# Arthritis in Cats UK — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/cat-arthritis-uk): Arthritis in Cats UK — Quick answer. Arthritis affects many UK cats over seven, but signs are easy to miss because cats hide pain. Watch for reduced jumping, stiffness and grooming changes. Vet-prescribed pain relief, weight management and home adaptations keep cats comfortable — never give human painkillers.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/cat-arthritis-uk): Arthritis in Cats UK — Why arthritis is hard to spot in cats. Unlike dogs, cats rarely limp obviously. According to the PDSA and Cats Protection, they adapt by: - Sleeping more instead of playing - Using lower routes rather than jumping to windowsills or beds - Grooming painful joints excessively — or stopping grooming and developing a matted coat - Becoming irritable when picked up or handled near sore joints - Toileting outside the litter tray if high-sided boxes are painful to enter Many owners attribute these changes to "getting old" rather than treatable pain. A vet examination can identify arthritis even when lameness is subtle.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/cat-arthritis-uk): Arthritis in Cats UK — Signs of arthritis in cats. Watch for gradual changes such as: - Reluctance to jump — prefers staying on the floor or using intermediate steps - Stiffness after sleeping — slow to rise, especially on cold UK mornings - Reduced activity — less interest in play or hunting toys - Muscle loss over hindquarters or shoulders - Overgrooming one area — sometimes causing bald patches - Poor coat condition — unable to reach the back or hind legs comfortably - Personality change — hiding, avoiding touch, or aggression when handled - Litter tray problems — see Cat litter box problems Overweight cats are at higher risk and show signs earlier — see Cat obesity UK. The pattern is similar to Arthritis in dogs UK, though cats mask discomfort more effectively.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/cat-arthritis-uk): Arthritis in Cats UK — How vets diagnose arthritis. Your vet will: - Observe how your cat moves, jumps and rises - Palpate joints for pain, swelling and reduced range of motion - Take X-rays to confirm joint degeneration - Run blood tests before starting long-term NSAIDs Other causes of reduced mobility — spinal disease, soft tissue injury, hyperthyroidism — must be ruled out. Senior cats benefit from six-month check-ups as part of Senior pet care UK.

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/cat-arthritis-uk