As a cat owner, you’re uniquely positioned to recognize the subtle signs of osteoarthritis (OA) in your feline. Identifying these signs early is vital, as OA is a progressive and incurable condition that manifests differently in cats than in humans. Despite the intense pain it causes, OA can be managed, especially in its earliest stages, to enhance your cat’s quality of life and help them live their remaining years with joy and ease.

For chronic conditions like OA, the pain is constant and can deeply affect your cat’s comfort, energy levels, and even emotional well-being. Unlike humans, cats are experts at hiding their pain, making it difficult to detect without your keen observation. By working closely with your veterinarian, you can develop a pain management plan to keep your cat comfortable, mobile, and happy.

If left untreated, OA will continue to deteriorate your cat’s joints, causing further health complications. Studies show that degenerative joint disease (DJD) affects up to 40–92% of cats, many of whom remain undiagnosed due to fewer vet visits. With the longer lifespans of modern cats, early detection and intervention are key to ensuring they age comfortably.

We’re here to give you all the tools you need to be an informed pet parent.

So, What’s Next?

• Quick Guide to Osteoarthritis in Cats
• What is Osteoarthritis?
• How Does Osteoarthritis Progress?
• What Are the Signs of Osteoarthritis in Cats?
• What Are My Next Steps?
• Where Can I Learn More?
• References

Quick Guide to Osteoarthritis in Cats

Details aren’t for everyone (of course, if you want them, keep reading the entire blog!). If you want the most essential information, this section is for you. In this section, we’ll provide you with the essential information about osteoarthritis (OA) in cats, focusing on what you need to know to recognize and address this condition without getting bogged down in the details.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease in which the cartilage and joint fluid degrade over time, often leading to pain and reduced mobility. While OA is more common in older cats—studies suggest that 60% of cats over six years old and 90% of those over 12 have OA—it’s important to note that it can occur in cats of any age. One study found that 22% of cats over one year old had radiographic signs of OA, although only one-third of those displayed clinical signs. Age is a clear risk factor for OA, and the condition can affect joints like the hips, elbows, knees, shoulders, and spine.

As a pet parent, it’s crucial to look for signs of OA, which can include:

• Activity Impairment: Reluctance to jump, avoiding high places, hesitating on stairs, decreased activity level, and difficulty getting up from resting positions.
• Postural Changes: Muscle wasting near the tail and changes in body posture.
• Pain on Manipulation: Increased sensitivity to touch, vocalizing when touched, and avoiding handling.
• Behavioral Changes: Increased hiding, irritability, decreased social interaction, and changes in sleep patterns.

Cats are adept at hiding their pain, making early recognition of these signs essential for maintaining their quality of life. Unique characteristics of pain manifestation in cats can make identifying OA more challenging. Cats typically do not vocalize their discomfort like dogs and may exhibit subtle behavioral changes, such as reductions in grooming, activity, and social interaction.

To help gauge your cat’s pain, you can observe their facial expressions for indicators such as ear position, muzzle tension, and head position. Validated and researched tools like the Feline Grimace Scale (FGS) and apps that use AI, like Sylvester.ai can assist you in assessing pain levels based on these subtle cues. Additionally, we encourage you to take our online OA assessment to further evaluate your cat’s condition and determine if a veterinary consultation is needed.

By learning to recognize these signs and understanding the implications of OA, you can take proactive steps to consult your veterinarian for an appropriate treatment plan.

Want to learn more? Be sure to read our other blog about Diagnosis and Treatment of OA for Cats here.

Want to learn all the details and most recent research? Keep reading!

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive and degenerative disease that impacts the joints in cats, particularly the cartilage and synovial fluid that cushions their bones. As the disease progresses, the cartilage breaks down, leading to the bones rubbing together, causing pain and inflammation. Over time, the synovial fluid becomes inflammed, the joint capsule thickens, bone spurs develop, and your cat’s movement becomes more restricted. The pain from OA can be severe, but cats are experts at hiding their discomfort, which makes it crucial for owners to recognize the subtle changes in behavior that may signal joint problems.

