✓ Veterinarian Reviewed
Reviewed by Dr Gloria Ebeyer (BAVBS, DVM, Grad Cert SAECC, MANZCVS [Veterinary Practice])
Last reviewed: July 2026
Arthritis in cats isn’t always easy to recognise, especially when the early signs can look like normal changes in routine. The clues can be easy to miss, often showing up as small changes in their daily habits rather than one obvious symptom.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the cat arthritis symptoms to look out for, when to speak to a vet, and what support can help your cat stay comfortable.
What is arthritis in cats?
Arthritis is a joint condition where the cartilage cushioning the joints wears down over time, which can lead to stiffness, inflammation, reduced mobility and discomfort. Feline arthritis is more common in senior cats, but it can also affect younger cats due to injury, genetics, excess weight or other joint conditions.
Because cats tend to mask their discomfort, arthritis is often missed until it starts affecting everyday habits, such as grooming, using stairs or playing. When it comes to cats and arthritis, spotting the signs early can help pet parents support their pet’s comfort and quality of life sooner.
Why cat arthritis can be hard to spot
In the wild, cats need to appear alert and capable to stay safe from predators and other threats. This instinct can make discomfort difficult to notice at home, especially in the early stages of arthritis.
Cats may adapt their behaviour rather than show obvious signs of discomfort. Instead of limping, they might stop jumping on the couch or climbing stairs. It’s easy to chalk this up to cats “just getting older”, but these small changes can be important clues that something more is going on with their joints. It’s worth paying attention to gradual changes in their routine, movement, mood and grooming.
Common signs of arthritis in cats
Some common cat arthritis symptoms to look out for include:
- Reduced jumping or climbing: hesitating before jumping onto furniture, choosing lower resting spots, or avoiding windowsills and stairs
- Changes in walking or movement: moving more stiffly, limping, or walking slowly or carefully
- Less play or activity: losing interest in toys, chasing games or climbing, or sleeping more than usual
- Grooming changes: matted or greasy fur, overgrooming painful areas, or difficulty reaching certain parts of the body
- Behavioural changes: becoming more withdrawn, irritable or less tolerant of handling, hiding more often, or reacting when touched around the back legs, hips or spine
When should you see a vet?
If your cat is showing ongoing stiffness, reduced mobility, changes in grooming or signs of discomfort, book a vet visit to check what might be causing it and discuss the right support. A vet can check whether arthritis is the cause, or if another issue is involved.
If arthritis is diagnosed, your vet can talk you through safe cat arthritis treatment options, such as lifestyle adjustments, pain management or appropriate cat arthritis medication, if needed.
Early vet support can help with pain management, mobility support and weight management. While arthritis usually can’t be “cured”, it can often be managed to help cats feel more comfortable.
How to support a cat with arthritis at home
If your vet confirms arthritis, small changes at home can help make everyday routines easier and more comfortable. Keep essentials like food, water, bedding and litter trays easy to access, and consider low-sided litter trays, ramps or steps if jumping and climbing have become difficult.
It can also help to provide soft, warm bedding in easy-to-reach spots, maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on joints, and gently assist with grooming if they can no longer reach certain areas. For extra support, your vet may also recommend options such as joint supplements for cats, pain management or other arthritis relief for cats based on their needs.
Noticed changes in the way your pet moves? Explore Petstock’s range of cat joint care products, and speak to your vet about the best options for their needs.