Monitor — routine vet appointment
Managing arthritis in cats
Cats hide arthritis well — reduced jumping, less grooming, sleeping more in older cats often signals treatable joint pain; book a vet check.
Recognise the signs
- Stops jumping up to favourite high spots
- Misses jumps
- Sleeps more, plays less
- Reduced grooming, especially back end (matted fur)
- Stiff after rest
- Reluctance on stairs
- Toileting outside the tray (can't climb in easily)
- Behavioural change — withdrawn or grumpier
First aid steps
- Note specific changes — what the cat used to do versus now.
- Book a vet appointment.
- Lower beds, food, water, and litter trays to easy access.
Do NOT
- No human painkillers — paracetamol kills cats, ibuprofen unsafe.
- Do not assume an ageing cat must be slowing down — many are in treatable pain.
- Do not climb-train an arthritic cat.
When to phone the vet immediately
- Sudden severe lameness
- Inability to bear weight
- Inappetence with pain signs
Common causes
- Age-related joint wear
- Past injury
- Hip dysplasia (Maine Coon, Persian higher risk)
- Obesity
What the vet will need to know
- Behavioural changes noticed
- Jumping and toileting habits
- Weight history
- Other health conditions
Aftercare
- Cat-specific anti-inflammatories (e.g. meloxicam) often transformative.
- Newer monoclonal antibody injection (Solensia) given monthly.
- Joint supplements as advised.
- Environment changes — ramps, low trays, multiple resources, soft beds.
- Weight management.
Prevention
- Lean weight throughout life.
- Address joint conditions early.
- Annual senior checks from age 8.
Breed-specific notes
- Higher risk in: Maine Coon, Persian, Scottish Fold (specific breed-related joint disease).
Frequently asked questions
How common is arthritis in older cats?
Studies suggest most cats over 12 have arthritis on X-ray. Many go untreated because owners assume slowing down is normal ageing.
Will my cat tolerate monthly injections?
Solensia is a quick subcutaneous injection at the vet, well-tolerated by most cats. Many owners report dramatic improvement within 2–4 weeks.
Can I give my cat aspirin for joint pain?
No — cat doses of aspirin are tiny and very different from dogs. Vet-prescribed pain relief is essential.