Cat Arthritis Explained: Signs & Support

Arthritis is a common condition in older cats, but it can also affect younger cats, especially after injury or if they have joint problems. The difficulty is that cats are very good at hiding pain. Many owners assume their cat is simply “slowing down with age”, when in fact they may be living with long-term joint discomfort.

Understanding the early signs of arthritis in cats can help you seek support sooner and improve your cat’s comfort and quality of life. With the right care, many arthritic cats can continue to enjoy a happy, active life.

This article is intended for general guidance only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or showing concerning symptoms, please contact your veterinary surgeon.

What is arthritis in cats?

Arthritis means inflammation and wear within a joint. It is often referred to as osteoarthritis, which is a long-term degenerative joint condition. Over time, the smooth cartilage that cushions the joint becomes damaged, leading to stiffness, discomfort and reduced movement.

In cats, arthritis most commonly affects the elbows, hips, knees, hocks and spine. It tends to develop gradually, which is one reason it can be easy to miss in the early stages.

Although arthritis cannot usually be cured, it can often be managed successfully with a combination of veterinary treatment, home adjustments, weight control and ongoing monitoring.

What causes arthritis in cats?

There is not always a single cause. In many cats, arthritis develops as part of the ageing process. However, some factors can make it more likely.

• Increasing age
• Previous joint injuries or trauma
• Obesity or excess body weight
• Abnormal joint development, such as hip dysplasia
• Past surgery involving a joint
• Wear and tear over time

Some cats may also have arthritis linked to underlying orthopaedic problems that began earlier in life, even if signs only become obvious later on.

Early signs of arthritis in cats

Unlike dogs, cats with arthritis do not usually limp dramatically or cry out. Their symptoms are often subtle, and owners may only notice small changes in behaviour or routine.

Changes in movement

• Reluctance to jump up or down
• Jumping to lower surfaces in stages rather than one leap
• Moving more slowly or stiffly, especially after rest
• Difficulty using stairs
• Less interest in climbing, exploring or playing

Changes in grooming and appearance

• Reduced grooming, leading to a scruffy or matted coat
• Overgrooming around painful joints
• Claws becoming overgrown because they are not worn down normally

Changes in behaviour

• Sleeping more or hiding away
• Becoming irritable or less tolerant of handling
• Avoiding being picked up
• Urinating or defecating outside the litter tray because it is uncomfortable to climb in

If you notice any of these signs, it is worth discussing them with your veterinary surgeon. Cats can show pain very quietly, so even mild changes should not be ignored.

When should you contact a veterinary surgeon?

You should arrange a veterinary appointment if your cat seems stiff, less mobile, reluctant to jump, or has changes in behaviour that could suggest pain. It is also important to seek advice if your cat suddenly develops lameness, cries out, stops eating, seems weak, or has difficulty passing urine or faeces.

These signs may be caused by arthritis, but they can also be linked to other conditions such as injury, neurological problems or urinary disease. A proper diagnosis is essential before starting treatment.

How arthritis is diagnosed

Your veterinary surgeon will usually begin with a clinical examination and ask about the changes you have noticed at home. Because cats can mask discomfort during a consultation, your observations are very valuable.

Diagnosis may involve:

• Physical examination of the joints and spine
• Assessment of mobility and muscle condition
• Review of your cat’s weight and general health
• X-rays in some cases

It is worth remembering that X-rays do not always perfectly match the level of pain a cat is feeling. Some cats with obvious arthritis on X-rays show few outward signs, while others with mild visible changes may be quite uncomfortable.

Long-term treatment options for cat arthritis

Arthritis management usually works best when several approaches are combined. Your veterinary surgeon will recommend a plan based on your cat’s age, health, lifestyle and level of discomfort.

Pain relief prescribed by your veterinary surgeon

Prescription pain relief is often one of the most important parts of treatment. Anti-inflammatory medicines may help reduce pain and joint inflammation, allowing your cat to move more comfortably.

Some cats may need long-term medication, while others benefit from a flexible plan depending on how severe their symptoms are. Never give human painkillers to a cat, as many are extremely dangerous.

If your cat has been prescribed treatment, you can learn more about ordering safely through our prescription medicine ordering guide, or browse our cat prescription products if your veterinary surgeon has advised ongoing medication.

Weight management

Keeping your cat at a healthy body weight can make a real difference. Extra weight puts more strain on painful joints and can worsen mobility problems.

If your cat is overweight, your veterinary surgeon may recommend a gradual weight-loss plan. This often includes careful portion control, appropriate diet advice and regular monitoring. For some cats, suitable nutrition and supportive products can play a helpful role alongside treatment. You can explore everyday support in our cat food & treats and cat supplements collections.

Joint supplements

Some cats may benefit from joint supplements containing ingredients that support cartilage and joint health. These are not a replacement for prescribed pain relief when pain is present, but they may be useful as part of a wider long-term plan.

We stock a range of cat joint care products, as well as our premium supplements collection, which may be worth discussing with your veterinary surgeon if you are considering additional support.

Home and lifestyle adjustments

Simple changes around the home can help an arthritic cat stay comfortable and confident.

• Provide soft, warm beds in easy-to-reach areas
• Use steps or ramps to favourite resting places
• Choose litter trays with lower sides for easier access
• Keep food, water and litter trays on one level if possible
• Place non-slip mats on slippery floors
• Encourage gentle daily movement rather than intense activity

These practical adjustments can reduce strain on joints and help your cat maintain independence.

Regular monitoring

Arthritis changes over time, so regular check-ups are important. Your cat’s treatment may need adjusting as their needs change. Monitoring is particularly important if your cat is on long-term prescription medication, as your veterinary surgeon may want to assess comfort, mobility and overall health at intervals.

Can arthritis in cats be prevented?

Not all cases can be prevented, especially those linked to age-related wear and tear. However, there are sensible steps that may help reduce the risk or slow progression.

• Keep your cat at a healthy weight
• Encourage regular gentle activity
• Support early treatment of injuries
• Attend routine veterinary check-ups, especially for senior cats
• Watch for subtle changes in movement or behaviour

Early support is often the best way to protect comfort and mobility over the long term.

Supporting an older cat with arthritis

Many arthritic cats are senior pets, and they often have other age-related needs too. A comfortable environment, easy access to essentials and close observation can all help. Senior cats may also benefit from regular wellness checks to assess weight, teeth, kidneys and other common health concerns alongside their joints.

If you are managing several aspects of your cat’s health, our cat collection includes a wide range of everyday healthcare products, and our prescription FAQs can help explain how online prescription ordering works in the UK.

Final thoughts

Arthritis in cats is common, especially as they get older, but it does not have to mean poor quality of life. The key is recognising the early signs, seeking veterinary advice promptly and building a practical long-term management plan that keeps your cat as comfortable as possible.

Small changes can make a big difference. Whether that means prescribed pain relief, weight support, joint supplements or simple adjustments at home, many cats cope far better once their discomfort is recognised and addressed.

If you are concerned that your cat may be showing signs of arthritis, speak to your veterinary surgeon for a proper assessment. If your cat has already been prescribed treatment or you would like to explore supportive care products, we invite you to browse our Vetscriptions website, including our cat pain relief products, cat joint care and contact page if you need help with an order.

At Vetscriptions, we are here to help UK pet owners access trusted pet healthcare products and prescribed medications responsibly, with clear guidance every step of the way.