Osteoarthritis is extremely common in older cats but dramatically underdiagnosed, leaving millions of senior cats suffering preventable chronic pain that responds well to modern multimodal pain management.
The near-universal prevalence of arthritis in old cats combined with the feline tendency to hide pain creates a vast epidemic of unrecognised and untreated chronic pain. Cats do not cry or yelp when in pain — instead they reduce movement, avoid previously enjoyable activities, and withdraw socially. Owners often attribute reduced activity to normal ageing without recognising it as pain-driven. Untreated arthritis progressively reduces quality of life across the months and years of a cat's old age. Effective pain management using approved analgesics, environmental modifications, and weight management can dramatically restore mobility and engagement in affected cats. Regular veterinary pain assessment using validated tools helps identify and treat arthritis before it significantly impairs welfare.