Signs your cat has arthritis and how to care for them

Me-owww! Did you know that arthritis (otherwise known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease) is very common in older cats, but frequently goes unnoticed?

Unfortunately, our feline friends are masters of masking symptoms of pain, tending to quietly adjust their day-to-day activities rather than showing obvious discomfort.

Here’s how you can monitor your cat for symptoms of joint pain, plus more information on potential treatment options for arthritis and practical ways to keep senior “kitizens” comfortable at home.

Understanding arthritis in cats

Arthritis is a chronic condition where there is progressive and irreversible joint deterioration, involving a loss of the cushioning cartilage at the ends of bones, changes to the underlying bones themselves, and changes to the surrounding joint capsule and associated ligaments/tendons. This leads to chronic inflammation, pain, and stiffness, and overall reduced mobility and comfort.

Arthritis in cats is commonly due to long-term “wear and tear” on joints, so is most frequently seen in older cats. In fact, almost 90% of cats over the age of 12 may show signs of arthritis on x-rays!

However, arthritis may also occur in cats of any age secondary to other issues, such as previous joint injuries, genetic/breed-related predispositions, or abnormal joint development issues. Scottish fold cats are prone to severe arthritis due to breed-related cartilage abnormalities, while Maine Coons can also have an increased risk of feline hip dysplasia.

Many cats with arthritis have multiple joints affected, with the most common ones being the lumbar spine (the lower back), the hips, elbows, ankles and stifles (knees).

Related: A guide to 10 common cat injuries

Common signs and symptoms

Unfortunately, feline arthritis is often missed, because affected cats will often just gradually adjust their activities to reduce strain on their sore joints, and these signs may be mistakenly chalked up to “natural ageing”, even by vigilant owners.

When it comes to spotting joint pain in cats, there are two main changes to monitor for at home:

Reduced mobility/activity

You may notice that your cat becomes more sedentary and/or less able to perform activities that they used to. This can potentially show up as them:

• Spending more time resting
• Playing less
• Grooming less effectively (which can manifest as an unkempt coat, more matting, or overgrown claws)
• Hesitating prior to jumping up or down, or going up or down stairs
• Toileting outside of the litter tray
• Not wanting to use their cat flap

Temperament changes

If you’ve experienced chronic pain, you’ll know that it can affect mental health too, and it’s no different for our little feline friends. Arthritic pain may manifest as your cat:

• Becoming more withdrawn
• Hiding more
• Being more irritable with other pets
• Being more irritable when handled, groomed or stroked, particularly around their lower back/hindlimbs

Occasionally, cats with arthritis may have an acute flare-up of pain (such if they land awkwardly on an arthritic joint), in which case they may limp for a while.

During routine veterinary assessments, provided your cat is sufficiently cooperative, your vet will be able to gently palpate and manipulate your cat’s joints to assess them for symptoms of pain or stiffness.

When to consult your vet

If you note any of the above symptoms in your cat, or any other unexplained changes in their activities (e.g. eating, drinking, or toileting) or general condition (such as their weight), it’s always safest to have them checked by your vet.

However, bearing in mind that cats can be annoyingly adept at hiding symptoms of unwellness and pain, it’s recommended to book your feline friend for a general health check at least every 12 months up to 10 years of age, and then at least every 6 months for 10 years old and above, even if they seem fine. This gives your vet a chance to spot some of the sneakier feline health issues, such as joint pain or dental disease.

If your cat is suspected to have arthritis, your vet may discuss options of pain relief or joint health supplement treatment trials to assess their response, or joint x-rays under sedation to confirm a diagnosis and help rule out other musculoskeletal issues. Cats who are likely to require long-term medications are also often recommended to have routine blood and urine tests to assess their organ health (particularly that of their liver and kidneys), so that your vet can recommend the safest treatment options for them.

Depending on your cat’s particular needs, treatment may involve one or several of the following options:

• Daily anti-inflammatory medication
• Daily supplements (e.g. fish oil)
• Monthly pain relief injections
• Daily nerve pain relief medication

It’s important never to medicate your cat with any substance that your vet has not prescribed for them, as certain human medications such as paracetamol can be highly toxic to cats.

How to help your cat stay comfortable

In addition to administering any prescribed treatments to your cat, you can support their mobility and quality of life at home with a few simple adjustments.

This may include measures such as:

• Using lower-sided litter trays that they can step into and out of more easily
• Setting up carpeted ramps or stairs to help them get up onto their favourite elevated hangouts (such as beds or couches)
• Ensuring they have a warm, supportive bed to curl up in (such as an igloo bed lined with a cosy blanket)
• Helping them out with grooming (e.g. regular brushing to remove loose fur and prevent matts, or nail trims) if they appear to be struggling to maintain their condition on their own.

With a little vigilance and TLC, you can help keep your senior feline friend feeling mobile, comfortable and generally a-meow-zing!

Discover more health-related articles and insights on The Dish:

• High blood pressure in cats
• A guide to lumps and bumps on cats
• Signs and symptoms of cancer in pets
• Autoimmune diseases in pets: A vet-approved guide

23 Sep 2026