Arthritis in Cats: Signs, Symptoms and Treatments

Last Updated on January 4, 2026 by Holly Anne Dustin

If your cat is acting differently than normal, they may be in pain. Osteoarthritis, also known as joint disease in cats, affects 40% of our feline companions. Osteoarthritis can be a result of poor joint structure from birth, a traumatic injury like getting hit by a car or mauled by a dog, or, most commonly in cats, normal wear and tear on their joints as they age. One study showed that by the time cats reach the age of 12, more than 90% of them have bone changes visible on x-ray https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/cat-has-arthritis#footnote Most affected joints include the spine, hip, knees, and elbows—although any joint can develop arthritis.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of arthritis in cats is crucial for providing them with the care and treatment they need. My 16 year old cat has arthritis in his spine as a result of a traumatic injury. We’ve been lucky to have had good success with some of the newer treatment options, including Solensia, a new drug on the market for pain in cats.

Causes of Degenerative Joint Disease in Cats

It is the result of a breakdown of cartilage within a joint which sets up a process of inflammation and further damage which gradually results in the painful disease of arthritis. Most cats can develop it either due to the way they are built, a result of injuries, fractures, infection, breed, obesity, and age.

In the early arthritic joint, the surface of the cartilage becomes disrupted and breakdown of the cartilage matrix structure begins and starts a vicious circle of inflammation, cartilage breakdown, new bone formation, and further inflammation. The cartilage surfaces of the bone, which are normally smooth, wear thin and erode. While this process of erosion takes place the cat’s body repairs it, but the newly repaired surface may be incomplete or becomes increasingly irregular. The pain of arthritis begins as the uneven bones start rubbing together.

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Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis in Cats

Cats have a natural instinct to hide or mask signs of pain or weakness. This is because cats in the wild are both predator and prey. Cats are solitary hunters that naturally protect themselves from perceived threats. Even our beloved house cats still have this protective instinct. Joint disease in cats is underdiagnosed and often undertreated until advanced stages of the disease, leaving them in pain.

Arthritis can be difficult to detect in cats. However, there are common signs and symptoms that can indicate the presence of joint disease in our feline friends. Having a guardian that is closely bonded with Kitty watching for subtle changes in her behavior is the best tool for making sure she gets proper diagnosis and treatments.

Behavioral Changes:

It is easy to assume that your cat with degenerative joint disease is just slowing down due to age. But it maybe that he’s in pain. Changes in Kitty’s behavior as he ages should be one thing to keep an eye on. It is definitely worth talking to your vet if you see behavioral changes like a reluctance to jump up in the bed or climb up a cat tree.

If Kitty is avoiding the stairs or urinating outside the box, especially if he pees right by the entrance of the box, it could be arthritis. Decreased interest in playing or adventuring, and a grumpy reaction to petting or cuddling in your former best friend can also be symptoms of degenerative joint disease in cats.

The North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine identified six everyday behaviors where changes can indicate the presence of osteoarthritis pain. If you see these changes in your furbaby, it is time to get her in for a vet assessment. These include:

• Jumping up onto a higher surface
• Jumping down from a higher surface
• Climbing up and down stairs
• How your cat looks as it runs
• Is Kitty willing to chase moving object like her toys Development of a Screening Checklist for the Detection of Musculoskeletal Pain in Cats. © 2019 North Carolina State University

Physical Indications of Degenerative Joint Disease to Look for:

• Cats with arthritis may limp, favor one side while walking, or show lameness.
• You might see a loss of muscle on Kitty’s hips and thighs.
• Degenerative joint disease can limit Kitty’s willingness or ability to keep herself groomed. Kitty may be stiff, or have difficulty moving, when he first wakes up. He may struggle to get up off of a soft or slippery surface.
• Reduced activity, increased sleeping, less desire to play.
• Weight gain
• Staying downstairs or never sleeping in her favored high spots instead preferring lower and easier to access areas.

How to Diagnose Arthritis in Cats:

A proper diagnosis is essential to confirm arthritis in cats and determine an appropriate treatment plan. A thorough examination includes a complete medical history, a full thorough clinical examination, and diagnostic testing.

Medical History Discussion:

Sharing Kitty’s medical history with his veterinarians will provide valuable information for an accurate diagnosis. Any past injuries, infections, discussing observed symptoms, changes in appetite, attitude, and behaviors that might indicate degenerative joint disease.

Veterinary Examination:

In addition to all the normal stuff that is checked out at Kitty’s annual visit, a thorough physical assessment for arthritis will include an observation of your furbaby’s gait, mobility, range of motion, muscle mass in affected areas, and a pain assessment. If it is determined from the physical assessment that it is likely that Kitty has arthritis, your vet may do some diagnostic testing.

Diagnostic Tests:

• X-rays: X-rays help visualize joint changes. The vet will look for changes like new bone formation around a joint in places where there would not normally be bone present, change in bone density, narrowing of spaces between the bones, and thickening of soft tissue structures. These common signs of arthritis. https://ourpetshealth.com/info/arthritis-in-dogs-and-cats-the-disease-and-diagnosis
• Joint Fluid Analysis: A joint fluid analysis may be performed to determine if there is any inflammation and identify any underlying joint diseases.
• Baseline blood and urine tests. It is important to know if Kitty has any other underlying conditions that could affect treatment choices for her arthritis.

Another option is to do a 2-4 week treatment trial; typically with a non-steroidal anti-inflamatory pain killer (NSAID). That’s what we did with Treeno. After we got a positive response to the trial, we did take x-rays so we had a baseline before we developed his full treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Arthritis in Cats:

While arthritis cannot be cured, various treatment options can help manage the condition and keep Kitty comfortable. You and your vet need to create a long term treatment plan. Keep in mind that arthritis is a progressive disease and Kitty’s needs will change over time. This means that what may work at first will need tweaking and changing as our furbaby ages and the disease worsens. It is also why no single treatment plan is appropriate for every individual. The response to treatments and underlying healthy of each cat will determine what to try.

