Why Cat Arthritis Is So Often Missed
Arthritis is one of the most underdiagnosed conditions in cats, and the primary reason is that cats are exceptional at concealing pain. Whilst a dog with sore joints might limp obviously or vocalise, a cat with arthritis typically responds by doing less — moving less, jumping lower, grooming less thoroughly, and interacting less with their environment. These changes are subtle and often interpreted by owners as normal signs of ageing rather than evidence of manageable pain.
The scale of the problem is striking. Studies using radiographic (X-ray) imaging have found evidence of degenerative joint changes in approximately 90% of cats over the age of ten. Despite this, arthritis in cats is diagnosed far less frequently than the actual prevalence suggests. Changing this requires owners and vets to look for different signs than those seen in dogs.
Subtle Signs of Arthritis in Cats
Because cats rarely limp visibly or cry out from joint pain, owners need to observe their cat's behaviour and habits over time to spot changes. The following are the most reliable indicators of arthritis in cats:
- Reduced jumping height — a cat who previously leapt to the top of a wardrobe may now only manage the sofa, or may hesitate before attempting a jump they once made without thought
- Reluctance to jump up or down, sometimes accompanied by a small hesitation or choosing an alternative lower route
- Sleeping more than usual, or sleeping in different, more accessible locations
- Reduced grooming, particularly in hard-to-reach areas such as the base of the tail, the hindquarters, and the lower back — this may cause a matted or scruffy appearance
- Over-grooming or licking specific joints, particularly the elbows or hips
- Grumpiness or uncharacteristic aggression when touched, particularly around the back and hips
- Missing the litter tray — a cat with painful joints may find it difficult to climb into a high-sided tray and may begin toileting outside it
- Changes in gait on close observation — a subtle stiffness or shortening of the stride, particularly after rest
If you notice any of these changes in your cat, raise them at your next veterinary appointment. Do not dismiss them as inevitable consequences of age — they deserve investigation.
How Cat Arthritis Differs from Dog Arthritis
In dogs, arthritis typically presents more overtly — limping, vocalisation, reluctance to rise, and obvious stiffness are common. In cats, the presentation is almost entirely behavioural and observational. Cats rarely limp from arthritis unless the disease is very severe, making the condition far easier to overlook.
Diagnosis in cats is also more challenging. Cats are notoriously difficult to assess for pain in a clinical setting — many tense up and become stoic during examination, masking signs that might be apparent at home. Veterinary pain assessment tools such as the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index (FMPI) and owner questionnaires about daily activities can help capture a more accurate picture.
Diagnosis and Veterinary Assessment
Your vet will use a combination of physical examination, a careful history of behavioural changes at home, and radiographs to assess whether arthritis is present and which joints are affected. Blood tests are often performed to rule out other conditions and to assess overall health before initiating long-term treatment. A good description of your cat's behaviour at home — what they can and cannot do compared to a year ago — is one of the most valuable pieces of information you can provide.
Treatment: WSAVA and IVAPM Feline Pain Guidelines
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) and the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) both highlight the importance of multimodal pain management in cats with arthritis. Because cats metabolise many drugs differently from dogs and humans, treatment options require careful selection and monitoring.
Meloxicam and NSAIDs in Cats
Meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is the most commonly used NSAID in cats with arthritis in Europe and is licenced for long-term use in cats in many countries. It is effective at reducing pain and inflammation, but long-term use requires regular veterinary monitoring of kidney function and liver health. Cats with pre-existing kidney disease require particularly careful management. Never give dogs' or human NSAIDs to cats — many are toxic and potentially fatal.
Solensia: A New Monoclonal Antibody for Cats
A significant advance in feline arthritis treatment is the development of Solensia (frunevetmab), a monthly injectable monoclonal antibody that targets nerve growth factor (NGF), a key driver of arthritis pain. Solensia is species-specific — designed for the feline immune system — and is given as a once-monthly injection at the veterinary practice. Clinical studies have demonstrated clear improvements in owner-assessed activity levels and pain indicators. It is particularly valuable for cats who cannot tolerate NSAIDs due to kidney disease or other health issues.
Joint Supplements in Cats
The evidence base for joint supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin in cats is limited compared to dogs, and the research to date has produced mixed results. However, products formulated specifically for cats are generally safe and well tolerated. Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) have somewhat better evidence for reducing inflammation. Joint supplements are best viewed as a supportive addition to a broader management plan rather than a primary treatment.
Weight Management
Excess body weight increases mechanical stress on arthritic joints and contributes to systemic inflammation. Even modest weight loss in an overweight arthritic cat can produce meaningful improvements in mobility and comfort. Your vet can recommend a safe, gradual weight loss programme — crash diets in cats can trigger hepatic lipidosis and must be avoided.
Adapting Your Home for an Arthritic Cat
Thoughtful home adaptations can make a significant difference to an arthritic cat's daily comfort and independence.
- Replace high-sided litter trays with low-entry alternatives, or cut a lower entrance into an existing tray, to allow easier access for stiff cats
- Provide ramps or steps to help your cat reach favourite sleeping spots, window perches, or other elevated surfaces they value
- Offer warm, well-padded beds in accessible locations — memory foam beds or self-warming beds are particularly good for painful joints. Zooplus offers a range of suitable options.
- Position food, water, and litter trays on the same level to avoid unnecessary stair climbing
- Raise food and water bowls slightly if your cat has neck or shoulder involvement, to reduce the need to bend down
- Help with grooming in areas your cat can no longer reach comfortably — gentle brushing of the lower back and hindquarters prevents matting and skin problems
When to Seek Veterinary Advice
If you have noticed any of the subtle signs described above, or if your cat seems less active, less agile, or less comfortable than they used to be, book a veterinary appointment. Arthritis pain in cats is real, common, and genuinely manageable with modern treatments. Catching it early and implementing a tailored management plan gives your cat the best possible quality of life in their later years.