Did you know that about 60% of cats over six years old show signs of arthritis, but the majority are never diagnosed?*
That’s because kitties are pros at hiding discomfort. A cat with joint pain rarely makes a big announcement (no dramatic limp, no obvious complaint). Instead, you may notice small shifts: Fewer leaps to favorite perches, longer pauses before jumping, or a once-social cat who now prefers a quiet corner.
If you’re thinking, “Is this just aging?” you’re asking the right question. Arthritis is common in older cats, and modern care can help many cats feel more comfortable and move more easily.
What Is Arthritis in Cats?
In cats, arthritis most often means osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease (DJD). It develops over time as joints change. Cartilage can wear down, the joint can become irritated, and inflammation and pain can make movement feel stiff or uncomfortable.
Arthritis is not only a joint problem. When joints hurt, cats often move less or move differently. Over time, that can affect muscle mass, flexibility, and confidence getting around the home.
Arthritis can appear in adult cats and it becomes more common as cats age. And because cats are skilled at masking pain, the signs are often subtle.
Signs of Arthritis in Cats
Cats with arthritis don’t always look injured. Instead, they often change how they move, rest, groom, and use their space. Below are some of the most common signs to watch for.
Changes in Jumping and Mobility
A cat with joint pain may still want to do all the usual cat things, just with a few edits to the plan. You might notice:
Hesitating before jumping, or choosing lower surfaces instead of higher ones
Difficulty climbing stairs or moving more slowly up and down
Stiffness after resting, especially after long naps
Reduced mobility, like shorter strides, less stretching, or a more cautious walk
Signs that seem worse in the back legs, such as reluctance to hop up or difficulty rising smoothly
Sometimes the biggest clue is what your cat stops doing: Fewer window sits, fewer couch launches, fewer “I can totally make that jump” moments.
Changes in Grooming and Behavior
Cats are tidy by design, so grooming changes can be a meaningful signal. Watch for:
Poor grooming or matted fur, especially along the back, hips, or near the tail base (areas that require twisting)
Sleeping more or seeming less interested in usual routines
Hiding more often than usual
Irritability, especially when picked up, brushed, or petted in certain spots
Less interest in play or interaction, even with favorite toys
A helpful way to think about it: If you had a sore knee, you might still go about your day. You’d just do less, move slower, and avoid anything that “twinges.” Cats often make the same kinds of quiet adjustments.
Litter Box and Household Changes
Litter box changes can be one of the most surprising signs of arthritis because they may look like a behavior issue when they’re actually a comfort issue. You might see:
Trouble stepping into the litter box, especially if the sides are high
Accidents outside the litter box (for example, going right next to it)
Avoiding high surfaces or furniture, choosing easier-to-reach spots instead
Difficulty getting comfortable, with more repositioning before settling down
These changes are not your cat being “bad.” If getting into the box hurts, a cat may choose the closest, least painful option. Litter box changes also can have other medical causes, which is why an exam is important.
Why Arthritis in Cats Is Often Missed
Cats naturally hide discomfort, and arthritis typically progresses slowly. That combination can make signs easy to overlook or misread as just getting older. Cats are also excellent at adapting. They don’t always stop doing something; they simply do it differently. A cat who used to jump onto the counter might start using a chair as a step. A cat who loved chasing toys might switch to shorter bursts of play. Small changes add up and noticing them early can help support long-term comfort and mobility.
How Our Veterinarians Diagnose Arthritis in Cats
Because arthritis can look like normal cat behavior, diagnosis is most accurate when you combine what you see at home with a hands-on veterinary evaluation.
Physical Exams and Mobility Assessments
During an exam, your veterinarian may:
Perform a joint evaluation to look for tenderness, stiffness, or discomfort
Check for reduced range of motion
Look for muscle loss or changes in posture and movement
Observe how your cat moves (walking, stepping, and sometimes jumping if appropriate)
Tip: A short video of your cat hesitating to jump, using stairs, or stepping into the litter box can be very useful. This is important because symptoms often show up in everyday life.
Diagnostic Imaging and Medical History
Our veterinarians may recommend:
X-rays or other imaging to look for joint changes consistent with arthritis
Reviewing symptoms at home (jumping, grooming, litter box changes) to understand patterns
Ruling out other conditions that can mimic arthritis signs, such as soft-tissue injury, certain neurologic issues, or other causes of pain
Treatment for Arthritis in Cats
Arthritis care is typically individualized and often works best as a multimodal plan, meaning a combination of approaches that support comfort, movement, and daily function. Important safety note: Never give human pain medications to a cat unless your veterinarian specifically instructs you to. Some common human medications can make cats seriously ill.
