Cat Senior Mobility and Arthritis Management

Feline osteoarthritis is far more prevalent than previously recognised, affecting the majority of cats over 12. Improved diagnosis and new treatment options have transformed the welfare of arthritic cats.

Key Facts

Radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis is present in approximately 90% of cats over 12 years
Unlike dogs, cats rarely show obvious lameness - signs are typically behavioural: reduced jumping, reluctance to use stairs, altered grooming, hiding
The Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index (FMPI) is a validated owner questionnaire that helps detect chronic pain
Anti-NGF therapy (solensia/frunevetmab) provides sustained pain relief with monthly injections and is specifically approved for feline chronic pain
NSAIDs are available for cats but require careful monitoring due to renal side effects - meloxicam is the most commonly used
Environmental modification - ramps, low-sided litter trays, raised food bowls - reduces pain from daily activities
Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy are emerging treatments that improve mobility in arthritic cats
Many cats with arthritis are euthanised prematurely because pain was not recognised or managed effectively

Welfare Considerations

Feline arthritis welfare represents a massive hidden burden - millions of cats living with chronic pain that their owners do not recognise because cats mask pain so effectively. The natural tendency to attribute reduced activity to 'slowing down with age' rather than pain means many cats go months or years with unmanaged chronic pain. The availability of anti-NGF therapy specifically for cats has been a genuine breakthrough - providing sustained pain relief with a once-monthly injection and a more favourable safety profile than traditional NSAIDs. The welfare obligation is to actively look for arthritis signs in older cats rather than waiting for obvious lameness, and to treat aggressively when identified.

What You Can Do

Complete the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index questionnaire if your cat is over 10 years old
Discuss anti-NGF therapy (frunevetmab) with your vet for cats with confirmed or suspected chronic pain
Modify your home environment for arthritic cats - ramps, low litter trays, easy food access
Recognise behavioural changes (reduced grooming, altered activity patterns, aggression when handled) as potential pain indicators
Schedule 6-monthly veterinary checks for cats over 10 specifically including mobility and pain assessment
Ensure arthritic cats have warm, comfortable resting areas easily accessible without jumping