09/04/2026
😾 Grumpy… or hurting? Your cat’s face may be telling you more than you think.
Cats are masters at hiding pain. In fact, the signs can be so subtle that discomfort may go unnoticed until you know exactly what to look for.
That’s where the Feline Grimace Scale (FGS) comes in. 🐱🔎
Developed by veterinary researchers, the FGS looks at five facial features that can change when a cat is experiencing pain:
👂 Ears: Flattened or rotated outward
👀 Eyes: Squinting or partially closed
🐱 Muzzle: Tense or elongated rather than round and relaxed
〰️ Whiskers: Stiff, straight, or pushed forward
⬇️ Head: Held low or tucked toward the body
Each feature is scored from 0–2, for a total possible score of 10. A score of 4 or higher may indicate that pain relief should be considered, making it a useful tool for veterinary teams—and a great way for cat parents to become more aware of subtle changes at home.
Of course, the Grimace Scale isn’t meant to replace a veterinary exam. But learning your cat’s normal expressions can make it easier to recognize when something seems off. ❤️
September is Pet Pain Awareness Month, so take an extra moment to study that mysterious little face staring back at you. Sometimes “resting cat face” really is just resting cat face…but sometimes, it’s worth a closer look. 🐾
Concerned your cat may be in pain? Call (512) 258-2024 to schedule an appointment.