Why isn’t my cat moving? — Feline osteoarthritis symptoms and when to visit the vet

JointDiseasesMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

Feline osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative condition characterized by the gradual deterioration of joint cartilage. Because cats are adept at masking pain, close observation by pet owners is essential. Here’s a comprehensive overview covering symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and practical home care tips.

What is feline osteoarthritis?

An elderly cat resting stiffly on a warm cushion

Feline osteoarthritis is a chronic, degenerative joint disease in which progressive damage to the articular cartilage leads to inflammation and pain. The most important thing to remember is that cats are exceptionally good at hiding pain. Subtle behavioral changes—such as avoiding jumps, grooming less, or spending more time hiding—are often the first signs. One study found radiographic evidence of joint changes in approximately 90% of cats aged 12 years or older, and more than 60% of cats aged 6–7 years or older showed changes in at least one joint. Despite this, owners rarely noticed limping. Therefore, even if your cat appears asymptomatic, please have their joints checked if they are 7 years of age or older.

What causes it? — Causes and pathogenesis

There are two main causes of osteoarthritis in cats. Primary (1st degree): This occurs naturally as the cat ages, with joint cartilage gradually wearing down without any specific underlying cause. Unlike dogs, most cats develop primary osteoarthritis, which is most common in senior cats. Secondary (2nd degree): This is caused by conditions such as hip dysplasia, knee ligament injuries, trauma, obesity, or intra-articular infections. However, hip dysplasia alone is diagnosed as the sole cause in only about 6–23% of cases, depending on breed and age. As cartilage wears away, bones begin to rub directly against each other, leading to the formation of bone spurs (osteophytes) and a gradual reduction in joint mobility. Any joint can be affected, including the elbows, spine (lower back), and knees.

Suspect osteoarthritis if you notice these symptoms

Decreased jumping: Your pet may avoid or struggle to jump onto familiar surfaces like sofas or beds.

Changes in grooming: Difficulty bending flexibly can lead to less grooming around the back and hind legs, resulting in matted or unkempt fur in those areas.

Abnormal gait: Limping or a stiff walk may be noticeable, especially after prolonged rest or sleep.

Behavioral changes: Your pet might become sensitive or avoid being touched.

Accidents outside the litter box: Difficulty stepping into high-entry litter boxes can lead to accidents outside.

Increased hiding: Your pet may spend more time resting alone in small, dark, or easily accessible low spots.

An elderly cat gazing up at the sofa — avoiding jumps due to joint pain

You need to go to the vet right now

If your pet is completely unable to use their legs, has suddenly developed hindlimb paralysis, or has stopped moving altogether due to severe pain, you should seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Spinal joint compression can lead to nerve damage. In particular, if the hind legs suddenly begin to drag, it’s important to rule out conditions other than osteoarthritis, such as spinal disorders or thrombosis.

How is it diagnosed?

At the veterinary clinic, we begin with a thorough history taken from you and a physical examination, directly assessing the joint for pain responses, swelling (such as effusion or osteophytes), and range of motion. We then use X-rays to evaluate osteophyte formation and narrowing of the joint space. However, the degree of radiographic changes does not always correlate with the actual level of pain; a pet may experience significant discomfort even if the imaging shows minimal abnormalities. Consequently, some veterinarians base their diagnosis more heavily on the clinical signs presented than on the imaging results alone. If a more detailed assessment is required, we may proceed with additional tests such as synovial fluid analysis or a CT scan. Since cats are adept at masking pain, keeping a dated log of any behavioral changes you’ve observed at home can be incredibly helpful for an accurate diagnosis.

How is it treated?

Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications: Use only nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) approved for cats, strictly under veterinary prescription. Never administer medications intended for humans or dogs.

Joint supplements: Cartilage-protecting ingredients like glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids help support cartilage health and reduce inflammation. Prescription joint-support diets are also an option to consider.

Weight management: Excess weight places significant stress on joints, so weight loss is the first step in treatment for overweight cats.

Physical therapy and alternative therapies: Rehabilitation exercises, laser therapy, and acupuncture can help alleviate inflammation and pain.

Additional medications and emerging treatments: If NSAIDs are not suitable, discuss options such as gabapentin or pregabalin with your veterinarian. For severe pain, consider emerging treatments like anti-nerve growth factor (anti-NGF) monoclonal antibody injections, stem cell therapy, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

A veterinarian examining a cat’s hind leg joints on the examination table at an animal hospital.

Home care tips

Install a ramp: Placing a gentle ramp next to the sofa or bed can significantly reduce stress on the joints.

Warm sleeping area: Provide cushioned bedding instead of hard floors. Cold environments can worsen pain.

Low-entry litter box: Switch to a litter box with a low entrance to minimize joint bending.

Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight increases joint strain, so a prescription diet may be necessary.

Light play: Short, gentle play sessions help maintain muscle mass without overexertion.

A cat coming down the ramp next to the sofa — Home care for osteoarthritis

These breeds and age groups require extra caution

Certain breeds are genetically predisposed to a higher risk of hip dysplasia, which can lead to osteoarthritis. In fact, studies report that hip dysplasia is diagnosed as the sole cause of osteoarthritis in 6% to 23% of cases, depending on the breed and age. Additionally, osteoarthritis becomes more common with age; over half of cats older than 6 to 7 years may show radiographic signs of joint changes. Therefore, for cats aged 7 and older, it is important to regularly monitor joint health even if no symptoms are apparent, and to consistently track the progression of the condition if osteoarthritis has already been diagnosed.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently asked questions

Can feline osteoarthritis be cured?

While a complete cure may be difficult, it is certainly possible to manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. With early detection and consistent care, you can help maintain your cat’s quality of life for a long time.

Is it safe to give my pet human anti-inflammatory medication?

Absolutely not. Cats can have severe toxic reactions to human pain relievers and anti-inflammatories like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. You must only use medications specifically prescribed by a veterinarian for cats.

Can young cats develop osteoarthritis?

Although it’s rare, it can happen. Structural issues like trauma or hip dysplasia can lead to arthritis even in young dogs. If you notice any changes in your pet’s gait, have them checked by a vet regardless of their age.

When is the best time to start giving joint supplements?

Many pet owners start preventive care when their cats are 5 to 6 years old. If your cat has already been diagnosed with a condition, it’s best to begin treatment right away. Consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate product and dosage based on your cat’s weight and overall health.

Is it okay to massage a cat with osteoarthritis?

Gentle massage can help improve blood circulation and relax muscles. However, avoid touching any areas that cause pain or discomfort, and we recommend learning the proper techniques from a veterinarian or animal rehabilitation specialist first.

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References

[1] Little S. (ed.), The Cat: Clinical Medicine and Management, 2nd Edition, Elsevier, 2012, Chapter 47 Senior Life Stage Care & Chapter: Chronic Kidney Disease and Degenerative Joint Disease (Caney S.)

[2] Tomlinson J. et al., Textbook of Veterinary Orthopaedic Surgery, Section 12.3 Osteoarthritis, 2022

[3] Hardie EM, Roe SC, Martin FR. Radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease in geriatric cats: 100 cases (1994–1997). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2002;220(5):628-632.

[4] Lascelles BDX. Feline degenerative joint disease. Vet Surg. 2010;39(1):2-13.