Last Updated: 17/08/2026
Arthritis Care for Cats
Our vet guide to arthritis supplements, diets and medications for cats.
Author: Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 7 minutes - short read
Is your cat getting grumpy in their old age, or reluctant to jump onto furniture and grooming less than they used to? It's easy to put this down to old age, but it's often something more: arthritis, a common condition in older cats that affects mobility and causes real pain.
Don't let your cat suffer in silence. Find out what arthritis is, the signs to watch for and the treatment options that actually work. This guide is part of our series on ageing cats, for the full picture see our guide to looking after your senior cat.
What is arthritis in cats?
Arthritis, scientifically referred to as 'osteoarthritis' or 'degenerative joint disease', is a degenerative, progressive, and irreversible condition of the joints.
While the 'itis' in 'arthr-itis' suggests inflammation, that's only one part of the disease. Arthritis also involves a loss of cartilage (the soft tissue that protects the bone) and new bone growth called 'osteophytes', as destructive enzymes break the cartilage down.
Most arthritis in cats is 'primary', linked to ageing and years of wear and tear on the joints, rather than 'secondary' arthritis caused by an injury, which is far more common in dogs.
Signs of arthritis in cats
Cats are masters at disguise. Lameness is easy to spot in dogs, but cats sleep up to 90% of the day and limping isn't a classic sign of arthritis in cats like it is in dogs.
Common signs of arthritis in cats:
- Reduced playing and sleeping more
- Reluctance to climb or jump onto furniture
- Decreased grooming (particularly over the spine or hips)
- Trouble entering the litter tray (may toilet next to the litter tray)
- Trouble squatting to toilet
- Grumpy when picked up or patted over the spine or hips
Many cats won't vocalise when in pain, so seek veterinary advice if you notice any change in your cat's gait or behaviour. Your vet will examine the joints and muscles, and may recommend radiographs or blood work to confirm the diagnosis.
The most common mistake we see in consult rooms is an owner putting a cat's slowing down down to just getting old, when x-rays reveal moderate to severe arthritis. If in doubt, a short phone video of your cat's normal movement over a week or two is one of the most useful things you can bring along to a check-up.
How is arthritis in cats treated?
There's no single 'wonder' arthritis medication that controls pain long-term on its own. In reality we need to combine techniques for the best results, a multimodal approach that also lowers the risk of side effects from any single therapy.
What's the best cat food for arthritis?
Weight control is the single most important strategy in managing arthritis in cats. Extra weight adds stress to the joints, makes cats less likely to move, and releases inflammatory mediators that add to the problem.
There are numerous low-calorie diets and veterinary prescription weight loss diets in both wet and dry varieties, and most senior cat foods also contain glucosamine, chondroitin and omega fatty acids for joint health. Many older cats with arthritis also have other conditions like chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, liver disease and heart disease, so your vet can advise which diet suits your cat best.
A practical tip from our vets: weigh dry food on kitchen scales rather than using the scoop that came with the bag. Scoops vary hugely between brands and eyeballing a serve is an easy way that extra grams sneak in.
Looking for more ideas? Read our article on Tips to Help Your Cat Lose Weight.
Recommend foods for cats with arthritis
What medications are used to treat arthritis in cats?
Your vet will determine the most appropriate pain relief regime for your cat, since not every option suits every cat. Options include:
In our experience, cats tend to do best on a layered approach, starting with an NSAID like meloxicam and adding a second mechanism such as Solensia, rather than waiting for one medication to lose effect before trying the next.
WARNING! NEVER GIVE YOUR CAT HUMAN PAIN RELIEF WITH CONSULTING YOUR VETERINARIAN.
Paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen, and found in 'Panadol', 'Tylenol', and 'Codral Cold + Flu') is extremely toxic to cats as it destroys their red blood cells leading to a haemolytic anaemia, a serious and life-threatening condition. Ibuprofen (brand names include 'Nurofen' and 'Advil') is also very toxic to cats and can result in life-threatening kidney damage.
What are the best joint supplements for cats with arthritis?
Choosing the right joint supplement for your cat comes down to the evidence behind the active ingredient, how easy it is to get into your cat, and whether it suits their other health conditions. We've put together a full comparison of the best joint supplements for cats in Australia.
Read our guide to the best joint supplements for cats.
Looking for more information on supplements? Read our article on Your Guide to Pet Supplements.
Recommend supplements for cats with arthritis
How can I care for my arthritis cat at home?
A few simple changes at home make a big difference for an arthritic cat: a ramp or steps up to favourite spots, a low-sided litter tray, and a heated bed or mat for cold days.
For the full list of home modifications, read our guide to home care for cats with arthritis.
Natural Remedies for Cats with Arthritis
Encouraging your kitty to move can be a real challenge sometimes, especially when they've found that comfy snoozing spot by the window. When it comes to exercise, keep in mind that your cat's joints are sensitive and minimal weight bearing movements are ideal.
Gentle play is recommended to help stimulate your cat and keep them moving. You may need to find out what types of play your cat is interested in. Try encouraging them with toys such as wand toys, laser pointers, or chase toys. If they are food motivated, you can try feeding them their regular diet in an puzzle toy to make them work for their food and burns some calories.
Provide stairs or a ramp so that your cat can reach their favourite places without having to jump and impact their joints. Also make sure that your cat's food and water bowls, and litter trays are easily accessible at floor level.
Provide your arthritic cat with a larger litter tray that has a lower entry lip so they can easily get in and out, and spend time grooming your cat as this may be difficult for them. Many arthritic cats will also respond well to muscle massage and acupuncture.
Looking for more ideas? Read our articles on Keeping Indoor Cats Happy and Games You Can Play With Your Cat.
Recommended enrichment for cats with arthritis
What's the best bed for a cat with arthritis?
Best Beds for Cats with Arthritis
Give your cat plenty of soft, comfortable beds in quiet, accessible spots, covered beds help them feel warm and secure, and well-padded, elevated beds help since getting in and out can be tough with stiff joints. Cold weather makes joints stiffer, so a heated bed or mat helps soothe pain, and non-slip flooring around the bedding is worth adding too.
A tip from our vets: put at least one bed at the same level as your cat's favourite window perch, so they don't have to make one last painful jump to get there.
Arthritis is common, and while it's hard watching our feline friends get older, there's comfort in knowing small actions can make a big difference. Don't hesitate to seek veterinary treatment if you're concerned your cat is suffering, there are plenty of options to improve their quality of life.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Mon 17 Aug 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr Belinda graduated from The University of Queensland in 2009 and has worked as a Small Animal Veterinarian for over 10 years in South East Queensland. She also has experience as a telehealh consultant, providing veterinary advice for online customers.She has a special interest in animal behaviour, preventative health, the human-animal bond and internal medicine. Outside of work hours she is closely affiliated with a kitten rescue and is also a devoted carer of orphaned rescue kittens.
