A vet’s guide cat arthritis: signs, causes & treatment

Could your cat have arthritis?

The truth is, arthritis in cats is much more common than most people realise. And the signs can be subtle, easily mistaken for old age, personality quirks, or even stress.

As vets, we’re passionate about helping you spot the signs early, get the right support in place, and help your cat feel as comfortable as possible for as long as possible. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about feline arthritis - from symptoms and causes to diagnosis and treatment (including what to do if your cat won’t take pills).

Let’s get started.

What is arthritis (and can cats have it)?

Yes, cats absolutely can get arthritis. In fact, it’s more common than many people realise. 

Arthritis, or osteoarthritis (OA), is a degenerative joint disease that causes the cartilage within a joint to wear down over time. This leads to pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility.

While it’s often associated with older cats, arthritis can affect cats of all ages. It’s a progressive condition, meaning it tends to get worse over time. But with the right support and management, your cat can still enjoy a comfortable, happy life.

Cat arthritis symptoms

Arthritis in cats is frequently missed and under diagnosed. Here are some common signs to watch out for:

• Hesitating or refusing to jump

• Slipping or losing balance

• Reduced interest in play

• Sleeping more or finding it hard to settle

• Restlessness or pacing

• Toileting outside the litter tray

• Change in grooming habits (more or less)

• Aggression when touched

• Reduced interaction or hiding more often

• Stiffness, especially after rest

• Changes in gait or posture

• Facial tension (squinting, whisker position, ear posture)

Are cats with arthritis in pain? 

Yes, arthritis is painful - even when cats don’t show it in obvious ways. Cats are notoriously stoic creatures, and signs of discomfort can be subtle. Pain can also look like stress, which leads to many symptoms being misinterpreted or overlooked.

We’ve written a full guide to recognising the signs of pain in cats, including how to distinguish between pain and stress. It’s well worth a read and will give you the information you need to get a diagnosis and treatment plan for your cat. 

Causes of arthritis in cats

There’s no single cause of arthritis in cats but some contributing factors include:

• Age-related wear and tear

• Joint injury or trauma

• Genetic factors or joint abnormalities (like hip dysplasia)

• Obesity (excess weight puts more strain on joints)

• Inflammatory joint disease or auto-immune issues

It’s worth noting that arthritis often develops slowly, so by the time signs appear, the condition may already be well established.

Diagnosis of arthritis in cats

Diagnosing arthritis in cats can be tricky. Many cats mask pain, and clinical exams don’t always reveal the full picture - especially if the cat is anxious or on high alert at the vet.

That’s why video footage of your cat at home can be so useful. It gives your vet a clearer view of how your cat moves, rests, and interacts in their normal environment.

Sometimes, your vet may suggest a trial of pain relief or a supplement like Zooomy to see if symptoms improve. This approach can be incredibly helpful in confirming whether discomfort is playing a role.

Treatment for arthritis in cats

There’s no cure for arthritis, it’s a progressive disease. But there are plenty of ways to manage the condition and to slow down degeneration while improving your cat’s quality of life. These may include:

• Prescription pain relief (e.g. anti-inflammatories, gabapentin)

• Liquid joint supplements like Zooomy (long chain hyaluronic acid to lubricate joints)

• Feline physiotherapy

• Acupuncture or laser therapy (under veterinary supervision)

• Environmental changes (see below)

Every cat is different, so treatment plans should be tailored to your cat’s individual needs and medical history. Often the most effective treatment is a multimodal approach. 

What if your cat won’t take pills? 

You’re not alone. Getting a cat to take a pill is often stressful - for both of you. And stress itself can worsen inflammation and reduce quality of life.

Zooomy for cats is a liquid arthritis supplement that’s tasteless, odourless, and easy to mix with food. It removes the stress and struggle of daily pill battles and makes it easy to give consistent joint support.

It’s also free from sugar, fat and protein, making it safe for cats with diabetes, pancreatitis or allergies - and it won’t interfere with other medications.

Things you can do at home

Supporting your arthritic cat doesn’t end with medication or supplements. Small changes at home can make a huge difference:

• Use raised food and water bowls to reduce joint strain

• Switch to a low-sided, open litter tray

• Provide ramps or steps to favourite sleeping spots

• Use soft, padded bedding in easy-to-reach places

• Keep nails trimmed to help with balance

• Play gently to encourage safe movement

• Maintain a healthy weight through portion control

• Feed a high-quality diet with anti-inflammatory support

• Use a liquid joint supplement like Zooomy

Even subtle improvements in comfort and mobility can lead to big changes in behaviour, confidence and wellbeing.