Arthritis in Cats: Recognising Hidden Pain in a Stoic Species

Feline arthritis is dramatically underdiagnosed — over 90% of cats over 12 show radiographic arthritic changes, yet owners rarely recognise the subtle behavioural signs of chronic pain. Recognition and management transform welfare.

Key Facts

Studies using radiography show osteoarthritis in over 90% of cats over age 12 and over 60% of cats over age 6
Unlike dogs, arthritic cats rarely vocalise pain — they show subtle behavioural changes including reduced grooming, altered jumping, and withdrawal
The most common sites are the elbows, hips, stifles, and intervertebral joints of the lumbar spine
Reduced grooming of hard-to-reach areas leads to matted coat, particularly over the lower back in arthritic cats
NSAIDs approved for long-term use in cats include meloxicam (EU) and robenacoxib — these significantly improve mobility
Anti-NGF therapy (frunevetmab/Solensia) is approved in multiple countries as a once-monthly injection for feline OA pain

Welfare Considerations

Feline arthritis welfare is one of the largest gaps between disease prevalence and owner recognition in companion animal medicine. A cat that stops jumping to its favourite shelf, no longer grooms its lower back, or uses the litter tray less consistently may be experiencing significant chronic pain from arthritis — but owners frequently interpret these signs as personality changes or normal ageing. Veterinary education campaigns that help owners identify these subtle signs are among the highest-impact welfare interventions available for senior cats. Once identified, treatment options are excellent: monthly frunevetmab injections offer effective, stress-free pain management without the gastrointestinal risks of NSAIDs. Environmental modification — litter trays with low sides, ramps, raised food bowls — reduces the physical demands placed on painful joints. Weight management significantly reduces joint loading. The combination of better recognition, effective analgesia, and environmental modification offers a dramatic quality-of-life improvement for millions of cats.

What You Can Do

Learn the subtle signs of arthritis in cats: reduced jumping, reluctance to use stairs, matted coat over the back
Ask your vet about frunevetmab injections for cats showing mobility changes — it is highly effective and stress-free
Modify your home with low-sided litter trays, ramps to favourite resting spots, and elevated food bowls
Schedule annual blood pressure and mobility assessments for cats over 8 to catch arthritic changes early