Quick answer
Arthritis in cats is very common in older cats, but most don't limp. Instead they jump less, miss the litter box, groom less and sleep more. It can't be cured, but weight control, simple home changes and vet-prescribed pain relief, such as an NSAID or a monthly anti-NGF injection, can make a big difference to comfort. Never give a cat human painkillers, because many are toxic to cats.
Arthritis in cats is far more common than most owners realize, because cats hide joint pain so well. Most arthritic cats never limp. They just quietly stop doing the things that hurt. If you’ve noticed your older cat slowing down, our cat pain checker can help you spot the signs before your vet visit.
What is arthritis in cats?
Arthritis means inflamed, painful joints. The most common kind is osteoarthritis in cats, which vets also call degenerative joint disease (DJD). Cornell Feline Health Center explains that the smooth cartilage protecting the ends of the bones wears away. The bones then rub together, causing inflammation and pain.
It can follow an old injury to a joint, years of wear and tear, or another disease that damages the joint. Age is the biggest risk factor, and extra weight puts constant pressure on the joints.
It’s very common. Cornell reports a study in which 90% of cats over the age of 12 showed evidence of degenerative joint disease. Merck Veterinary Manual puts it at roughly 60% to 90% of older cats. It isn’t only a senior problem, either: Cornell cites a study suggesting 20% of cats aged one year and older are already arthritic to some extent.
International Cat Care lists the shoulders, hips, elbows, knees, spine and ankles as the joints most often affected.
What are the signs of arthritis in cats?
Cats restrict their activity to protect sore joints, so the signs are easy to miss or blame on old age. Cornell notes that most arthritic cats don’t become obviously lame. Watch for changes like these:
| Sign | What you might see | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Less jumping | Hesitates before jumping, jumps in stages, or stops using high spots | See vet soon |
| Stiffness | Stiff legs, especially after sleeping, or trouble with stairs | See vet soon |
| Litter box misses | Peeing or pooping just outside the box, or straining because squatting hurts | See vet soon |
| Less grooming | Matted or scruffy coat, less time spent grooming | See vet soon |
| More sleep, less play | Rests more, hunts and explores less, seeks out cozy spots | Monitor |
| Mood changes | Grumpy or irritable when stroked or picked up, hides more | See vet soon |
| Sudden severe lameness | Won’t put weight on a leg, drags a leg | Emergency |
Litter box problems are a big clue. Cornell notes that arthritic cats may struggle to climb into a litter box, and some become constipated because they can’t get into position comfortably. If your cat has started going outside the box, read our guide to cat peeing outside the litter box.
Pain can also make a cat withdraw. If your cat is spending more time out of sight, see why cats hide.
These signs can be caused by other problems too. A vet needs to examine your cat to know whether arthritis is the cause.
How do vets diagnose osteoarthritis in cats?
Diagnosis starts with you. International Cat Care says vets rely on an examination plus the history of the signs your cat shows at home, because many cats don’t show pain in the clinic. Cats rarely limp on the exam table, and a nervous cat may move very little.
To help your vet:
- Write down what’s changed. Note which jumps your cat no longer makes, any litter box misses and when you first noticed.
- Film your cat at home. A short video of your cat walking, climbing stairs or jumping onto the sofa can show what the vet can’t see in the clinic.
- Bring a list of questions and anything you’ve already tried.
Cornell describes the workup as a full medical history and physical exam, followed by an orthopedic exam and x-rays. X-rays help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes. Your vet may also suggest bloodwork, especially before starting long-term pain medicine, because other conditions such as kidney disease are common in older cats.
How is arthritis in cats treated?
Arthritis can’t be cured, but treatment can ease pain and keep your cat moving. Most cats do best with several approaches used together.
Weight control
International Cat Care advises keeping your cat at their ideal weight, because obesity places extra strain on sore joints. Check where your cat sits with our cat body condition score tool, and ask your vet for a safe weight-loss plan.
Home changes
Small changes make a big difference to cat joint pain:
- Ramps or steps up to favorite spots like the sofa, bed or window perch
- A litter box with a low side so your cat can step in easily
- Food, water and litter on one level, so your cat doesn’t need to jump or climb stairs to reach them
- Rugs or mats on slippery floors
- Soft, warm beds in quiet spots your cat can reach without jumping
- Gentle grooming help, since your cat may not reach their back and hips any more
Merck also recommends exercise on soft surfaces. Short, gentle play sessions keep joints moving without overdoing it.
