Companion Animals

Feline Arthritis: Hidden Pain and Welfare Management

Arthritis is severely underdiagnosed in cats and represents a major source of chronic, unrecognised pain in elderly cat populations worldwide.

Key Facts

Studies show arthritis-related changes in over 90% of cats over 12 years in radiographic studies
Cats hide pain and rarely show obvious lameness, masking significant discomfort
Reduced jumping, altered grooming, and behavioural change are key welfare signs
Anti-inflammatory treatment significantly improves quality of life in affected cats
Obesity is a major risk factor and exacerbates joint pain in arthritic cats

Welfare Considerations

Feline arthritis is a major unrecognised animal welfare issue. Because cats evolved as prey animals that hide weakness, they rarely display obvious pain signs even when severely arthritic. Owners and veterinarians frequently attribute reduced activity to normal ageing rather than treatable pain. Effective welfare intervention requires proactive screening in senior cats and owner education on subtle behavioural pain indicators.

What You Can Do

Book senior cat health checks that specifically assess joint mobility and pain
Learn to recognise subtle signs of feline pain including reduced grooming and activity
Ask your vet about anti-inflammatory options for elderly arthritic cats
Modify the home environment with ramps, lower litter trays, and raised food bowls
Maintain a healthy weight in your cat to reduce joint loading