How To Use The FMPI

HOW TO USE THE FMPI

1. The following instructions should be read to owners by the operator each time the FMPI is administered:
   
   

   “This questionnaire asks you questions about your cat’s ability to do various activities. Please read the questions and carefully check or fill in the appropriate circle. If the activity does not apply, such as if you do not have stairs in your home, check or fill in this circle on the far right.”

   Owners should be encouraged to answer all questions at every evaluation, and only select ‘Not applicable’ if the question or activity truly does not apply for their cat.
   

2. Upon completion of the questionnaire, the owner should return the questionnaire to the administrator.
3. FMPI scores are calculated by assigning whole integer scores from 0 to 4 to each question 1-17. Scores are assigned with 0 representing the option on the furthest left of the scale (the least affected option) and 4 representing the option of on the furthest right of the scale (the most affected option). If ‘Not Applicable’ is checked, no score is assigned to that question. Questions 18-21 are scored so that No = 0, and Yes = 1.
4. The total FMPI score is the sum of scores across all questions. Higher totals indicate more impairment with a possible range of (0-72). Recommendations on analysis will be available once field testing is complete for version 11.

If repeat FMPI scores are acquired from an individual owner, they should not see their previous scores or responses prior to completing the questionnaire.

We welcome feedback on the FMPI. Please contact Dr. Duncan Lascelles using: Duncan_Lascelles@ncsu.edu

The Comparative Pain Research Laboratory is very grateful to Morris Animal Foundation, Novartis Animal Health, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc. and Nexvet for sponsoring the work that has led to the development and validation of the current version of the FMPI.