Unlike dogs, where OA is often linked to developmental issues or injuries, the cause of OA in cats is less clear. It is believed to be more closely related to age-related wear and tear. Unfortunately, by the time your cat shows signs of OA, significant joint damage may have already occurred. Early detection and treatment are key to maintaining their quality of life and mobility.

While OA cannot be cured, there are ways to manage the disease and keep your cat comfortable, active, and happy. The earlier the diagnosis, the more options you have to slow its progression and minimize pain.

Prevalence of Osteoarthritis in Cats

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Osteoarthritis (OA) is much more common in cats than people realize. Research suggests that as many as 90% of cats over the age of 12 show radiographic evidence of OA. Studies show that about 60% of cats aged 6 years and older are also at increased risk of developing OA, particularly in joints like the hips, knees (stifles), ankles (tarsi), and elbows. Younger cats aren’t immune—one study found that 22% of cats over a year old had radiographic signs of OA, though only one-third displayed clinical symptoms.

One of the challenges with OA in cats is that they are masters at hiding pain. They may continue their normal activities with subtle changes, such as reduced grooming or hesitating before jumping. Since cats don’t show their discomfort as clearly as dogs, their condition often goes unnoticed until it has significantly progressed.

The Cause of Osteoarthritis in Cats

Healthy joints rely on cartilage and joint fluid to cushion bones and allow smooth, pain-free movement. In cats with Osteoarthritis (OA), this protective cartilage begins to deteriorate, reducing the joint’s ability to absorb shock. As the cartilage wears away, bone-on-bone contact occurs, leading to pain, inflammation, and further joint damage.

Although the exact cause of OA in cats is not fully understood, it is often linked to aging, obesity, or trauma to the joints. Over time, the disease progresses and can lead to significant pain and reduced mobility, making it difficult for your cat to perform everyday activities like grooming or jumping onto surfaces.

By identifying the signs of OA early, you can work with your veterinarian to create a treatment plan that will control the pain, slow the disease’s progression, and ensure your cat remains as comfortable as possible.

Risk Factors for Osteoarthritis in Cats

Osteoarthritis (OA) in cats is similarly caused by multiple factors, often with no single, identifiable cause. While certain breeds are more prone to joint issues, the onset of OA in cats is often linked to weight, aging, and wear and tear. That being said, even younger cats may display signs of early stages OA.

1. Genetics: Certain genetic factors predispose cats to joint diseases like hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and even cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears. However, in many feline cases, the causes of OA are less clear than in dogs and are often attributed to aging and everyday wear on the joints.

2. Breed: Some purebred cats are more prone to orthopedic issues, such as hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. Unlike in dogs, these developmental diseases in cats are not as well understood but may contribute to early-onset OA in some cases.

3. Nutrition: Proper nutrition is just as important for cats as it is for dogs. Overfeeding can lead to rapid growth in kittens, potentially contributing to joint issues. Throughout life, maintaining a healthy diet is essential to managing a cat’s weight, which is a key factor in OA development.

4. Body Weight: Like in dogs, approximately 40-50% of cats with OA are overweight. Extra weight places additional stress on their joints, contributing to the development and progression of OA. The “fat pet gap” applies to cats as well, with studies showing that 15% of cat owners misjudge their overweight cats as being of normal size.

5. Conformation: Cats with specific body conformations, such as breeds with long bodies and short legs, may be more prone to joint issues, increasing their risk of developing OA over time.

6. Acute Injury or Orthopedic Diseases: Orthopedic diseases in cats, such as hip dysplasia or patellar luxation, can lead to repetitive injury to the joint cartilage and eventually cause OA. In addition, acute injuries like fractures or ligament tears can result in joint instability and the development of OA as the cat ages.

