Signs Your Cat May Have Arthritis

Cats are well known for hiding discomfort, which can make arthritis surprisingly easy to miss. Many owners assume a slowing down cat is simply showing signs of old age, but stiffness, reduced mobility and changes in behaviour may point to something more specific. Arthritis is a common condition in older cats, and recognising the early signs can help your cat stay more comfortable for longer.

In this article, we explain how arthritis may present in cats, what symptoms to watch for, when to contact your veterinary surgeon, and how ongoing support may help improve your cat’s quality of 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 sometimes called osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. Over time, the smooth cartilage that cushions the joint becomes damaged, which can lead to pain, stiffness and reduced movement.

Arthritis can affect one joint or several, and it is particularly common in older cats. However, it is not limited to senior pets. Previous injuries, joint abnormalities, excess weight and long-term wear and tear can all play a role.

Because cats are naturally agile and independent, even subtle joint pain can have a noticeable impact on daily life. A cat that once jumped easily onto windowsills or chased toys around the house may quietly start avoiding these activities.

Common signs your cat may have arthritis

The signs of arthritis in cats are often gradual and easy to overlook. Rather than crying out or limping obviously, many cats simply change their routine.

1. Jumping less often or less confidently

One of the earliest signs of arthritis is a reluctance to jump. Your cat may hesitate before leaping onto furniture, use lower surfaces as stepping stones, or stop accessing favourite high resting places altogether.

Some cats still jump, but do so less smoothly than before. You may notice awkward landings, misjudged distances or a preference for climbing rather than springing up.

2. Stiffness, especially after resting

Arthritic cats can appear stiff when they first get up after sleeping. This stiffness may improve slightly once they have moved around, but it often returns after periods of rest.

You might notice your cat:

• walking more slowly
• taking shorter steps
• moving cautiously around the home
• seeming less flexible than usual

3. Changes in grooming habits

Cats with arthritis may struggle to turn, bend or lift their legs comfortably, which can affect grooming. Some cats groom less thoroughly, leading to a scruffy coat, dandruff or small mats, especially over the back or around the hindquarters.

Others may overgroom a painful area, which can lead to thinning fur or irritated skin.

4. Altered litter tray habits

Joint pain can make it harder for a cat to climb into a high-sided litter tray or squat comfortably. As a result, some cats begin toileting outside the tray, even if they have previously been very clean.

This is sometimes mistaken for a behavioural problem, but discomfort is often the real cause. If your cat suddenly changes litter tray habits, it is worth discussing with your veterinary surgeon.

5. Sleeping more or becoming less active

Cats naturally sleep a lot, but arthritic cats may spend even more time resting and less time exploring, climbing or playing. They may seem quieter, less interested in games, or more reluctant to move around the house.

A cat with arthritis may also stop using stairs as often or avoid certain rooms if getting there feels uncomfortable.

6. Behaviour changes

Pain can affect mood as well as movement. Some cats become more withdrawn, irritable or less tolerant of handling, particularly if touched near a sore joint.

You may notice your cat:

• hiding more often
• becoming less sociable
• resenting being picked up
• seeming grumpy when approached
• showing less interest in interaction

7. Difficulty using stairs or accessing favourite places

If your cat has started avoiding stairs, window ledges, beds or sofas, arthritis may be contributing. Often these changes happen gradually, so it can help to think back over the past few months rather than focusing only on sudden changes.

Why arthritis is often missed in cats

Cats are very skilled at masking pain. In the wild, showing weakness could make an animal vulnerable, and that instinct remains strong in our pets. Instead of making discomfort obvious, many cats adapt their behaviour to avoid painful movements.

This means arthritis can easily be mistaken for “just getting older”. While ageing can bring natural changes, slowing down should not automatically be dismissed. If your cat is moving differently, grooming less, or changing how they use the home, it is sensible to consider whether pain could be involved.

When should you contact your veterinary surgeon?

If you suspect your cat may have arthritis, it is a good idea to arrange a check-up. Your veterinary surgeon can assess your cat’s joints, mobility and overall health, and help rule out other conditions that can cause similar signs.

