Arthritis in cats

Arthritis explained 

Arthritis (osteoarthritis - or OA, also called degenerative joint disease) is a very common condition in cats. It occurs when the joint surfaces become uneven, leading to the bones in the joint rubbing together, causing pain and inflammation. It’s much more common (and severe) in older cats, and the shoulders, hips, elbows, knees, spine and ankles are the most commonly affected joints.  

What are the signs of arthritis in cats? 

Cats are masters of hiding discomfort and pain, so often won’t show the obvious signs you might expect. They restrict their activity to stop them having to use their sore joints, meaning they don’t tend to show the same signs of arthritis as other animals.  

The main signs of arthritis in cats are: 

Becoming less mobile 

• Reluctance, hesitance or refusal to jump up or down 

• Jumping up or down less often 

• Struggling or being slow to go up or down stairs 

• Stiffness in the legs, especially after sleeping or resting; sometimes there may be obvious lameness (limping) 

• Difficulty using the litter tray (and accidents outside the tray) 

• Difficulty going through the cat flap 

Becoming less active 

• More time spent resting or sleeping 

• Not hunting or exploring outdoors as often 

• Sleeping in different, easy-to-access places 

• Less interaction and playing with people or other animals 

• Resting in stiff positions rather than usual curled up relaxed way 

Change in grooming 

• Less time spent grooming 

• Matted and scruffy coat 

• Sometimes overgrooming in areas where their joints are painful  

• Overgrown claws due to lack of activity and reduced sharpening (may curl into the pad and cause more pain) 

Change in temperament 

• More irritable or grumpy when handled or stroked 

• More irritable or grumpy when in contact with other animals 

• Spending more time alone 

• Avoiding interaction with people and/or animals 

What causes arthritis in cats?  

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complicated type of arthritis where the normal cartilage that cushions the joint is worn away, resulting in inflammation and pain. OA can be primary (without an obvious underlying cause, where the disease may be due to mechanical ‘wear and tear’ in the joints) or secondary to a joint injury or abnormality.  

Some factors may increase the risk of arthritis in cats: 

• Genetics – certain breeds have an increased risk due to various underlying joint problems. For example: 

• Hip dysplasia (abnormal development of the hip joints), seen more commonly in Maine Coon cats, but also in Persians, Siamese and other breeds 

• Patellar luxation (dislocation of the kneecap) which is seen more commonly in Abyssinian and Devon Rex cats 

• Scottish Folds are prone to severe arthritis affecting multiple joints due to an abnormality of cartilage that occurs in the breed 

• Injury or trauma – for example, fractures, dislocations and other joint injuries, which can lead to secondary osteoarthritis 

• Obesity – there’s no evidence that this causes arthritis, but it’s likely to make an existing condition worse due to the extra weight (and therefore pressure) on the joints 

• Acromegaly – an unusual condition of older cats where a tumour in the pituitary gland (a small gland at the base of the brain) produces too much growth hormone. Affected cats usually develop diabetes mellitus, but some also develop secondary arthritis in their joints 

How your vet will diagnose arthritis 

Your vet will diagnose arthritis based on examination and the history of the signs shown by your cat at home. When they examine your cat, they may find your cat is in pain and discomfort or may be able to feel that the joints are swollen. Your vet may also take x-rays to confirm a diagnosis.  

If your cat is showing changes listed above, try to video the cat (eg, going up stairs, jumping down from a chair) to show your vet, as cats may not show many signs in the veterinary clinic. 

Although further tests (such as blood and urine tests) aren’t usually needed to diagnose arthritis, your vet may suggest these to rule out other problems or before starting certain medications (for example, before starting non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] to reduce inflammation and pain). 

Often the response to treatment is useful, and your veterinary team may ask you to complete a questionnaire about your cat’s mobility before and after starting treatment to monitor the effect. 

How is arthritis in cats treated? 

Medication

Medication can be very effective at controlling the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis, but should only be used under the direct supervision of your vet, as any drug can have side effects. 

The most commonly used drugs for managing arthritic pain are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Several different NSAIDs are licensed for use in cats in different countries. To minimise the risk of side effects, your vet will make sure that the lowest effective dose is being used for your cat. Cats on NSAIDs benefit from drinking well – read our advice on increasing water intake. 

Other medications are available such as frunevetmab which is a monthly injection. Discuss the best options for your cat with your veterinary team.  

Acupuncture

Acupuncture may be useful as part of an arthritis management plan for your cat – your veterinary team will guide you on whether this may help your cat. It should only be performed by a specially trained vet. 

Ongoing care

Making changes at home  

Making small changes around your home can make life easier for your arthritic cat: 

• Use soft, comfortable beds placed in easy-to-access, quiet, draft-free places – using ‘igloo beds’ can make an older cat feel warm and secure 

• Provide a series of ‘steps’ or a ramp to help cats access high-up places (eg, the sofa, a windowsill, the cat flap etc) 

• Make sure the cat flap is very easy to open, and if necessary, tie it open so your cat doesn’t need to push through 

• Always have a litter tray inside and make sure it has at least one low side for easy access 

• Use soft, sandy litter that is comfortable to stand on 

• Make sure food and water are easy to reach, at floor level or with steps up to higher levels. Your cat may also benefit from raised food and water bowls, so they don’t have to bend down 

• Make sure your cat doesn’t have to go up or down stairs to access food, water, or litter trays 

• Spend time grooming and cleaning your cat as they may struggle to do this for themselves 

• Trim claws when necessary to prevent them from overgrowing 

• Place mats around the home to make slippery floors easier to navigate 

Download our Cat Caregiver Guide to Home Modifications resource for more details.

Diet and dietary supplements 

It’s important to keep your cat at their ideal weight, as obesity places extra strain on sore joints. If your cat is overweight, speak to your veterinary team for advice. 

Dietary supplements and special diets are available for cats with arthritis. They usually contain combinations of essential fatty acids (EFAs) that are designed to reduce inflammation and glycosaminoglycans (such as glucosamine and chondroitin) that are the ‘building blocks’ of joint cartilage and are designed to improve cartilage quality. Speak to your veterinary team for advice on whether a special diet or supplements will benefit your cat.