Mobility problems in cats — from arthritis to spinal disease — represent a major source of chronic pain and welfare compromise, particularly in older cats. The stoic nature of cats and their ability to mask pain means orthopaedic conditions are frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated.
Osteoarthritis (OA) affects approximately 90% of cats over 12 years old based on radiographic studies. Clinically recognised OA is far less common — the discrepancy reflects cats' ability to conceal pain and modify behaviour to avoid discomfort. OA causes chronic joint pain, stiffness, reduced range of movement, and progressive deterioration in mobility. Welfare impacts include: chronic pain experience, inability to access resting sites requiring jumping, difficulty using litter trays with high sides, and reduced ability to groom, hunt (indoor enrichment), and engage in social interaction.
Cats rarely vocalise when in chronic pain. Signs of OA and orthopaedic pain include: reduced activity and play, reluctance to jump up or down, stiffness particularly after rest, changes in gait (shortened stride, altered posture), changes in grooming (difficulty reaching areas requiring flexibility, unkempt coat, overgrown nails), inappropriate elimination (cannot posture comfortably or access litter tray), personality changes (increased irritability, withdrawal), and reduced interaction. Owner education in recognising these subtle signs is key to timely diagnosis.
Diagnosis of feline OA combines clinical examination (orthopaedic assessment, range of motion), validated pain assessment tools (Feline Grimace Scale, CMPS-Feline), owner-completed mobility questionnaires (e.g., LOAD — Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs scale adapted for cats), and radiography. Regular orthopaedic assessment during senior wellness examinations enables early detection. Biomarkers and wearable activity monitoring are emerging diagnostic aids.
OA management requires multimodal treatment combining: NSAIDs (meloxicam is licensed for long-term use in cats; regular monitoring of kidney function required), weight management (obesity significantly worsens OA), environmental modification (ramps, steps, lower-sided litter trays, easily accessible beds), physiotherapy and massage, and emerging treatments (solensia — a feline specific anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody — licensed for OA pain in cats). Long-term pain management requires regular monitoring and treatment adjustment.
Environmental adaptations significantly improve quality of life: ramps to favourite elevated resting spots, low-sided litter trays (particularly for arthritic cats who struggle to step over high sides), easily accessible food and water at ground level, comfortable orthopaedic bedding, heating (warmth reduces joint stiffness), and non-slip surfaces. These modifications directly improve welfare by enabling cats to maintain normal activities despite physical limitations.
Other significant feline orthopaedic conditions include: degenerative joint disease of the spine (spondylosis — common in older cats and associated with pain and neurological signs), fractures (road traffic accidents, falls from height), ligament injuries, and hip dysplasia (less common than in dogs but present). Each requires appropriate diagnosis, pain management, and welfare-centred decision-making about treatment versus quality of life.