A thermal analgesiometric device was developed for unrestrained cats. Heat was provided by an electrical element potted together with a temperature sensor in thermally conductive epoxy in a 5 gm probe. This was attached to an elasticated band round the cat's thorax with an inflated bladder maintaining constant pressure between probe and skin. A safety cut-off was set at 60 degrees C. End point was a skin flick, turning, or jumping. Threshold temperatures in untreated cats were around 40 degrees C and repeatable to 4 degrees C with 5, 10 or 15 minutes between tests. Threshold temperature was stable in tests at 15 minutes intervals without false positives or negatives. Tests repeated at weekly intervals were repeatable to within 4 degrees C. Treatment with the opioid analgesic pethidine increased the threshold temperatures 10.2 (6.7) degrees C 45 minutes after treatment. The device was well tolerated for at least 24 hours and the analgesic effect of an opioid was detected. The system appears suitable for use in investigations into analgesic pharmacology in cats. Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.