7. Age: As cats age, their risk of developing OA increases significantly. Radiographic studies suggest that 40-92% of older cats (ages 6 and up) show evidence of OA in joints such as the hips, stifles, tarsi, elbows, and spine. Age-related wear and tear play a large role in the development of OA in cats.

Impacts of Osteoarthritis on Cats

Osteoarthritis (OA) in cats tends to be bilateral, affecting both sides of the body. Cats are skilled at hiding pain, making it challenging to detect early signs of OA. Owners may notice stiffness, a less fluid gait, reduced activity levels, especially at night, and reluctance to jump or jump as high as they once did. OA-related behavior changes may include resistance to handling, being picked up, or being petted, especially along the back and limbs. These changes can impact the cat’s quality of life (QOL), limiting their movement, causing anxiety, and affecting their bond with their human companions.

Numbers Treated & Barriers to Diagnosis

Osteoarthritis (OA) affects up to 40% of cats, but the rate of diagnosis remains far lower in cats than in dogs. This significant gap is due to multiple factors, including cats’ natural tendency to hide pain and the challenge of recognizing subtle signs of OA in feline patients.

Common Barriers:

1. Misinterpreting OA as Aging: Cats often show reduced play, grooming, and social interaction, alongside increased sleeping and hiding. Many pet owners attribute these changes to aging rather than pain. These behavioral shifts can be subtle, making it harder to detect and recognize them as symptoms of OA.
2. Fewer Veterinary Visits: Cats tend to visit the vet less frequently than dogs, with many only being seen in their senior years. This results in fewer opportunities for early diagnosis, and signs of OA may be missed until the disease has progressed significantly.
3. Challenges in Examining Cats: Cats are known for being inscrutable and difficult to assess in a veterinary setting, especially when it comes to observing their gait or locomotion. Stress from the exam environment can alter their movement, making it challenging for veterinarians to evaluate mobility-related issues accurately. Since OA in cats is often bilateral, they rarely limp, further complicating assessments.

Overcoming these barriers requires a systematic approach. Veterinarians and pet owners alike must be more aware of the behavioral signs of OA in cats and work together to identify and treat the condition earlier. Improved client education and earlier screening can minimize patient suffering, ensure prompt diagnosis, and lead to more effective treatments.

 

How Does Osteoarthritis Progress?

Osteoarthritis (OA) in cats often goes unnoticed because cats are excellent at hiding their pain. However, it’s a degenerative and progressive disease that affects the cartilage & synovial joints, just like in dogs. Over time, the cartilage in these joints breaks down, leading to joint pain and stiffness. OA is characterized by chondrocyte death (cartilage cells), loss of cartilage, bone remodeling, pain, and disability. 

The Osteoarthritis Cascade of Events:

Osteoarthritis (OA) progresses in cats through a series of events:

• Cartilage damage and loss – The protective cartilage in your cat’s joints begins to wear away, leading to friction between bones and discomfort.
• Release of inflammatory mediators and degenerative enzymes – As the cartilage wears down, the body tries to repair the damage, but the chemicals it releases often make the situation worse.
• Synovial membrane inflammation – This membrane, which produces fluid to lubricate the joints, becomes inflamed, leading to swelling.
• Subchondral bone remodeling – As cartilage disappears, the underlying bone becomes thicker and changes shape, causing increased pain.
• Osteophyte production – The body grows extra bone (osteophytes or bone spurs) to try to stabilize the joint, but these new bones make movement more painful.
• Disability – As OA progresses, your cat will have more difficulty moving, jumping, or grooming themselves.

These changes result in reduced joint space, thickening of the joint capsule, loss of normal movement, and pain. The challenge with cats is that many of these changes occur before symptoms become visible in X-rays or other clinical tests.

Stages of Osteoarthritis

As the disease progresses, the cascade of events leads to increasing symptoms. It’s important to recognize the signs at each stage to manage Osteoarthritis (OA) effectively and slow down its progression. While many changes are happening within the joint, your cat’s symptoms may shift over time from barely noticeable to very obvious. Understanding the stages of OA can help you spot early signs, seek treatment, and improve your dog’s comfort and mobility.

