EXPRESS: Attitudes and practices of veterinarians regarding feline pain management in Western versus Eastern Europe.

Significant regional gaps in feline pain assessment and analgesia practices across Europe highlight the need for targeted education.

This cross-sectional survey study examined attitudes and practices of 833 European veterinarians regarding feline pain management, comparing Eastern and Western Europe. The Feline Grimace Scale was the most commonly used acute pain assessment tool (41.5%), while nearly half of respondents (48.5%) reported not using any chronic pain scoring instruments. Regional disparities were notable: limited pain assessment knowledge, non-use of NSAIDs perioperatively, and postoperative-only opioid administration were more closely associated with Eastern Europe. Conversely, self-reported good knowledge of pain management, pre- and intraoperative NSAID use, validated pain scale utilization, preoperative opioid administration, specialty diplomas, and cat-friendly practice accreditation were more associated with Western Europe. Meloxicam and robenacoxib were the most frequently used NSAIDs for chronic pain. Multiple correspondence analysis revealed meaningful clustering of practices by region. The authors conclude that continuing education initiatives, broader implementation of validated feline pain assessment tools, and improved access to analgesics are essential steps to reduce regional disparities and enhance feline welfare across Europe. These findings highlight the need for standardized pain management protocols and targeted educational outreach, particularly in Eastern Europe, to improve clinical outcomes and welfare for feline patients.

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