Cat Grimace Scale
A simple web tool for comparing your cat's facial expression against the five features used in the Feline Grimace Scale.
Compare, don't guess.
You don't need to decide what "slightly squinted" looks like from memory. Each step gives you a visual reference to compare with your cat.
Upload a clear photo
Use a well-lit image where your cat's face, ears and eyes are easy to see.
Compare each feature
Your photo stays visible while you compare it with normal, mild and marked reference examples.
Review your result
See the five individual scores and your overall assessment in one clear summary.
What you'll compare
The Feline Grimace Scale uses five facial action units. We turn each one into a simple visual comparison step.
Ear position
Compare the position and rotation of the ears.
Orbital tightening
Compare how open or narrowed the eyes appear.
Muzzle tension
Compare the shape and visible tension around the muzzle.
Whiskers
Compare the direction and position of the whiskers.
Head position
Compare the head position relative to the shoulders.
Use this as a guided assessment aid. If you are worried that your cat may be in pain or unwell, contact a veterinarian.
Automatic assessment is coming later.
The MVP is intentionally manual and browser-only. If the site gets traction, automatic image analysis can be added without changing the core workflow.
Common questions
What is the Cat Grimace Scale?
The Feline Grimace Scale is an established facial-action-unit approach used to assess signs associated with acute pain in cats.
Do I need an account?
No. The MVP is designed to work without an account and keeps the uploaded photo in your browser.
Why do I need reference examples?
Because the goal is to compare your cat with defined visual states rather than asking you to judge a feature from a vague description alone.
Is the result a diagnosis?
No. It is an educational assessment and should not replace veterinary examination or advice.
We use the five facial action units and scoring structure described in the published literature. Reference photos used for comparison will be sourced and licensed for this site before public launch.