Let’s take a closer look at the progression:

1. Stage 1: Asymptomatic
   Cats may not show any clinical signs, but risk factors like obesity, breed, or previous joint injuries might be present.

• • Example: A young, overweight domestic shorthair.
  • Treatment: Early lifestyle modification is crucial, including weight management and joint supplements to help preserve joint function.

1. Stage 2: Mild
   You may notice occasional stiffness or subtle changes in your cat’s ability to jump or climb, especially after resting or activity.

• • Example: A 5-year-old cat with intermittent stiffness after play.
  • Treatment: NSAIDs may be used as needed, combined with supplements like omega-3 fatty acids to manage inflammation and improve joint health.

3. Stage 3: Moderate
   More obvious changes, like difficulty jumping, grooming, or walking normally. Cats may also begin to avoid physical activity.

• • Example: An 8-year-old cat with visible difficulty jumping onto furniture.
  • Treatment: Pain management with anti-NGF monoclonal antibodies (Solensia), combined with NSAIDs and non-invasive therapies like laser or acupuncture.

4. Stage 4: Severe
   Significant difficulty moving, reluctance to jump or play, and difficulty grooming. Cats may show significant loss of mobility or appear to be in constant discomfort.

• • Example: A 12-year-old cat with severe hip or elbow OA.
  • Treatment: Advanced pain management with Solensia, NSAIDs, and potentially joint injections. Non-invasive modalities and surgical options might be considered for severe cases.

Aftercare & Outcome

While OA cannot be cured in cats, early intervention can slow its progression and help maintain your cat’s quality of life. A multimodal approach combining medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes can extend comfort and mobility for years. In severe cases, surgical options may provide relief, though this is less common in cats than in dogs.

What Are The Signs of Osteoarthritis in Cats?

Many of us believe our cats can understand us, but unfortunately, we can’t ask them how they’re feeling. It’s up to us to spot changes in their behavior, which can sometimes be quite subtle. Because cats are instinctual predators, they hide their pain from us. Plus, cats typically experience Osteoarthritis (OA) bilaterally, which reduces the likelihood of any obvious lameness, preference, or off-loading during gait. Without the overt physical signs, you should look for behavioral changes. For instance, your cat may suddenly stop jumping up on your kitchen counters. It’s a behavior you likely don’t encourage, so the change in behavior is welcomed even though it may indicate an inability to jump due to OA pain. To help you determine whether your cat might benefit from a vet visit for diagnosis and treatment, we offer a simple online assessment. By answering a few questions about your cat, you’ll receive a report to help you have an informed discussion with your veterinarian.

OA can cause both physical and behavioral changes in your cat. Here’s what to look out for:

Unique Characteristics of Pain Manifestation in Cats

Cats, as solitary hunters, are deliberately inscrutable about pain. Unlike dogs, which are pack hunters and may use social communication (like vocalizations) to express discomfort, cats are much more likely to hide signs of pain. This is due to their evolutionary instinct to avoid showing vulnerability, which could make them targets in the wild.

 

 

 

• Limited Vocalization: Cats are unlikely to meow, cry, or hiss to show pain. Instead, their discomfort is more often reflected in subtle behavioral changes like reductions in play, grooming, socializing, and appetite.
• Reductions in Play and Activity: As natural hunters, cats typically enjoy jumping, pouncing, and chasing prey. However, with osteoarthritis, they may stop jumping onto their favorite perches, become hesitant to hunt or play, and have a noticeable reduction in overall activity.
• Changes in Grooming: Cats are meticulous groomers, and a sudden decrease in grooming behavior, leading to matted fur or an unkempt coat, may indicate pain. This is especially true if they avoid grooming certain painful areas, such as joints.
• Weight Gain and Muscle Loss: When cats become less inclined to move, they are at risk of gaining weight and losing muscle mass. This combination exacerbates the difficulty they have in getting around, creating a vicious cycle of pain, inactivity, and worsening symptoms.
• Increased Hiding and Sleeping: Cats in pain are more likely to hide in quiet, secluded spots and sleep more than usual. This withdrawal from normal activities can be easily misinterpreted as aging or laziness, but it may actually be a sign of chronic pain from osteoarthritis.
• Decreased Social Interaction: Cats may become less social with their owners or other pets, avoiding petting or lap time that they once enjoyed. If a cat is typically affectionate and suddenly becomes distant, it could be a sign they’re trying to avoid being touched due to pain.

