Cats wearing hats may seem like a quirky internet trend, but for veterinary scientists at the University of Montreal (UdeM), it represents a groundbreaking step toward understanding and alleviating chronic pain in felines. In a world-first study, researchers have developed a non-invasive method to scan the brains of awake cats, using electrodes hidden beneath specially knitted wool caps. This innovative approach allows scientists to monitor feline brain activity without causing distress, providing valuable insights into how cats experience pain associated with osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, affects over 25% of adult cats, with prevalence increasing as they age. However, because cats instinctively mask pain—a survival trait inherited from their wild ancestors—it has been challenging to assess their discomfort accurately. Seeking a solution, researchers aimed to create a technique that would allow them to study the neurological impact of chronic pain without relying on traditional, often invasive, methods.
In past studies, electrodes were attached directly to cats, but the animals would often shake off or chew the wires, making it difficult to obtain reliable readings. To address this issue, the research team devised an unconventional yet practical solution: integrating the sensors into soft, crocheted beanies that fit snugly on the cats’ heads.
“We had the idea of the little knitted hat that would keep the electrodes in place,” explained Aude Castel, an assistant professor at UdeM’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in the Department of Clinical Sciences. The goal was to create a stress-free environment where the cats would tolerate the setup long enough for researchers to gather meaningful data.
Using electroencephalograms (EEGs), the team recorded brain activity in 11 adult cats diagnosed with osteoarthritis. To explore whether sensory stimuli could help modulate their perception of pain, the researchers exposed the cats to different colors of light and various scents, such as citrus.
“With some treats and positive reinforcement, the cats tolerated the hat very well and allowed us to record their brain activity while awake and being exposed to different types of sensory stimuli: citrus smell, different light colors,” Castel noted. The researchers hypothesized that, similar to humans, sensory stimulation could alter brain activity and potentially influence the perception of pain.
The results of the study, published in the Journal of Neuroscience Methods, confirmed that the wool cap method is both feasible and effective for conducting spectral analysis of feline brain activity. The findings suggest that sensory stimulation may play a role in pain modulation, opening doors for future research on non-pharmacological treatments for chronic pain in pets.
“This opens new avenues for investigating chronic pain mechanisms and developing novel therapeutic strategies,” the report concluded. If sensory modulation proves effective, it could lead to new ways to ease pain in pets without relying solely on medication.
Encouraged by these promising results, the researchers are now seeking funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) in collaboration with private companies. Their aim is to establish a definitive EEG signature for chronic pain in cats, which could pave the way for automated pain detection in veterinary medicine.
“We now plan to obtain NSERC funding, in partnership with private companies, to enable us to establish a genuine EEG signature for chronic pain, and many other applications that will enable us to automate chronic pain detection in the future,” said Éric Troncy, a co-leader of the study.
By revolutionizing how chronic pain is detected and understood in felines, this research could have far-reaching implications not only for domestic pets but also for veterinary science as a whole. With further advancements, this method may lead to better pain management strategies, ultimately improving the quality of life for countless cats worldwide.