Osteoarthritis causes chronic joint pain in the majority of cats over 10 years old, yet it is one of the most underdiagnosed welfare conditions in veterinary practice. Recognition and treatment significantly improve quality of life.
Feline osteoarthritis is a chronic pain condition affecting the vast majority of older cats yet remaining dramatically underdiagnosed and undertreated. The challenge is that cats suppress pain behaviour so effectively that owners and even veterinarians frequently miss significant arthritic disease. A cat that has stopped jumping onto their favourite perch, is toileting outside the litter tray, or has reduced self-grooming may be experiencing chronic joint pain — yet these behavioural changes are often interpreted as normal ageing or behavioural problems rather than recognised as pain indicators. The availability of frunevetmab (Solensia) as a monthly injection has transformed treatment options for cats whose owners cannot administer oral medication — making compliance far easier. Environmental modification — providing ramps, low-sided litter trays, and warm resting areas — significantly improves the functional ability and comfort of arthritic cats. The welfare opportunity is substantial: proactive screening and treatment of feline OA across the pet population could eliminate years of silent suffering for millions of cats.