Summary: Arthritis in senior cats affects mobility and quality of life, but early detection can help. A multimodal approach, including home adjustments, nutraceuticals, weight management, prescriptions, and pain management, can improve their comfort. Consult your vet if you notice difficulty getting up, stiff walking, or decreased grooming.

Osteoarthritis (OA) in cats is a painful condition caused by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, the smooth tissue that covers the ends of the bones.

Feline arthritis, common in older cats, can significantly impact your furry friend’s mobility and daily activities, such as jumping, climbing, and even using the litter box. 

In the following sections, I will identify the common signs of arthritis as well as the treatment and lifestyle options that can help improve your cat's quality-of-life.

Can Cats Get Arthritis?

Yes, cats do get arthritis. It is an especially common health condition in senior cats. In one study, 90% of cats over the age of 12 had radiographic (x-ray) evidence of arthritis. The condition affects various joints, with the spine being the most common, followed by elbows and hips.

Infographic showcasing the joints that are affected when cats have arthritis.

Symptoms of Cat Arthritis

Recognizing the signs of arthritis early on is key to helping your cat feel their best. Remember that many affected cats may be asymptomatic, especially in the early stages. 

During the early stages, symptoms may be more sporadic and include:

  • Reluctant to jump up on things or climb stairs

  • Decreased agility, grooming, and activity levels may be noticed

  • Less time playing, hunting, and running

  • Changes in preferred postures or resting positions

As arthritis progresses, symptoms can become more pronounced and debilitating:

  • Reduced vertical mobility and general movement (stiffness)

  • Irritability with handling

  • Decreased grooming leading unkempt hair coats

  • Inappropriate elimination due to difficulty accessing the litter box

  • Seeking secluded areas

Is Your Cat Showing Signs of Osteoarthritis Pain?

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Is Your Cat Showing Signs of Osteoarthritis Pain?
1. Has difficulty jumping up or down.
2. Trouble climbing up stairs - your cat may stop halfway or “bunny hops” with both back legs at the same time.
3. Difficulty getting down the stairs - your cat may angle their body or go down one step at a time.
4. Less interest in playing/chasing - your cat may avoid active play or take frequent breaks.
5. Avoids running - your cat moves at a slower speed and alternates running with walking.
6. Changes in appetite - your cat is showing less interest in food.
7. Changes in grooming - your cat is not grooming as much as usual or is overgrooming certain areas.
8. Personality changes - your cat is less sociable than usual, is hiding more, or is resistant to being touched.
9. Changes in potty habits - your cat is having accidents inside the house or not using the litter box.

Is Your Cat Showing Signs of Osteoarthritis Pain?

1. Has difficulty jumping up or down.
2. Trouble climbing up stairs - your cat may stop halfway or “bunny hops” with both back legs at the same time.
3. Difficulty getting down the stairs - your cat may angle their body or go down one step at a time.
4. Less interest in playing/chasing - your cat may avoid active play or take frequent breaks.
5. Avoids running - your cat moves at a slower speed and alternates running with walking.
6. Changes in appetite - your cat is showing less interest in food.
7. Changes in grooming - your cat is not grooming as much as usual or is overgrooming certain areas.
8. Personality changes - your cat is less sociable than usual, is hiding more, or is resistant to being touched.
9. Changes in potty habits - your cat is having accidents inside the house or not using the litter box.
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Treatment for Cat Arthritis

Treating arthritis is a multimodal approach to alleviate discomfort, minimize further degenerative changes, and restore functionality. A comprehensive treatment plan may include several components:

1. A Veterinary Care Plan

Schedule regular wellness exams, at least every 6 months, to monitor the response to therapy and progression of arthritis. Your assessment at home is essential to help adjust the treatment plan. 

2. Prescription Medications

In many cases, your veterinarian will prescribe a prescription medication to manage your cat’s arthritis. Common medications include:

  • NSAIDs are medications that help with inflammation and pain. 

  • Other analgesics

  • Tramadol

  • Amantadine

3. Nutraceuticals

Nutritional supplements that are designed to have a medicinal benefit are called nutraceuticals. These include products containing:

  • Glucosamine

  • Chondroitin

  • Omega-3 fatty acids

4. Surgery

In severe cases, arthroscopic surgery may be considered depending on the age and severity of the condition.

5. Alternative Therapies 

Your veterinarian may also recommend alternative therapy options for your cat such as:

  • Acupuncture

  • Rehabilitation therapies – therapeutic exercise

  • Therapeutic laser

  • Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy

  • Therapeutic ultrasound

Managing Your Cat’s Arthritis at Home

Adjusting living conditions for your cat is another important component in managing your senior cat’s care at home. Additionally, there are over-the-counter options available to support your cat’s joint health and care. 

Dietary Changes

Dietary adjustments can also be made, such as feeding diets high in omega-3 fatty acids and lower in calories, diets specifically designed for senior cats, and wet food instead of dry food.

Maintaining an ideal weight is important to reduce stress on joints and muscles.

Lifestyle Changes

Providing a comfortable and accessible environment and encouraging low-impact exercise can help your cat maintain mobility.

Some specific ways to provide supportive care include: 

  • Non-slip rugs to improve traction on hardwood, tile, or linoleum floors

  • Landing pads in areas where they jump down

  • In multi-level homes, your cat should have easy access to the litter box, food, and water on the level where it spends the most time or on each level. Your cat should also use large litter boxes with low entry points and easy in/out access.

  • Keep food and water in areas where jumping is not required

Prognosis for Cats With Arthritis

While arthritis is a progressive condition that worsens with age, most cats OA, and the pain associated with the condition, can be managed with a multi-modal approach, allowing them to maintain a good quality of life.  

Conclusion

Arthritis is a common disorder that affects most cats as they age, but with the right treatment approach, it's possible to provide your feline friend with a good quality of life well into their golden years. 

Treatment and management strategies include dietary and lifestyle adjustments, nutraceuticals, and medications. Talk to your veterinarian before making any changes. Together, you can  make the best care plan for your cat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can feline OA be prevented?

Unfortunately, OA cannot be prevented, but maintaining a healthy weight can lower the risk, delay the onset, and reduce the severity of OA.

How long can a cat live with arthritis?

By providing a multi-modal approach and with the guidance of your veterinarian, cats with arthritis can live long, normal lives well into their late teens or twenties.

How do I tell if my cat has arthritis?

Symptoms can start off subtle, such as a reluctance to jump up or not wanting to play for as long.  As arthritis progresses, symptoms become more obvious, such as difficulty walking or inability to groom normally. 

How do I help my senior cat with arthritis?

Providing a multimodal approach, including weight management, supplements, easy access to food/water and litter boxes, and prescriptions, improves the quality of life for cats with arthritis.

Sources:

  1. Hardie, E. M., Roe, S. C., & Martin, F. R. (2002). Radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease in geriatric cats: 100 cases (1994–1997). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 220(5), 628-632. Retrieved May 21, 2024, from https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.2002.220.628

  2.  Slingerland LI, Hazewinkel HAW, Meij BP, Picavet P, Voorhout G. Cross-sectional study of the prevalence and clinical features of osteoarthritis in 100 cats. Vet J. 2011;187(3):304-309. doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.12.014