Managing Osteoarthritis in Cats

Cats are masters at hiding their pain, making osteoarthritis in cats a grossly underdiagnosed condition. Osteoarthritis is widely studied, recognized and treated in dogs, but its prevalence in cats is similarly high — affecting up to 90% of cats over 12 years old — yet it remains less acknowledged due to its subtle clinical signs and challenges in diagnosis.¹

Get the facts here so you can lay the foundation for your cat to remain mobile and free from the joint aches and pains that go hand in hand with this degenerative joint disease.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic progressive disease affecting at least one joint and resulting in decreased mobility and pain.² Osteoarthritis begins when the supportive tissue (cartilage) in the affected cat's joints starts to wear down, leaving bones to rub against one another with no protective cushion between them. This makes it harder for the cat to move and causes chronic, progressive pain.

Osteoarthritis is just one type of arthritis in cats. Arthritis broadly refers to inflammation and degeneration of one or more joints, but it can have a number of causes, disease processes and characteristics, depending upon the type of arthritis. Although OA is the most common type of arthritis in cats, it is possible for them to experience other types, including rheumatoid arthritis, septic arthritis, traumatic arthritis and cancerous arthritis.³

Early detection of OA in cats can make a big difference in their quality of life, but learning to spot it isn't always easy. Cats don't typically yelp or limp noticeably like dogs with OA do; instead, they subtly alter their behaviors and movements. Learning what these changes may look like can help you look out for signs of OA in your cat. Some osteoarthritis symptoms in cats include:

• Changes in Mobility: They may be hesitant to jump or completely stop jumping to high places or perches, use stairs less or pause before using the stairs. You may also notice stiffness when they walk, especially after periods of rest.

• Changes in Behavior: Cats with OA often withdraw or hide more often than before, get irritable or aggressive when touched or they may sleep more often. They may also show less interest in playtime than is typical for their personality.

• Litter Box Changes: Because osteoarthritis in cats can cause joint stiffness and pain, they may have trouble getting in and out of the litter box; this can cause more accidents outside the box despite otherwise being healthy.

• Physical Appearance Changes: Cats with OA may experience weight gain or loss due to inactivity or changes in their appetite. Some have matting in their coat, or they may pluck out hair due to pain, especially in a specific area, such as over their hips, elbows, knees or spine. Muscle wasting, especially in the hind legs, is also possible in some cats.

If your cat is showing any of these signs, it's a good idea to consult a trusted veterinarian. They can help rule out other causes and get to the bottom of what's making your cat uncomfortable.

Osteoarthritis in cats is a chronic and progressive disease that is typically related to aging, but many factors contribute to its onset or acceleration. Risk factors include:

Age

By age 6, over 60% of cats show signs of osteoarthritis, and by age 12, that number rises to a jolting 90%.1 This is because with time, cartilage simply wears down. This leaves bones without their built-in supports, causing them to grind against one another.

Joint Abnormalities

An abnormal joint structure or development, such as hip or elbow dysplasia, can lead to increased wear and early-onset OA. This can affect cats more prematurely than traditional wear and tear.

Injury or Surgical History

Osteoarthritis can develop months to years after an injury or joint/bone surgery, even in younger cats who have had accidents, such as falls or being hit by cars.

Obesity

Excess weight places more mechanical stress upon joints and wears down supportive tissue more quickly. This can impact cats of all ages.

Because cats are less likely to exhibit glaring signs of OA, your vet's expertise is essential for diagnosis. In addition to a detailed history from you, clinical signs in the physical exam can provide clues, such as joint stiffness, reduced range of motion, popping or creaking in the joints, muscle atrophy and swelling around the joints.

X-rays are considered the best screening option for diagnosing osteoarthritis in cats, though occasionally more advanced diagnostics may be warranted to differentiate osteoarthritis from other types, such as septic arthritis.⁴

Treatment for OA in cats focuses primarily on managing your cat's pain. Common options for this include NSAIDs for cats, injectable medications that relieve pain by targeting nerve growth factor, and other oral pain medications.

