Arthritis in Cats: Symptoms, Causes & Management

Physical signs of arthritis in cats

These are the more obvious signs and commonly include

• Reluctance to jump or climb
• Hesitating before jumping, both up and down
• Limping
• Stiffness, especially after sleeping or resting
• Poor coat due to difficulty grooming
• Difficulty going up and down stairs or doing so slowly
• Difficulty using the cat flap

Behavioural signs of arthritis in cats

These signs may be subtler, so do be vigilant and note what’s normal for your cat.

• Going to the toilet outside the tray or in strange places
• Sleeping more
• Grooming less
• Unusual aggression or irritability
• Avoidance of slippery surfaces
• Not hunting or playing as much
• Not interacting with people as much
• Not going outside as much
• Sleeping in unusual places that are more accessible

It’s important to see your vet as soon as you can if you notice any of the above signs. The sooner you can intervene, the sooner your cat will be comfortable again, and, although arthritis is not curable, you may be able to slow down the progression of the disease.

Your vet will want to do one or more of the following things:

1. Full clinical exam. This is a nose-to-tail exam, looking not only for obvious pain but also other problems, such as infections or obesity that might be an underlying cause or exacerbating the issue.
2. Imaging such as radiographs (x-rays).
3. Routine bloods to check for underlying or concurrent disease. This may affect what medication your cat can have.
4. Weight and body condition score check, in case your cat needs to start a weight loss plan.
5. Joint taps to sample fluid.
6. Endoscopy of the joint spaces to look for damage to cartilage.

There are a variety of treatment options for cats with arthritis and they will vary depending on the severity and the cat’s individual needs. The most common options include:

1. Weight loss. The importance of getting your cat slimmer if they are overweight cannot be overstated. It’s important to use dietetic foods from your veterinarian rather than reduce your cat’s normal food. Trying to do that at home will just result in a hungry cat possibly being underfed in protein, minerals and vitamins.
2. Nutritional support: dietetic foods. These foods can make a huge difference to cats with arthritis, and with some of these foods you may not need to give supplements. There are also foods available that support both weight management and joint health if your cat is overweight. As with medications, always take care to put your cat on a dietetic food only if your vet has said it’s OK or has advised it. Ask your vet about these foods, and they can help you find the one that’s going to be the most efficacious for your individual cat.
3. Medications. There are various pain-relief drugs and anti-inflammatories available. Your vet will choose one or a combination of several to suit your individual cat. Never give your cat medications that haven’t been prescribed by your vet, as some drugs that are safe in humans and dogs are lethal to cats.
4. Joint supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and may reduce the need for drugs. If your cat is already on a dietetic food, supplements may not be needed. 
5. Physiotherapy. Keeping your cat moving is important to stop them from losing muscle mass and getting into a vicious circle of weakness. Your vet may give you some gentle exercises to do at home or refer you to a physiotherapist. Some cats even get used to hydrotherapy!
6. Surgery. In some cases, surgery may be beneficial.

There are lots of things you can do around the house to make life easier for your cat alongside veterinary treatments.

• Provide litter trays in various places around the house with comfortable litter and low sides. This way, your cat doesn’t have to go far or go outside to go to the toilet.
• Put food and water in multiple places in your house so your cat can easily access it. Raised bowls can also help.
• Look at where your slippery floors are and provide rugs or other non-slip options to help your cat to feel comfortable in every room.
• Use ramps or strategically placed furniture to make it easier for your cat to reach and sleep in their favourite places while avoiding the need to jump.
• Encourage gentle exercise to keep them mobile.
• Provide lots of thick, comfortable, warm beds.

Although it’s impossible to stop wear and tear on joints or any accidents that life throws at us, you can help to keep cat arthritis at bay as long as possible. By far, the best thing to do is keep your cat slim for life. Obesity not only loads the joints and skeleton but causes inflammation and can exacerbate arthritis in more ways than one. 

Schedule regular cat vet checks and monitor your cat’s weight at home every month so that you catch changes early on and act quickly. Be vigilant for signs or subtle behaviour changes, and seek help as early as you can.

Although arthritis is almost inevitable, with early intervention, home management strategies and treatment, many cats with arthritis can live very happy and comfortable lives.

How can I help a cat with arthritis?

See your vet first and foremost so that you can make sure your cat’s weight is good and get pain relief for them. At home, consider

1. Providing litter trays in various places around the house with comfortable litter and low sides. 
2. Putting food and water in multiple places in your home so your cat can easily access them. Raised bowls can also help.
3. Take note of where your slippery floors are and provide rugs or other non-slip options.
4. Use ramps or strategically placed furniture to make it easier for your cat to reach and sleep in their favourite places while avoiding the need to jump.
5. Encourage gentle exercise to keep them mobile.
6. Provide lots of thick, comfortable, warm beds.

How should I carry a cat with arthritis?

A lot of cats don’t actually like being picked up or restrained, so try to avoid it if at all possible. If you need to carry your cat, it’s best to do so in a carrier with a thick bed.

What can I give my cat for arthritis pain?

ONLY give what your vet recommends. Some human and dog medications can kill cats. Also ask your vet about approved dietetic foods that support joint health and weight loss if needed.

How long can a cat live with arthritis?

If you can make changes at home and keep your cat comfortable, there’s no reason that they can’t live a normal life span.

How to massage a cat with arthritis?

Ask your vet for a gentle regime of physiotherapy if they feel it’s appropriate. If your cat is in pain, you need to be careful to approach massage in the right way or else you may make them fearful of you.

Reviewed by Becky Mullis, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition), and Dr Emma Milne BVSc DipECAWBM(Hon) FRCVS.