Veterinarian’s Guide to Arthritis in Cats: Signs, Treatments & At-Home Help for Senior Cats

Written by Alessandro Didiano (doctor in veterinary medicine, MRCVS)

Disclaimer: This article is personally written by me, a licensed veterinarian with several years of clinical experience. It’s for general information only and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a vet for health concerns or emergencies.

"How is she doing”? I asked, as I routinely do when I am starting a vaccination appointment.

“She is…okay, I think?”, replied the lady,  owner of Cleopatra, a beautiful 11 year-old Bengal.

“You don’t sound too convinced”, I noticed.

“She stopped doing all the things she loved, she just eats and sleeps, she stopped jumping around and playing, could she be depressed, doctor?”

I started my physical examination, and immediately noticed that Cleopatra’s hips were incredibly stiff.

“I can't say for sure without x-rays, but I really think Cleopatra has got arthritis”, I said. 

The lady gasped, saying "What? Arthritis? I thought she was just getting too old or depressed". Then she looked down at Cleopatra, who was now purring  on the exam table. Then she turned to me with a sigh and said, “That’s okay, doctor. Whatever you give to make her better, please give it to me too; my joints are starting to sound like a bag of popcorn!"

It’s very easy to miss the signs of arthritis in cats, because they don’t usually limp or cry when something hurts. Instead, they quietly adapt, by sleeping more, jumping less,  stopping self-grooming, and avoiding jumping or going up and down the stairs. As a vet, I see way too often pet parents being surprised to learn their cat’s slowing down wasn’t just "getting older," but actually joint pain.

Arthritis is way more common in cats than most owners realize. Studies suggest over 60% of cats over six years old show signs of it,  and this number only increases with age.

However, please don’t worry: there’s a lot you can do to help your cat feel more comfortable. 

In this article, I’ll discuss what to watch for, what you can use to relieve your cat’s discomfort, and what I recommend to my own clients in the clinic.

 

What is Arthritis in Cats?

Arthritis is a chronic condition where the cushioning cartilage in the joints gradually wears down. This causes inflammation, stiffness, and pain (which can range from minimal to moderate or severe). In cats the hips, knees, and spine tend to be most affected.

Arthritis can develop after an old injury, but in most cases it’s "just" a natural consequence of aging and wear-and-tear. Overweight cats are at higher risk.

 

How to Spot the Signs of Arthritis in Cats

As I mentioned, arthritis in cats tends to come on very gradually and quietly.

There are some typical signs which I recommend my clients to watch for:

- Hesitation or difficulty jumping on furniture

- Less playfulness or general movement around the house

- Avoiding stairs or taking them very slowly

- Changes in grooming, especially around sore hips or back legs

- Irritability when touched on sore areas

- Issues with the littler box, for example urinating outside of it, especially if it has high sides

- Sleeping in new or unusual spots (often these tend to be lower than the usual ones)

If you do see one or more of these symptoms, especially in a cat over the age of 7, it’s definitely worth bringing up with your veterinarian.

 

Diagnosing Arthritis in Cats

In-clinic, I always start with a thorough physical exam. I look for reduced range of motion (when a joint can't move as far or as easily as it normally would), joint stiffness, pain responses, and muscle loss around affected areas. Sometimes, if in doubt, we also use X-rays to confirm arthritis and rule out other causes of mobility changes.

In most cases, diagnosis is based just as much on your observations at home as what we see in the clinic.

 

How We Treat Arthritis in Cats (What I Recommend as a Vet)

Unfortunately, you can’t cure arthritis, but please don't worry: you can definitely improve your cat’s quality of life. Let's discuss each possible treatment.

1. Joint Supplements

Joint supplements are a great first step, especially when the arthritis is at an early stage. We usually recommend options that contain glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3s. They usually work by supporting the joint structure and reducing inflammation. Please be aware that results can take 4–6 weeks to be visible.

My Pick: Yumove for Cats This is a very trusted option with a solid research behind it.

 

2. Pain Relief (Prescription Only)

For moderate to severe arthritis, we often prescribe NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as meloxicam or robenacoxib). These are effective and safe for nearly all cats, but we would usually recommend regular blood tests (once or twice per year) to make sure they are not affecting your cat's internal organs.

Another great option, relatively new on the market, is a monthly injection called Solensia. This, in simple words, works by targeting blocking a protein that is involved in the pain sensation and inflammatory process in the joint. It can be costly, but it is very efficient and safe, although some rare side effects (especially skin problems) have been reported.

Very important: never give your cat human painkillers. Medications like ibuprofen or paracetamol can be extremely dangerous and even be lethal.

 

3. Managing Weight

As previously discussed, overweight cats are more at risk, for the very simple reason that extra weight adds pressure to already sore joints. In fact, in overweight cats, this is often the first thing we work on: we try to get some weight down. Pet owners are often surprised at how just getting a cat to a healthy weight can dramatically improve mobility.

Helpful Tool: if your cat is overweight, consider starting a low-calorie diet, such as Hills's metabolic. 

 

4. Home Adjustments That Help

Cats with arthritis often benefit from simple changes at home, for example ramps or stairs to help them reach beds or favorite furniture,  low-entry litter boxes that don’t require jumping, and soft orthopedic bedding.

Recommended: Orthopedic Cat Bed 
Also Try: Pet Stairs with Anti-Slip Surface

When to See Your Vet

Every cat is different, and arthritis looks a little different in each one. One cat will show an obvious reluctance to jump, while another might still be very happy to jump but will stop self-grooming. 

If you noticed that your cat is moving less, showing the signs of pain we discussed, or just seems “off,” your vet is, as usual, the best starting point. With a simple physical examination, we can rule out other conditions and ensure that your cat’s pain is being managed safely.

My Final Thoughts: Your Cat Can Still Have a Happy, Comfortable Life

As a clinical veterinarian, I’ve worked with hundreds of arthritic cats. With the right support and treatment, most of them can live full and happy lives , just with a few adjustments and, why not, some extra TLC.

Your cat may not complain, but you have to notice the small things. Trust your instincts, and if in doubt, reach out to your vet.

 

 

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