Understanding these subtle signs is critical for identifying osteoarthritis in cats, as they rarely display overt symptoms of pain.

Understanding Your Cat’s Facial Expressions: Identifying Pain

Cats are masters of hiding their discomfort, which makes recognizing pain a challenge. One way to assess whether your cat might be in pain is by paying close attention to subtle changes in their facial expressions. Experts on cat pain look at five specific indicators: ear position, muzzle tension, head position, orbital tightening, and whisker position. These indicators are outlined in the Feline Grimace Scale (FGS), a validated measure for assessing pain in cats.

The Feline Grimace Scale:

The FGS assigns scores based on changes in each of the following five categories:

• Ear Position:
  • A relaxed cat’s ears are typically forward or slightly rotated.
  • In a cat experiencing pain, the ears tend to rotate outward or flatten against the head, an indication that they are uncomfortable or stressed.
• Muzzle Tension:
  • When your cat is relaxed, the muzzle (nose and surrounding area) appears soft and rounded.
  • A cat in pain will show increased tension in the muzzle, with a more pronounced “strained” look around the nose and mouth.
• Head Position:
  • Cats at ease often hold their heads in an upright and alert position.
  • When in pain, cats may drop or lower their heads, sometimes holding them just below the line of the shoulders. This drooping head posture is an important clue to discomfort.
• Orbital Tightening:
  • In a relaxed state, your cat’s eyes will appear open and calm.
  • Orbital tightening refers to a narrowing of the eyes, often to the point of squinting or partially closing. This sign can indicate significant discomfort, especially when paired with other facial cues.
• Whisker Position:
  • A relaxed cat’s whiskers are typically oriented outward and slightly forward.
  • Pain causes whiskers to move backward toward the face or appear clumped and rigid, a sign your cat might be stressed or uncomfortable.

Tools to Assess Your Cat’s Pain:

• Feline Grimace Scale (FGS) App: The FGS app is available for download on both Google Play and iOS. It provides cat owners with a validated method of assessing feline pain, allowing you to practice identifying pain indicators in your cat’s facial expressions. This tool can be helpful to gauge when your cat may need veterinary attention or treatment.
• Sylvester.ai: Sylvester.ai is a new app that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to assess your cat’s facial expressions and determine if they are experiencing pain. The app builds on the Feline Grimace Scale and uses AI technology to analyze ear position, orbital tightening, muzzle tension, and other facial cues. However, while it has assessed hundreds of thousands of cat images with an accuracy of over 85%, Sylvester.ai is not yet validated for chronic pain assessment. It could still serve as an early indicator of acute pain and help improve your skills in observing subtle facial cues in your cat.
• Our Online OA Assessment: This assessment will examine the most common signs of pain in your cat. It only takes a few minutes to complete. Be sure to reach out to your veterinarian if you checked any of the pictures or you marked 3 or less on any of the questions.

By learning to read your cat’s facial expressions and using tools like the Feline Grimace Scale, you can more accurately assess whether they are in pain, even when they’re doing their best to hide it. If you notice these signs, consult your veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment for your cat’s pain management.

Watch These Videos to Help Identify Signs of Cat OA

What Are My Next Steps?

