Understanding Joint Problems in Cats: Causes, Signs, and Solutions

You might not realise it, but joint problems in cats are more common than you think. Many people assume that cats, known for their independence and agility, don’t suffer from joint issues. However, arthritis is quite prevalent in cats, often going unnoticed.

Unlike dogs, cats are masters at hiding their pain, making it harder to detect arthritis. They may not show obvious signs of discomfort, even when they're struggling. That’s why it’s important for cat owners to be observant and look for subtle signs of arthritis.

Cat arthritis is a painful condition that affects the joints, making movement uncomfortable. While there’s no cure, there are ways to help ease your cat’s discomfort. If your cat seems to be slowing down or showing signs of pain when they move, it’s important to schedule a vet visit to explore treatment options that can improve their quality of life.

What Are the Symptoms of Arthritis in Cats?

While cats are more likely to mask their pain, there are still things you should look out for to better understand how your cat is feeling.

- Reluctance or hesitance to jump up or down

- Difficulty going up or downstairs

- Limping

- Stiffness in the legs, especially after resting or sleeping

- Difficulty using their litter box

- Irritability

- Reduced levels of activity

- Less time spent on their grooming

- Reduced height when jumping

- Hiding or sleeping more than normal

Causes of Cat Arthritis

Cat arthritis is caused by the gradual deterioration of cartilage in the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and restricted movement. Some common causes include:

Ageing: As cats age, their cartilage naturally wears down, making arthritis more common in older cats.

Injury or Trauma: Previous injuries, such as fractures or joint damage, can lead to arthritis later in life.

Obesity: Excess weight puts added stress on a cat’s joints, accelerating wear and tear on the cartilage.

Genetic Factors: Some cats may be genetically predisposed to joint problems, such as hip dysplasia, which increases the likelihood of developing arthritis. This is most commonly seen in Maine Coon, Persian, Scottish Fold and Siamese cats.

Joint Abnormalities: Congenital conditions or developmental issues, like abnormal joint formation, can contribute to early-onset arthritis.

Infections or Autoimmune Diseases: Infections or diseases that affect the joints can trigger inflammation and arthritis over time.

Being aware of these causes can help cat owners take preventive measures or seek early treatment to manage the condition

Changes you can make at home for a cat with arthritis.

One of the best ways to help a cat who has arthritis is to create a comfortable environment for them that’s also safe. You can do this by:

Provide a soft, warm bed: Ensure your cat has a comfortable bed that's easy to access and exit.

Install ramps to favourite spots: Use ramps to help your cat reach places they love, like your bed, the couch, or a window seat.

Offer an accessible litter box: Choose a litter box with at least one low side to make entry easier for your cat.

Keep essentials on one floor: Place your cat's litter box, food, and water on the same floor to reduce the need for climbing stairs.

Use soft grooming brushes: Gentle brushes can help keep your cat comfortable during grooming sessions.

Maintain a healthy weight: Help your cat stay at an ideal weight to reduce stress on their joints.

Consider joint supplements: Green-lipped mussel and other joint health supplements can support your cat's mobility and ease arthritis symptoms.

Cats don’t usually display obvious signs that they have arthritis. They tend to hide their pain, even when they’re in distress due to their nature. This can make it very difficult to identify when there is a problem with their joints.

If you pay attention to subtle signs — like difficulty jumping or sudden issues with the litter box — you may be able to detect potential problems early on. The earlier you can start treating cat arthritis, the better.

If you suspect your cat may have arthritis or is in pain, schedule a visit with your veterinarian as soon as possible.