You should seek veterinary advice promptly if your cat:

• seems painful or distressed
• stops eating or drinking normally
• is suddenly lame or unable to jump
• has a marked change in behaviour
• starts toileting outside the litter tray
• shows any rapid worsening of mobility

Other health problems, including injuries, neurological conditions or urinary issues, can sometimes look similar, so a proper examination is important.

How arthritis in cats is diagnosed

Diagnosis usually starts with a physical examination and a discussion about changes you have noticed at home. Your veterinary surgeon may watch your cat move, gently feel the joints, and ask about activity levels, grooming, litter tray use and behaviour.

In some cases, imaging such as X-rays may be recommended, although arthritis is not always easy to confirm from scans alone. Your veterinary surgeon will look at the full picture, including age, symptoms and examination findings.

How cats with arthritis may be supported

Although arthritis cannot usually be reversed, there are several ways to help manage it and improve comfort. Treatment will depend on your cat’s age, general health and how severely affected they are.

Veterinary-prescribed pain relief

Many arthritic cats benefit from pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication prescribed by a veterinary surgeon. These medicines should only be given under professional guidance, as some human painkillers are dangerous for cats.

If your vet prescribes ongoing treatment, you can learn more about how to order a prescription medicine through us, and find helpful answers in our prescription FAQs.

Joint support products

Some cats may also benefit from joint support supplements as part of a wider management plan. These are not a replacement for veterinary treatment, but they may be recommended in some cases to support joint health over time.

You can browse our cat joint care range and cat supplements if your veterinary surgeon feels these may be appropriate for your pet.

Weight management

If a cat is overweight, extra body weight places more strain on painful joints. A gradual, vet-guided weight management plan can make a real difference. Feeding a suitable diet and monitoring portions carefully can help reduce the pressure on joints and support mobility.

For cats who may benefit from nutritional support, our cat food & treats collection may be useful to explore alongside your vet’s advice.

Simple changes at home

Small adjustments in the home can help an arthritic cat move around more comfortably.

• Provide easy access to favourite resting areas using steps or low platforms.
• Use litter trays with lower sides if getting in and out is difficult.
• Place food, water and litter trays on one level of the home.
• Offer warm, soft bedding in quiet and accessible places.
• Use non-slip rugs on slippery floors to improve confidence and stability.

Should you give your cat pain relief at home?

No. You should never give your cat human pain relief unless specifically instructed by a veterinary professional. Many medicines commonly used in people, including ibuprofen and paracetamol, can be highly toxic to cats.

If you think your cat is in pain, the safest step is to contact your veterinary surgeon for advice. Responsible medication use is always important, especially with a condition that often needs long-term management.

Supporting long-term wellbeing

Arthritis is often a lifelong condition, so regular reviews are important. Your cat’s needs may change over time, and treatment plans may need adjusting as they get older. Monitoring subtle changes in movement, grooming and behaviour can help you spot when extra support is needed.

Keeping up with routine care is also important for overall health. You can browse our wider cat collection for everyday healthcare products, and visit the Vetscriptions home page to explore more pet health support and advice.

Conclusion

Arthritis in cats is common, especially as they age, but the signs are often subtle. A reluctance to jump, stiffness after resting, reduced grooming, litter tray changes and shifts in behaviour can all be clues that your cat is struggling with joint pain.

The good news is that with the right veterinary advice and sensible day-to-day support, many cats with arthritis can remain comfortable and enjoy a good quality of life. Early recognition is key, so if you have noticed any of these signs, it is well worth arranging a check-up.

At Vetscriptions, we are here to help UK pet owners access genuine pet medications and healthcare products responsibly. If your veterinary surgeon has recommended treatment or joint support, you can explore our cat prescription products, cat joint care, and other trusted cat health essentials. If you need help with ordering or prescriptions, please feel free to contact us.

If you are concerned about your cat’s mobility or comfort, please speak to your veterinary surgeon for personalised advice. We are always glad to support you in caring for your pet’s health and wellbeing.