Cat Arthritis Symptoms: A UK Guide to Signs and Care

Subtle symptoms of arthritis in cats

The earliest sign is often a change in choice rather than an obvious disability. A cat may use an intermediate surface instead of one jump, pause before climbing, sleep downstairs or stop visiting a high window ledge. Stiffness can be more noticeable after rest and improve once the cat moves.

Pain can also change grooming and behaviour. The coat over the back or hindquarters may become matted, claws may overgrow because scratching decreases, and a previously sociable cat may hide or object to being picked up. Missing a high-sided litter tray may reflect pain rather than a behaviour problem.

• Mobility: lower or fewer jumps, slower stairs, stiffness, altered posture or reduced play.
• Self-care: poor grooming over the back, overgrown claws or difficulty using the cat flap.
• Daily routine: sleeping more, choosing warmer low places or toileting beside the tray.
• Behaviour: irritability, hiding, less interaction or sensitivity when the back or legs are touched.

Age, injury and breed: what the evidence supports

Age is the clearest common risk factor, while previous fractures, dislocations or ligament injuries can lead to arthritis in a specific joint. Joint conformation may matter in some pedigrees; Maine Coons have a recognised association with hip dysplasia, and the folded-ear gene in Scottish Folds causes cartilage and bone disease.

We did not find good evidence that British Shorthairs as a breed are uniquely prone to osteoarthritis. Their calm behaviour or dense build may make reduced activity harder to notice, but that is not the same as a proven genetic predisposition. Assess the individual cat's age, weight, injury history and movement rather than assuming risk from the breed name.

How vets diagnose feline arthritis

Home videos are valuable because a cat may move differently at the practice. Film walking, stairs and normal jumps without forcing activity. Your vet will ask what has changed, observe posture and movement, and gently assess joints, muscles and the spine.

X-rays can support the diagnosis and rule out other bone problems, but the severity of x-ray changes does not always match the pain a cat feels. Blood and urine tests may be recommended before long-term medication, particularly in an older cat with possible kidney or thyroid disease.

Veterinary treatment for cat arthritis

Arthritis cannot usually be cured, but pain and function can often be managed. PDSA describes veterinary non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as a common option; other prescription pain treatments and injectable therapies may be considered according to the cat's health and response.

Treatment needs monitoring. Give only the product and dose prescribed for that cat and report vomiting, diarrhoea, appetite loss or other changes. Paracetamol and ibuprofen can be extremely dangerous to cats and must never be used as home pain relief.

Home changes that reduce painful effort

Small changes can preserve independence: place sturdy steps or a ramp beside favourite furniture, use non-slip runners on smooth floors, and provide a warm supportive bed at floor level. Keep food, water and resting places accessible without making the cat climb stairs for every resource.

Use a large litter tray with a low entrance and keep at least one tray on each level of the home. Raise bowls slightly if bending is uncomfortable, groom areas the cat cannot reach and check claws regularly. Let the cat choose gentle play rather than forcing exercise.

Weight and ongoing monitoring

Maintaining a healthy body condition reduces avoidable load on painful joints, but weight loss must be gradual and supervised. Older cats can lose muscle even when overweight, so a crash diet is inappropriate.

Track a few repeatable activities each month: the height of a usual jump, stair speed, grooming, tray use and willingness to play. This gives your vet a clearer measure of whether treatment is helping than a single good or bad day.