A treatment plan typically includes more than one approach. Giving Kitty her best life is a lot more than just giving her the newest drug. Likewise, don’t be a cat guardian who thinks that because you are giving fish oil and a joint supplement your baby must be comfortable. Pieces of a treatment plan for degenerative joint disease in cats can include any or all of the following:

• lifestyle + exercise
• living environment
• nutrition
• dietary supplementation
• alternative therapy
• drug therapy

Medications:

• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs such as Onsior and Meloxicam, can help reduce pain, inflammation, and improve mobility in arthritic cats. However, they should only be used under veterinary supervision due to potential side effects.
• Steroids: Steroids may be prescribed for cats with severe inflammation. However, prolonged use should be avoided due to potential adverse effect
• Pain Relievers: Certain prescription pain medications, safe for cats, can be used to manage chronic pain associated with arthritis.
• Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan (Adequan): This is an injectable prescription medication that supports joint health by stopping destructive enzymes within the joint. Adequan is approved as a twice weekly injection given within a 4-week period. However, many veterinarians prescribe this medication for longer periods of time. Your vet will be able to recommend a dosing plan for Kitty.
• Frunevetmab (Solensia) is a newer injectable drug using monoclonal antibodies developed specifically for cats with arthritis. Solensia is a monoclonal antibody (mAb), a highly specific protein targeting molecules involved in disease. It functions like naturally occurring antibodies specifically targets Nerve Growth Factor, a key mediator of arthritis pain. 77% of cat owners reported improvement in signs of pain when their cats were treated monthly with Solensia https://www.zoetisus.com/products/cats/solensia It is marketed for monthly treatment, but a lot of cats can go longer. My vet has patients that can go 8 weeks between shots. Treeno does best around 5-6 weeks.

Nutritional Supplements and Special Diets:

• Glucosamine and Chondroitin: These supplements can help support joint health and cartilage integrity in cats with arthritis. cosequin, green lipped mussels, Glucosamine supplements are often put forward as the be-all and end-all in arthritis treatment but this is definitely overstating the fact. Cosequin is the usual recommendation.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids possess anti-inflammatory properties and can be beneficial for cats with arthritis. They are commonly found in fish oil supplements. Omega 3 fatty acids which are also known as EPA and DHA are the first group of supplements to consider. These omega 3 fatty acids have a well-recognized anti-inflammatory effect and by reducing inflammation, pain levels are also reduced. These fatty acids are found in various oils such as fish oils and flax seed oil.
• 1tDC: A proprietary blend of fatty acids oils from beef tallow derived from grass-fed animals. Helps support your pet’s oral health, hip & joint health, stamina/muscle recovery and skin & coat health.
• Hemp Oil/CBD: Relieve your pet`s pаin. If Kitty has any kind of inflammatory pаin, this hemp oil supplement is a good addition to her diet.
• Prescription Diets for Joint Health: Some veterinary-prescribed diets contain ingredients that promote joint health and can be beneficial for cats with arthritis.

Alternative Treatments

• Physical therapy and exercise: Gentle exercise and physical therapy, guided by a veterinarian or veterinary physiotherapist, can help improve joint mobility and muscle strength in arthritic cats. It can mean an easy walk around the block rather than a hike. Play with a wand toys pulled around the house rather than leaping about after a laser. If Kitty doesn’t mind water, part of a physical therapy program can include hydrotherapy.
• Cold laser therapy: Decrease inflammation and pain. Laser treatment typically starts with multiple treatments within a week and then tapers to the lowest effective dose. Laser therapy directs an exact frequency of light into the tissues to help reduce pain, increase blood flow, and decrease inflammation. https://www.catcarecenter.com/services/cats/laser-therapy-pain-relief-for-cats Your vet can offer the treatment or refer you to someone who does. You can purchase a laser device for home use too.
• Acupuncture: It may be hard to get cats to cooperate, but acupuncture increases blood flow, releases endorphins, relieves muscle tension/spasms, and stimulates nerves. The results of treatment can be especially useful for pain control, decreasing inflammation, and reducing anxiety in your cat. https://www.petmd.com/cat/general-health/what-is-acupuncture-for-cats
• Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy: PEMF works by oxygenating cells, improving circulation, and improving the function and natural healing process of the cells. It is safe, non invasive, and effectively relieves pain and swelling, improves joint health and mobility. The Assisi Loop and PEMF mat are tools you can use at home, or your vet might offer treatments. https://pemfcomplete.com/pemf-for-cats/
• Newer treatment options coming to the market for degenerative joint disease in cats include stem cell treatments and platelet rich plasma injections.

Lifestyle Modifications:

1. Weight Management: Overweight cats are more likely to develop arthritis. Research shows that the white fat that obese cats accumulate secretes inflammatory hormones that contribute to the inflammation and pain of osteoarthritis. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for reducing inflammation and the strain on joints. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/arthritis-and-nutrition-for-cats
2. Environmental Modifications: Providing ramps or steps for easier access to furniture, litter boxes, and food bowls can help arthritic cats navigate their environment more comfortably.

Related Post: Catifying Your Home for a Senior Cat

Conclusion:

Consistent monitoring of Kitty’s condition and regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to adjust her treatment plan and ensure the best possible care for arthritic cats.

Degenerative joint disease can significantly impact the quality of life for our furbabies. Recognizing the signs and symptoms early, obtaining an accurate diagnosis, and consulting your vet to implement appropriate treatments and lifestyle modifications for your cat allows her to lead as happy and pain-free a life as possible.