Pain Management Medications
Because cats process medications differently than dogs (and differently than people), pain management should always be guided by a veterinarian. Options that our veterinarians may discuss include:
Pain medication selected for your cat’s health history and comfort goals
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in carefully selected situations, with appropriate veterinary monitoring
A monthly in-hospital dose option such as Solensia (frunevetmab)**, designed to control pain associated with osteoarthritis in cats and administered by a veterinarian
Joint Support and Lifestyle Changes
Small home adjustments can make a big daily difference, especially because cats thrive on predictable routines and easy access to favorite spots. Our veterinarians may recommend:
Omega-3 fatty acids as part of a broader joint-support plan (often through diet or veterinarian-recommended supplements)
Joint supplements, with guidance on what’s worth trying for your cat
Weight management, if needed, to reduce stress on painful joints
Supportive bedding in warm, easy-to-access locations
Easier litter box access, such as a lower-entry box, a larger box, or an additional box in a convenient spot
Think of it like wearing supportive shoes when your feet hurt; same day, less strain.
Advanced Arthritis Therapies
Some cats benefit from additional supportive care depending on the severity of arthritis and overall health. Options may include:
Laser therapy as part of a multimodal comfort plan
Other therapies our veterinarians may recommend include to support comfort and mobility, including rehabilitation-style exercises and home-environment changes tailored to your space
If budgeting is part of the decision-making (totally understandable), ask about payment options. The CareCredit credit card helps clients pay for veterinary care over time with promotional financing options, offering no interest if paid in full within 6- or 12-month financing options.*** Plus, it’s accepted at every Thrive Pet Healthcare partner hospital!
No impact to your credit score.
When to Take Your Cat to the Vet
Schedule a veterinary exam if you notice ongoing changes in mobility, grooming, behavior, or litter box habits (especially if they’re becoming more frequent or affecting daily routines). Early support can help improve comfort, protect mobility, and improve quality of life.
If you’re looking for a way to make recommended care easier to fit into your routine and budget, Thrive Plus membership may help at select primary care hospitals. Benefits include Unlimited Free Exams, 10% Off Services (like Solensia), $5 Basic Nail Trims, free 24/7 pet advice powered by whiskerDocs, and Exclusive Offers Year-Round.****
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early signs of arthritis in cats?
Early signs are often subtle: hesitating before jumping, moving more cautiously, stiffness after resting, changes in grooming, sleeping more, hiding, or shifts in litter box habits (like going next to the box).
Do cats hide arthritis pain?
Yes. Cats often mask discomfort, and arthritis tends to progress gradually. That’s why behavior and routine changes (rather than obvious limping) are often the first clues.
Can arthritis in cats be treated?
Arthritis is typically a long-term condition, but it can be managed. With the right combination of veterinary-guided pain control, home adjustments, and ongoing monitoring, many cats become more comfortable and move more easily.
What helps cats with arthritis at home?
Helpful steps include a lower-entry litter box, ramps or “step” surfaces to favorite spots, rugs for traction, cozy bedding, gentle play, and a healthy weight. Your veterinarian may also recommend omega-3s or joint supplements that are appropriate for your cat.
At what age do cats develop arthritis?
Arthritis can develop in adult cats, but it becomes more common with age. Because signs can be subtle, it’s smart to mention any mobility or behavior changes during regular veterinary visits, especially for senior cats.
*aaha.org
**SOLENSIA 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 a known allergy to frunevetmab. The most common adverse events reported in a clinical study were vomiting and injection site pain. Solensia may be associated with scabbing of the head and neck, dermatitis, and pruritus.
SOLENSIA INDICATION: For the control of pain associated with osteoarthritis in cats.
***Subject to credit approval. No interest will be charged on the promo purchase if you pay it off, in full, within the promo period. If you do not, interest will be charged on the promo purchase from the purchase date. The required minimum monthly payments may or may not pay off the promo purchase before the end of the promo period, depending on purchase amount, promo length and payment allocation. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases and, after promo period ends, to the promo balance. For New Accounts as of 5/30/24: Purchase APR 32.99%. Penalty APR 39.99%. Minimum Interest Charge $2. Existing cardholders: See your credit card agreement terms. The information herein is for promotional purposes only and Thrive Pet Healthcare and its subsidiaries/partners/facilities are not responsible for credit decisions made by CareCredit. See the CareCredit website linked above for more information on how to get the care you want or need and pay over time.
****12–month commitment required. Membership fees vary by location. Unlimited free exams apply to general practice exams only, and hospital fees apply.
See full terms for excluded services. whiskerDocs® service does not diagnose or prescribe and is not a substitute for a visit to our hospitals. Although whiskerDocs® team members are credentialed veterinary technicians, they do not operate as such in this context. Rather, they will provide you with information so that you can make the best decision on behalf of your pet. In many cases, they will recommend you see a licensed veterinarian in your state for treatment. If it is an emergency, take your pet now to the nearest veterinary emergency hospital.
