Osteoarthritis is extremely common in older cats but frequently undiagnosed. Effective pain management dramatically improves quality of life for affected cats.
Feline arthritis represents one of the most significant underdiagnosed welfare problems in companion animal medicine. Because cats do not vocalize pain or limp conspicuously, owners and even veterinarians frequently miss the condition entirely. Affected cats withdraw from interaction, stop grooming hard-to-reach areas, avoid stairs or furniture they previously used, and may soil outside the litter box because stepping over the high sides is painful. The chronic daily discomfort of untreated arthritis profoundly reduces quality of life. Treatment has improved enormously with feline-specific monoclonal antibody therapy that is safe for chronic use — unlike traditional NSAIDs that risk kidney damage in cats. Environmental adaptations are inexpensive and highly effective complements to medical treatment. Regular welfare assessments using validated feline arthritis questionnaires help track treatment response.