Osteoarthritis is extremely common in older companion animals and is frequently undertreated, causing chronic pain that significantly impairs quality of life.
Chronic pain from osteoarthritis is one of the most prevalent and underrecognised welfare problems in companion animals. In cats particularly, arthritis causes behaviour changes that owners attribute to normal aging — reduced jumping, less grooming, changed sleeping locations — rather than recognising them as signs of pain. The stoicism of prey species means that cats and dogs rarely vocalise pain, leading owners to assume comfort that does not exist. Effective treatment, environmental modification, and dietary management can dramatically improve quality of life. The welfare imperative is proactive pain assessment and treatment rather than passive acceptance of age-related decline.