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Arthritis in cats

Arthritis is common in older cats, causing painful and inflamed joints which affects mobility.

Arthritis in cats

Arthritis is common in older cats, causing painful and inflamed joints which affects mobility.

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What is arthritis in cats? 

Arthritis is a condition that causes pain and inflammation within your cat’s joints, making everyday movements more difficult. It’s extremely common in cats, especially older cats. Around 90% of cats aged over 12 years old will have some degree of arthritis detectable on x-rays.  

Unfortunately, it often goes unnoticed as owners think their cat is just slowing down with age. But arthritis is a very painful condition. 

Arthritis is an ongoing problem and cannot be cured. But often it can be managed successfully, allowing your cat to be pain-free and to lead a reasonably active life.

Ginger-and-white tabby cat walking towards the camera

Causes of arthritis in cats 

Arthritis can be caused by: 

  • general wear and tear of the joints over time. This is known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease and is the most common form of arthritis
  • previous injury such as a dislocation, bone fracture or torn ligament 
  • infection  

Although it’s more common in older cats, younger cats can develop arthritis too, particularly if they’ve had an injury in the past. Some breeds are also at increased risk of arthritis. Find out more about pedigree cats.

Signs of arthritis in cats 

Cats are very good at hiding the signs of arthritis. Unlike dogs, they’re unlikely to alert their owners to a problem by limping or becoming lame.  

The changes are often subtle and will gradually get worse with time as the joint deteriorates further. One or more joints may be affected at a time. 

The most common joints to be affected are: 

  • elbows 
  • hips 
  • shoulders 
  • knees  

How arthritis affects mobility and behaviour  

The main signs of arthritis shown in cats are: 

  • stiffness, reduced mobility and lameness. This is often displayed as your cat resting more with an unwillingness to jump or climb or more difficulty doing this
  • difficulty grooming, especially the middle of the back and tail 
  • increased stiffness immediately after resting which gets better with movement 
  • swollen, enlarged or painful joints 
  • a change in behaviour, for example: 
    • reduced interaction with, and tolerance of, people. The discomfort associated with arthritis can be a cause of aggression in cats  
    • not using the litter tray if the sides are too high for them to easily get into it 
    • reduced interest in play 
    • restless behaviour at night 
  • a worsening of these signs during cold or damp weather

Diagnosis and veterinary assessment 

Your vet will examine your cat and check how their joints move. This may include gently feeling the joints for stiffness, swelling, grating or reduced movement. Because arthritis can be difficult to detect, your vet may also: 

  • take x-rays to look for changes in the joints 
  • carry out blood tests or joint fluid analysis to rule out infections and immune-based arthritis  
  • assess how your cat responds to pain relief

Top tip

Take a video showing how your cat moves at home. Film your cat walking, playing, going up and down the stairs and jumping on and off surfaces. This will be very useful for your vet to see.

Treatment options for arthritis in cats 

While arthritis can’t be cured, there are several ways to manage your cat’s pain and keep them comfortable. 

There are several forms of pain relief medication available for cats.  

A common treatment for arthritis is a long-term anti-inflammatory medication, which can be given in liquid or tablet form. This is often very effective at reducing pain and increasing mobility. 

More recently, a monthly injection of a ‘monoclonal antibody’ has become available for cats. This reduces inflammation within the joints.  

Your cat may need blood and/or pee tests to check their health before starting, and while on, medication. There's a small chance of side effects with medications. But the benefits to your cat’s quality of life often outweigh the negatives. Speak to your vet about what they would recommend for your cat.  

Never give your cat human anti-inflammatory medication, even common ones such as ibuprofen. These can be highly toxic to cats and even fatal. 

There are some veterinary versions of supplements used by human arthritis sufferers available, including: 

  • glucosamine 
  • chondroitin sulphate 
  • green-lipped mussel extract 

These may help repair damaged cartilage and have some anti-inflammatory properties. These can be used at the same time as anti-inflammatory drugs. They have the advantage of having no known side effects, but should only be used under veterinary advice.  

There is limited scientific evidence about how effective joint supplements are in treating arthritis. Pain relief medication is the recommended treatment option for arthritis in cats. Supplements should only be given following the advice of your vet. 

In certain cases, usually where there has been a traumatic injury in the past, surgery may be required. 

Acupuncture can be beneficial in some cases but must only be carried out by a veterinary acupuncturist.

Black-and-white cat sat on a woman's lap being stroked behind the ear

Supporting a cat with arthritis at home

  • Allow your cat to reach their favourite places easily, by placing boxes or items of furniture as steps 
  • Make sure your cat has a cosy, well-padded bed that’s easy to get in and out of. Place it in a safe, warm place that they can easily access  
  • Ensure your cat can reach their toileting site easily and that the sides of their litter tray aren’t too tall 
  • Place food bowls, water bowls and beds at floor level so they can be accessed easily 

Picking up a cat with arthritis will likely be painful for them. Only pick them up if absolutely necessary. If you do need to carry your cat, make sure you support their whole body. 

  1. Put one hand under their chest, just behind their front legs.  
  2. Place your other hand behind their back legs.  
  3. Gently scoop them up so you’re supporting their rear end in the crook of your elbow. 
  4. Keep their spine straight and level. Support their weight evenly to avoid putting strain on their joints. 
  5. Move slowly and predictably. Sudden movements can cause pain or panic. 
  6. Watch their response. If they growl, struggle or are tensing up, they may be in pain. Place them down again carefully as soon as possible. 

How to pick up a cat.

Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important ways to help a cat with arthritis. Extra weight puts added strain on already painful joints. If your cat is overweight, speak to your vet about putting them on a diet. Find out more about cat obesity.

Regular, gentle play can also help keep your cat healthy. Find out how to play with your cat.

What to feed cats with arthritis 

Food for cats with arthritis should:  

  • be low-calorie, unless your vet says otherwise. Some elderly cats with arthritis may need high-calorie food 
  • be rich in omega-3 fatty acids which support joint health and reduce inflammation  
  • provide high-quality protein   

If your cat is 11 years old or older, it's best to feed them a cat food specifically made for senior cats. This will contain the right balance of ingredients they need to stay healthy.  

If your cat is overweight, speak to your vet about feeding your cat a special low-calorie diet that will help with weight management. 

Feeding your cat.

Quality of life and end-of-life considerations

When is it time to put down a cat with arthritis? 

Arthritis itself isn’t life-threatening, and many cats live long, happy lives with the condition. 

But there may come a time when their pain becomes too severe despite treatment, or they can no longer manage daily activities. 

Signs your cat may be struggling include: 

  • not eating or drinking properly 
  • being unable to use the litter tray 
  • loss of mobility or little interest in interaction 
  • hiding away most of the time 

Keeping track of your cat’s ‘good days’ and ‘bad days’ can help you understand how they’re coping. 

Your vet can guide you through assessing your cat’s quality of life and help you make the kindest decision when the time comes.

When to let go

Frequently asked questions

What are the signs of arthritis in a cat’s back legs?

How long can a cat live with arthritis?

What age do cats typically get arthritis?

How often should I take my arthritic cat to the vet?

Free guide

Download our free guide packed full of all the information you need about arthritis in cats.  

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