Arthritis in Cats: Hidden Signs, Treatment and Making Life Easier

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Cats are masters of hiding pain. An arthritic cat rarely limps or cries. Instead, it may quietly stop jumping onto the sofa, or begin to pee beside the litter box. Because owners often put these changes down to old age, arthritis in cats is widely underdiagnosed. Spotting it can change your cat's quality of life.

What is arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the gradual breakdown of the cartilage that cushions joints. As cartilage wears, bones rub, causing inflammation, pain and stiffness. In cats it commonly affects the hips, elbows, knees, shoulders and spine. It is often secondary to age, past injury, obesity or joint abnormalities, such as hip dysplasia.

Studies of X-rays show that a large share of cats over about ten years old have joint changes, although many show few obvious signs.

Signs of arthritis in cats

Watch for subtle changes:

• Jumping less, or hesitating before jumping up or down
• Using the stairs more slowly
• Reluctance to climb the cat tree or reach favorite perches
• Stiffness after resting
• Sleeping more or hiding
• Peeing or pooping outside the litter box, because climbing in hurts. See why is my cat peeing outside the litter box.
• Reduced grooming, with a matted or greasy coat, especially on the back. See how to remove mats from cat fur.
• Overgrown nails, since the cat scratches less
• Irritability or avoiding handling
• Less play

See signs of pain in cats for more.

Diagnosis

Your vet will:

• Take a history and watch how your cat moves
• Gently flex and feel the joints
• Take X-rays, which show changes
• Run blood and urine tests to check kidney, thyroid and other health, since these affect which drugs are safe

Bring video of your cat at home. Cats often act differently in the clinic. Many vets use questionnaires about mobility.

Treatment

There is no cure, but good management can make a big difference.

Pain relief. Your vet may prescribe:

• Anti-NGF antibody injections, approved for feline osteoarthritis pain
• Low-dose NSAIDs, chosen carefully, especially in cats with kidney issues
• Other pain relievers, such as gabapentin

Never give human medicines. Ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen can be deadly to cats. See cat poisoning what to do.

Weight management. Extra weight loads the joints. See how to help an overweight cat lose weight.

Joint diets and supplements. Some diets contain omega-3 fatty acids and joint-supporting ingredients. Ask your vet before using supplements. See are vitamins and supplements necessary for cats.

Other therapies. Physiotherapy, laser therapy and acupuncture may help some cats.

Home changes that help

• Ramps and steps to beds, sofas and favorite windows.
• Low-entry litter boxes, with one side cut low. See how to choose cat litter and where to put the litter box.
• Soft, warm beds, at floor level and in sunny spots.
• Food and water at easy heights, on each floor.
• Gentle grooming. Brush softly and help with hard-to-reach areas. See how to brush a cat.
• Nail trims. See how to trim cat nails.
• Non-slip surfaces, such as rugs on slippery floors.
• Gentle play, with low-impact toys. See indoor cat enrichment ideas.
• A low-sided cat tree with wide steps. See how to choose a cat tree.

Other causes of stiffness

Not all mobility problems are arthritis. Pain from injuries, infections, cancers and nerve problems can look similar. Cats with diabetes, thyroid disease or heart disease may be weak. See diabetes in cats and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats. A sudden loss of use of the back legs is an emergency. See the emergency warning signs guide.

Tracking mobility

Take a short video of your cat jumping or climbing stairs every month. Compare over time, and share the clips with your vet. Subtle changes, like a slower approach or a lower jump, are easy to miss from day to day. Use a simple chart to note which activities your cat avoids.

Living with an arthritic cat

Keep routines predictable, and stay patient. Gentle massage, warm beds and soft talking help. Do not lift your cat awkwardly, since touching sore joints hurts. See how to pick up and hold a cat for safe handling.

When to see a vet

Book a checkup if your cat jumps less, hides or changes litter habits. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic, and see senior cat care guide and cat vet visit costs.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every cat is different. If your cat is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.