What it is
In a healthy joint the ends of the bones are covered with smooth, slippery cartilage, with lubricating fluid in between. With arthritis the cartilage thins and roughens, the joint becomes inflamed and bony growths can form around it, so every movement starts to hurt.
Arthritis can develop with age, after an injury, or when a joint formed imperfectly to begin with. It can affect the hips, knees, elbows or spine.
A cat does not limp as plainly as a dog; it simply adapts. It chooses lower spots, climbs the stairs less and can no longer reach its back when grooming, so the fur there mats. A litter box with high sides can become hard to step into. Changes like these are not just old age, and they are worth showing to a vet.
Signs you may notice
- Stops jumping up
- Stiff after waking
- Matted fur on the back
- Toilets beside the litter box
- Grumpy when touched
A cat stops jumping onto high places or hesitates for a long time before a jump, moves stiffly after waking and grooms less. Some start to pass urine or stools beside the litter box.
When to see a vet
Book a visit if your cat has started avoiding jumps, moves stiffly, grooms less or no longer uses the litter box.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own cat's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.