinary exam, and sometimes diagnostic testing, can identify the underlying cause, whether that’s dental disease, arthritis, an injury, or something else.
Keep Learning Your Cat’s Body Language
A quick facial check can catch discomfort your cat would otherwise hide. Bookmark this guide, and explore more ways to understand your cat on The Happy Pet Hub.
Explore More Cat Health GuidesCats speak in subtle signals, and their faces are one of the clearest windows we have into how they’re really feeling. Practicing a quick Grimace Scale check every so often — especially after an injury, surgery, or as your cat ages — can help you catch discomfort early and bring useful, specific observations to your veterinarian. It’s a small habit that can make a real difference in your cat’s comfort and quality of life.
This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian with questions about your cat’s health.
- Feline Grimace Scale — Université de Montréal, felinegrimacescale.com
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), JAVMA News coverage of the Feline Grimace Scale
- VCA Animal Hospitals, “Signs of Pain in Cats”
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