Your vet may recommend joint supplements that contain omega-3 fatty acids from fish or other marine oils, as these have been shown to be beneficial in managing OA. They may also recommend a specific diet that contains supplemental amounts of omega-3 fatty acids so that additional supplementation may not be needed.

Other physical treatments such as rehabilitation therapy, acupuncture and medical massage may benefit some cats, but it's important to work with an appropriately qualified individual in this case. Ask your vet if these may be an option for your cat.

Certain lifestyle modifications can make a significant difference in minimizing pain for your cat and keeping them as comfortable as possible. If your cat has osteoarthritis or is at risk of developing it, consider these factors:

Healthy Weight

If your cat is overweight, helping them achieve their ideal weight is critical to slowing the progression of OA. Extra weight increases joint stress and worsens inflammation, making weight loss one of the most effective ways to improve OA symptoms without medication. Your vet can help you with targeted caloric intake for your cat and recommend an appropriate complete and balanced food intended for weight loss.

Environmental Modifications

Ramps, soft bedding, non-slip surfaces and easy-access litter boxes can offer comfort and improve access as mobility becomes limited around the home.

Gentle Exercise

Although your cat may want to be more sedentary, gentle movement can help slow the progression of OA. Consider games like chasing a feather toy on a string, food puzzles and treat balls or placing their food strategically throughout the home to encourage more movement.

Preventing osteoarthritis in cats focuses on maintaining a healthy weight, encouraging regular low-impact activity, and supporting joint health early in life. Proper nutrition is fundamental — feeding them a complete and balanced food with appropriate calorie control can reduce the risk of obesity, a major risk factor for OA. Therapeutic nutrition also typically includes joint-supporting vitamins and minerals to promote long-term joint and overall health.

Regular veterinary checkups, tracking your cat's weight closely and identifying any signs of OA early can help limit the impact of this chronic and serious disease.

How long can a cat live with osteoarthritis?

A cat with osteoarthritis can live a normal lifespan with proper management, as OA isn't life-threatening. However, chronic pain and inflammation associated with the disease can adversely affect quality of life if the condition is left untreated.

What is the best pain relief for cats with OA?

The best pain relief for a cat with OA is best determined on an individual basis by their vet. A number of options include environmental modifications, joint supplements, oral pain medications and injectable pain medications.

Should a cat with osteoarthritis be walked?

Cats with OA should be encouraged to participate in gentle exercise, as their pain and mobility allows, under the guidance of your vet. Teaching a cat with OA to start walking on a leash is likely to be greatly stress-inducing and not commonly recommended.

Osteoarthritis in cats is no walk in the park, and as a pet parent, it's hard to see your furry friend in pain. Fortunately, veterinary science has come a long way when it comes to pain management, and there are plenty of options out there to help your cat feel more like themselves. In addition to prescription pain medication, lifestyle changes such as weight management, environmental modifications and gentle exercise can make a big difference in slowing the progression of the disease and keeping them comfortable. If your cat is showing signs of osteoarthritis, contact your vet. They'll be your best partner in creating a plan that supports your cat in the best way possible.

References

1. Michael Jaffe, "Diagnosis and Management of Feline Osteoarthritis," Today's Veterinary Practice, April 13, 2023, https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/orthopedics/diagnosis-and-management-of-feline-osteoarthritis/#:~:text=A%20second%20study%20reported%20that,3.

2. Center for Veterinary Medicine, "Osteoarthritis in Cats: More Common than You Think," U.S. Food and Drug Administration, https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/osteoarthritis-cats-more-common-you-think.

3. Joseph Harari, "Joint Disorders in C," Merck Veterinary Manual, September 2024, https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners/bone-joint-and-muscle-disorders-of-cats/joint-disorders-in-cats#Joint-Trauma_v3245569.

4. 1. "Osteoarthritis in Cats," American College of Veterinary Surgeons, October 7, 2024, https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/osteoarthritis-in-cats/.