If your cat has started sleeping more, hesitating before jumping onto the couch, or seems a little grumpier than usual, it's easy to chalk it up to "just getting older." But these small changes are often the first signs of arthritis — one of the most common and most overlooked health conditions in cats. Arthritis is extremely common in cats, and over 90% of cats over the age of 12 show signs of arthritis when X-rayed, though cats instinctually hide signs of pain, making it difficult for people to spot.
The good news: arthritis in cats can't be cured, but it can be managed well. With the right combination of veterinary treatment and home adjustments, most arthritic cats go on to live comfortable, happy lives for years. Here's what to look for, how vets diagnose and treat it, and what you can do at home to ease your cat's joint pain.
What Is Arthritis in Cats?
Arthritis — more precisely called osteoarthritis (OA) or degenerative joint disease (DJD) — happens when the cartilage cushioning a joint gradually wears down. As cartilage breaks down, the bones in the joint rub against each other, causing pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility. The elbows and hips are the most common joints affected in cats, though shoulders, hocks, knees, and even the spine can develop arthritis too.
Cats are experts at masking pain — an instinct left over from their wild ancestors, since showing weakness could make them a target for predators. That's part of why arthritis is so underdiagnosed in cats compared to dogs, even though it's arguably just as common.
Signs of Arthritis in Cats
Because cats hide pain so well, arthritis rarely looks like the obvious limping you might expect. In one study of cats with osteoarthritis, less than half actually limped, but nearly three-quarters were reluctant to jump, and two-thirds jumped shorter distances than before. Watch for these more subtle changes instead:
- Reluctance to jump or climb — hesitating before jumping onto furniture, or taking a run-up they never needed before
- Less time in favorite high spots — window sills, cat trees, or counters visited less often
- Stiffness after rest, especially first thing in the morning or after a nap
- Changes in grooming — grooming may decrease, leading to a dirty or matted coat, or a cat may overgroom a specific painful joint, sometimes causing hair loss
- Litter box avoidance — some cats avoid the litter box or eliminate outside it, possibly associating the box itself with pain
- Mood or behavior shifts — increased irritability, withdrawal, or reduced interest in play
- Weight changes — some cats lose weight due to a decreased appetite or loss of muscle mass
- General slowing down — sleeping more and moving less overall
These changes usually creep in gradually rather than appearing overnight, which makes them easy to write off as normal aging. If you notice even one or two of these signs, it's worth a vet visit.
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What Causes Feline Arthritis?
Arthritis in cats can develop for a few different reasons:
- Age-related wear and tear — the most common cause, as joint cartilage naturally thins over years of use
- Obesity — extra body weight puts continuous added stress on joints
- Old or untreated injuries — even a minor joint injury early in life can lead to arthritis later, since damaged cartilage releases enzymes that continue breaking down joint tissue
- Genetics and breed factors — some cats may simply be predisposed
In many cases, though, arthritis occurs without any single identifiable cause and is simply part of the natural aging process.
How Vets Diagnose Arthritis in Cats
Diagnosing feline arthritis takes some detective work, since cats can't tell you where it hurts and often behave normally during a stressful vet visit. A typical workup includes:
- A detailed history — your vet will ask about changes you've noticed at home, since your observations matter more than anything seen in a five-minute exam
- A physical exam — checking joints for swelling, stiffness, grating, or pain when flexed or extended
- X-rays — imaging that helps confirm arthritis by revealing joint changes, bone spurs, or cartilage loss
- Bloodwork and urinalysis — often run to rule out other conditions and check organ function before starting medication
It's worth knowing that X-rays don't always tell the whole story. In one study, nearly 80% of cats with osteoarthritis had no visible radiographic changes at all — which is why your vet will weigh your cat's behavior and history just as heavily as any imaging.
Treatment Options for Cat Arthritis
There's no cure for arthritis, so treatment focuses on reducing pain, improving mobility, and slowing disease progression. Most vets recommend a "multimodal" approach — combining several strategies rather than relying on one alone.