Cats are notoriously good at hiding pain, which can make it challenging to identify early signs of arthritis. If you’ve noticed any of the behaviors we’ve discussed, it’s time to take action. Here’s what you can do next:

• Recognize the Signs: If your cat is showing signs of reduced mobility, reluctance to jump, decreased grooming, or changes in social behavior, it could be arthritis. Start by taking our online osteoarthritis assessment and schedule a veterinary visit to evaluate your cat. Be sure to reach out to your vet if you checked any of the pictures or you marked 3 or less on any of the questions.
• Veterinary Diagnosis: A vet will perform a physical examination, possibly including X-rays, to confirm whether your cat has osteoarthritis. Identifying the condition early can significantly impact your cat’s comfort and mobility.
• Weight Management: Cats that are less inclined to move are more likely to gain weight, which can exacerbate joint problems. Discuss dietary and weight management plans with your vet to help slow the progression of osteoarthritis.

My Cat Has Already Been Diagnosed with Arthritis

If your cat has already been diagnosed, it’s important to stay proactive in their care. Continuous monitoring and adjustments in their treatment plan can significantly improve their quality of life.

• Long-Term Monitoring: Be vigilant about watching for changes in your cat’s condition. Regular vet check-ups and continuous monitoring are essential to managing the disease. Your vet can recommend updated treatments, including medications and lifestyle changes, as your cat’s needs evolve.
• Creating a Comfortable Environment: Read our blog on how to make your home more arthritis-friendly for your cat. Small changes, like providing easy access to favorite resting spots or offering joint-supportive supplements, can help them stay comfortable. You can also look at our recommended joint products here and here.

How to Be Your Cat’s Pain Advocate

Cats are solitary hunters by nature and often mask their pain, but as their owner, you can learn to spot subtle changes that indicate discomfort. Here are steps you can take to advocate for your cat’s well-being:

• Look: Observe your cat for changes in behavior—such as reluctance to jump, reduced grooming, or increased hiding.
• Learn: Familiarize yourself with the signs of pain in cats. Use our online assessment, and download the Feline Grimace Scale App (Apple, GooglePlay) to help assess your cat’s facial expressions.
• Take: Record videos or photos of your cat’s movement or behavior for comparison over time.
• Write: Keep a log of your observations to track any patterns in behavior or worsening symptoms.
• Share: Share your observations with your vet, including photos or videos. This can be invaluable in assessing your cat’s pain and adjusting treatment.
• Monitor: Regularly evaluate your cat’s condition and work with your vet to adjust care as needed. Use tools like Sylvester.ai to assess facial expressions and improve your understanding of your cat’s pain levels.

Being proactive about your pet’s health can make a world of difference in their comfort and mobility. By taking these steps, you’re setting the stage for a better quality of life for your cat.

Where Can I Learn More?

To take our online pain assessment here. Be sure to reach out to us if you checked any of the pictures or you marked 3 or less on any of the questions.

Read more on our blog to learn:

• How OA is diagnosed and treated in cats.
• Signs, Prevalence, & Risk of OA in dogs.
• How OA is diagnosed and treated in dogs.
• Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Therapy for Pets
• Laser Therapy for Pets
• Why Your Pets Weight Could Add or Subtract Years of Life

To see all the products we recommend to help ease your cat’s pain and delay progression of OA:

• Joint Products for Cats
• Joint Products for Cats & Dogs
• Joint Products for Dogs

Watch videos showing signs of Cat OA:

• Zoetis: Is Your Cat Suffering from Osteoarthritis Pain
• Zoetis: Signs of OA in Your Cat Animation
• How to Spot Arthritis In Your Cat
• Cat Arthritis

To see all the products we recommend to help keep your cat active and at their ideal weight:

• Activity Products for Cats
• Automatic Feeders for Cats
• Food & Pet Scales for Cats & Dogs
• 24/7 Remote Monitoring (Health, Weight, Activity) for Cats & Dogs

If you’d like to schedule an appointment or discuss joint, osteoarthritis, or pain concerns for your pet, please call or text us at (843) 966-3362. You can also schedule an appointment online.

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