Cat Arthritis and Mobility Management

Feline osteoarthritis is dramatically underdiagnosed — studies suggest over 90% of cats over 12 years old have radiographic evidence of arthritis, yet most receive no pain management.

Key Facts

Degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) affects an estimated 60–90% of cats over 12 years, making it one of the most common conditions in older cats
Cats mask pain exceptionally well — reduced jumping height, reluctance to use stairs, and changed grooming habits are key early signs
Until 2022, no licensed analgesics existed specifically for chronic pain management in cats — NSAIDs safe for long-term feline use were unavailable
Frunevetmab (Solensia), a monoclonal antibody targeting nerve growth factor, was the first drug licensed specifically for feline arthritis pain in multiple countries
Environmental modifications — ramps, low-sided litter trays, raised food bowls, and warm resting spots — significantly improve arthritic cat quality of life
Weight management is critical — even modest weight reduction reduces joint load and measurably improves mobility
Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy are emerging as complementary approaches with evidence in feline pain management

Welfare Considerations

The scale of unmanaged arthritis pain in cats represents one of the largest welfare deficits in companion animal medicine. Millions of cats are living with chronic pain that their owners do not recognise and vets do not treat, because the signs are subtle, the species masks pain effectively, and until recently the treatment options were limited. Cats with well-managed arthritis show measurable improvements in activity level, grooming, social interaction, and mood — demonstrating the quality-of-life benefit of treatment. The availability of frunevetmab has transformed the treatment landscape; the challenge now is improving detection so that affected cats can access the help that exists.

What You Can Do

Schedule annual health checks for cats over 7 years, and specifically discuss joint health and mobility with your vet
Watch for early signs of arthritis: reduced jumping, avoiding stairs, matted fur on the back (reduced grooming reach), and changed litter box habits
Discuss frunevetmab (Solensia) with your vet — it is safe for long-term use and licensed specifically for feline arthritis
Make environmental modifications: ramps to favourite spots, low-entry litter trays, and warm, draught-free sleeping areas
Help your cat maintain a healthy weight — even 10% body weight reduction meaningfully reduces arthritis pain
Record your cat's mobility over time using validated tools like the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index (FMPI)
Support veterinary pain management research at institutions such as the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management