Green light exposure reduces central sensitization in cats with osteoarthritis-associated somatosensory impairment

In humans, chronic pain is associated with multisensory hypersensitivity, which can be modulated by sensorial exposure. Although cats experience chronic pain, their sensorial perception under this condition has never been investigated. Adult neutered healthy (n = 6) or osteoarthritic (n = 32) cats were assessed for functional alteration, central sensitization, and sensorial (olfactory and auditory) tolerance. The effects of specific light wavelengths were tested for neuromodulation via visual exposure. Hypersensitized cats displayed stronger unpleasant odor avoidance and lower sensitivity to repeated repulsive sounds. Odor avoidance correlated with delta and theta band proportions, inverse markers of endogenous inhibitory control. Functional alteration correlated with beta activity, a pain marker. After green light exposure, neuro-sensitization decreased for 80% of the less sensitized cats, and delta and theta band proportions increased further (no longer requiring inhibition), while beta and gamma band proportions decreased. Neuro-sensitization appears central in feline osteoarthritis pain, is associated with sensorial modifications, and is modulable by non-pharmacological approaches.