Many older cats live with ongoing pain that looks like “slowing down.” But cats hide discomfort, so the earliest clues can be subtle, and usually treatable.
Why Chronic Pain Is Easy to Miss in Cats
Cats are experts at masking pain. Instead of limping, you’ll see quiet changes—hesitating before a jump, skipping favorite spots, or sleeping in new places. Osteoarthritis (OA) is especially common as cats age, and preventive care helps long before changes become obvious.
A Quick Checklist: Is Your Cat Showing These Behavior Changes?
Veterinary pain guidelines recommend watching daily activities, because behavior changes are often the clearest signal in cats. Look out for: less running, difficulty jumping up, difficulty jumping down, avoiding stairs (in either direction), irregular gait, or less interest in chasing/moving objects. These form a simple screening approach that tells you if it’s time to talk to your veterinarian.
Other signals of chronic pain:
Grooming changes (messy coat or overgrooming one area)
Litter box misses (high-sided boxes can hurt to enter)
Mood shifts (hiding, irritability)
These are common with chronic musculoskeletal pain in cats.
What Your Veterinarian Will Do
Expect a nose-to-tail exam, plus a conversation about what you’re seeing at home. We often use questionnaires and validated tools to track pain over time, because your observations are essential to detecting chronic pain in your senior cat. From there, the plan focuses on preemptive, multimodal relief—addressing pain from several angles to keep your cat comfortable and moving.
Relief That Works (Gentle, Vet-Guided)
1) Weight, Nutrition, and Supplements
Keeping your senior cat lean reduces joint load and inflammation. Your vet may recommend diets rich in omega-3s or joint nutraceuticals to support mobility as part of a long-term plan.
2) Easy Home Modifications
Small changes make daily life easier right away:
Low-sided, uncovered litter boxes
Ramps or steps to favorite perches
Non-slip runners on slick floors
Raised food/water bowls
Supportive, firm bedding
These adjustments complement medical care and improve confidence and mobility.
3) Medications & Monthly Options
Your veterinarian will tailor medications based on your cat’s health history. A newer option is Solensia (frunevetmab)*, a once-monthly injection given at the hospital that targets nerve growth factor (NGF), a key driver of OA pain signaling. It’s the first and only FDA-approved treatment to control osteoarthritis pain in cats. Common side effects include vomiting and injection-site pain; it is not for breeding, pregnant, or lactating cats. Your veterinarian will advise whether it’s a good fit for your senior cat and their unique health. In clinical studies, owners and veterinarians reported improved mobility and comfort with frunevetmab compared with placebo when given at monthly intervals. Important: Solensia is administered by a veterinarian. Talk to your care team about benefits, risks, and monitoring.
How Often Should Senior Cats Be Seen?
Guidelines for senior cats recommend more frequent check-ins: typically, twice-yearly visits for ages 10–15 and every sometimes every four months for healthy cats over 15 (sooner if you notice changes). That pattern helps catch pain early and adjust treatment as needs change.
Care That Makes It Easier to Stay on Track
If you’re noticing the signs above, we’re here to help. Book a gentle exam at a nearby Thrive Pet Healthcare location.
Want predictable costs for ongoing check-ins?
Thrive Plus members receive unlimited free exams** and 10% off services, and our Thrive Plus Total Wellness members get annual diagnostics included***, along with 20% off services. Membership makes it easier to maintain consistent, proactive pain management for aging cats.
FAQs
Is osteoarthritis (OA) just a normal part of aging in cats?
OA is common in older cats, but pain isn’t something they “just have to live with.” Early recognition plus a multimodal plan can preserve comfort and mobility.
How fast does Solensia work, and is it safe?
Solensia is a monthly, vet-administered injection. In clinical use, improvement can be seen as treatment continues over weeks; common adverse events are vomiting and injection-site pain. It should not be used in breeding, pregnant, or lactating cats. Your veterinarian will review the benefits and risks for your cat.
What home changes can help right now?
Try low-entry litter boxes, ramps/steps, nonslip runners, raised bowls, and supportive bedding. These reduce strain and boost confidence between check-ins.
How often should senior cats see the vet?
Typically every 6 months for ages 10–15, and every 4 months for healthy cats over 15. (Sooner if you see new pain signs.)
*IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: See full Prescribing Information. For use in cats only. Women who are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding should take extreme care to avoid self-injection. Allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, could potentially occur with self-injection. Solensia should not be used in breeding cats or in pregnant or lactating queens. Solensia should not be administered to cats with known allergy to frunevetmab. The most common adverse events reported in a clinical study were vomiting and injection-site pain.
INDICATION: For the control of pain associated with osteoarthritis in cats. **12–month commitment required. Unlimited free exams apply to general practice exams only, and hospital fees apply. See full terms. ***Our recommended annual vaccinations and diagnostic tests follow veterinary standards and comply with applicable laws. Membership benefits are provided within these guidelines. Some services may not be appropriate in every case, and results can vary for each pet. While we offer a wide range of wellness benefits, availability may differ by location, and certain outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Services have no cash value and are not redeemable for cash or credit.