Vet-prescribed pain relief
Your vet will choose a medicine, and the dose, based on your cat’s age, weight and other health problems.
| Treatment | What it does |
|---|---|
| NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) | Reduce inflammation and pain. International Cat Care calls them the most commonly used arthritis drugs |
| Anti-NGF injection (frunevetmab) | A monthly injection that blocks nerve growth factor, a protein involved in pain signaling |
| Other pain medicines | Some vets add medicines such as gabapentin for long-term pain |
| Joint supplements | Essential fatty acids or glucosamine and chondroitin may help some cats |
| Surgery | Occasionally used for severe cases, for example joint fusion |
The anti-NGF injection is newer. Merck notes that frunevetmab is approved in the United States to relieve pain from osteoarthritis in cats. In a field trial of 275 cats published in 2021, cats given the monthly injection showed better owner-rated mobility than cats given a placebo. Skin problems, such as hair loss and itching, were more common in the treated cats.
NSAIDs help many cats, but they aren’t right for every cat. The 2024 AAFP and ISFM guidelines on long-term NSAID use cover screening cats before they start and monitoring them during treatment, especially cats with other conditions like kidney disease. Expect your vet to recommend regular rechecks and bloodwork.
Can I give my cat human pain medicine for arthritis?
No. Never give your cat a painkiller from your own medicine cabinet. International Cat Care warns never to medicate a cat with human drugs, because many are toxic to cats, and acetaminophen (paracetamol) is one example.
This also applies to pet painkillers. Never give a cat a medicine prescribed for your dog, and don’t combine a cat’s prescribed NSAID with any other pain reliever unless your vet tells you to.
If your cat has swallowed or been given any human painkiller, call your vet, an emergency vet or a pet poison hotline right away. Don’t wait for signs. Our guide to human medications and cats covers the most dangerous ones.
How can I keep an arthritic cat comfortable long term?
Arthritis is a long-term condition. Cornell describes treatment as largely pain medication and attentive home care, so plan for regular check-ins.
- Track good and bad days. Note how often your cat jumps, plays and uses their usual spots. This helps your vet tell whether treatment is working.
- Keep up rechecks. Your vet may want to see your cat every few months, especially on long-term pain medicine.
- Watch the litter box. New accidents can mean pain is getting worse.
- Check quality of life. For senior cats with several health problems, our quality of life scale can help you and your vet talk about comfort.
Tell your vet if your cat seems less comfortable, stops eating or starts hiding more. Pain relief can often be adjusted. For more on what to expect at an appointment, see our guide to cat vet visit costs.
Frequently asked questions
What does arthritis look like in a cat?
Usually not like limping. Cats with arthritis tend to jump less or in smaller steps, struggle with stairs, have accidents outside the litter box, groom less and seem grumpier when handled. Many owners put these changes down to old age.
Can I give my cat something from my medicine cabinet for arthritis pain?
No. Many human painkillers are toxic to cats, and acetaminophen (paracetamol) can be fatal. Only give pain relief that your vet has prescribed for your cat.
Can arthritis in cats be cured?
No. The joint damage can't be reversed, so treatment focuses on easing pain and keeping your cat moving with pain relief, weight control and a home set up for easy access. Your vet will adjust the plan as your cat ages.
Do joint supplements work for cats?
International Cat Care notes that some supplements, such as those with essential fatty acids or glucosamine and chondroitin, may help some cats. They're not a replacement for pain relief, so ask your vet before starting one.
Sources
- International Cat Care: Arthritis in cats
- Cornell Feline Health Center: Is Your Cat Slowing Down?
- Cornell Feline Health Center: The Special Needs of the Senior Cat
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Joint Disorders in Cats
- Gruen ME et al. Frunevetmab, a felinized anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody, for the treatment of pain from osteoarthritis in cats. J Vet Intern Med, 2021
- AAFP and ISFM: 2024 Consensus Guidelines on the Long-Term Use of NSAIDs in Cats
Written by the CatsMed Team from the sources above. This guide isn’t reviewed by a veterinarian and isn’t a substitute for one. See how we research.