Pain medication. NSAIDs are generally the first treatment used to address arthritis pain, with robenacoxib (Onsior) and meloxicam among the most commonly prescribed options in cats. Gabapentin is often added for cats with chronic pain, particularly older cats or those who can't tolerate NSAIDs long-term.
Frunevetmab (Solensia). This newer option is a monthly injectable given at the vet's office. It works by lowering pain signals between arthritic joints and the central nervous system, and most cats start feeling better within two to three weeks of the first shot. Because it doesn't affect the kidneys, liver, or GI tract the way NSAIDs can, it's often considered a safer long-term option for senior cats with other health issues. Side effects are uncommon but can include vomiting, reduced appetite, or diarrhea, usually within a few days of the injection.
Joint supplements. Ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, and green-lipped mussel are commonly used to help maintain and support joint health, and many vets recommend starting them early, even before signs appear.
Diet and weight management. Weight management is one of the most important parts of treatment, since maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on the joints and can significantly improve mobility. Prescription joint-support or weight-management diets are often part of the plan.
Physical rehab and alternative therapies. Physical rehabilitation such as guided exercise, stretching, or laser therapy may help improve mobility and comfort, and some vets also offer acupuncture as a complementary option.
Surgery. In severe cases, surgical options — including joint fusion, joint replacement, or amputation — may be recommended to improve quality of life, though this is a last resort reserved for the most advanced cases.
Never give your cat human arthritis medication, including ibuprofen or acetaminophen — both are toxic to cats even in small amounts. Any treatment plan should come from your veterinarian, tailored to your cat's age, weight, and overall health.
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Home Comfort Tips for an Arthritic Cat
Alongside veterinary treatment, small changes around the house can make a real difference in how comfortable your cat feels day to day:
- Add an orthopedic bed. A soft, supportive bed reduces pressure on painful joints — look for memory foam options placed somewhere warm and draft-free.
- Make favorite spots accessible. Pet ramps or low steps let your cat reach the windowsill or bed without a painful jump.
- Switch to a low-entry litter box. A box with a lower lip is much easier for stiff joints to step into.
- Improve traction. If your flooring is slippery, placing rugs or mats can prevent your cat from skidding when getting around the house.
- Bring food and water closer to ground level so your cat doesn't have to stretch or climb to reach them.
- Keep up with weight management. Even a small amount of weight loss can meaningfully ease pressure on arthritic joints.
- Keep grooming sessions gentle. Since grooming itself can become difficult or painful, regular gentle brushing helps prevent matting.
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When to See a Vet
Any persistent change in your cat's mobility, mood, grooming, or litter box habits is worth a vet visit — especially in cats over age six, since arthritis is estimated to affect 60% of cats older than six and 90% of cats older than ten. Seek care sooner rather than later if you notice sudden lameness, visible swelling around a joint, or a sharp change in behavior, as these can also signal an injury or infection that needs prompt attention.
FAQ
Can arthritis in cats be cured? No. Once a cat has arthritis, it can't be cured — only managed, but with treatment, most cats can stay comfortable and active for years.
At what age do cats get arthritis? Arthritis can technically affect cats of any age, especially after an injury, but it becomes far more common with age. Studies estimate it affects around 60% of cats over six and 90% of cats over ten.
Can I give my cat human arthritis medication? No — never give a cat over-the-counter human pain relievers like ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen. These are toxic to cats and can cause serious, even fatal, harm. Always use medication prescribed specifically for your cat.
How do I know if my cat is in pain from arthritis? Look for the subtle signs above — reluctance to jump, stiffness after rest, changes in grooming, or litter box avoidance — rather than waiting for obvious limping, since lameness is actually one of the less commonly reported signs in cats with osteoarthritis.
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The Bottom Line
Arthritis is common, often subtle, and easy to miss — but it doesn't have to mean a lower quality of life for your cat. Pay attention to small shifts in mobility, mood, and habits, loop in your vet early, and combine medical treatment with a few thoughtful changes at home. With that kind of multimodal support, arthritic cats can keep doing what they love — perched on the windowsill, curled up in their favorite spot — for a long time to come.
