felineOA
Expert veterinary guidance.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most underdiagnosed conditions in cats. Studies show 61% of cats over 6 years old and 90% of cats over 12 have radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease, yet only 13% of affected cats have received a diagnosis. Unlike dogs, cats rarely show obvious lameness — instead they exhibit subtle behavioral changes that are often mistaken for normal aging. Recognizing these signs and seeking treatment can dramatically improve your cat's quality of life. Source: Clinician's Brief, December 2025.
Points Clés
- 61% of cats over 6 and 90% over 12 have arthritis — most cases go undiagnosed
- Cats rarely limp — behavioral changes (less jumping, decreased grooming, hiding) are the key signs
- OA is a painful condition even in cats that don't show obvious physical signs
- Solensia (frunevetmab) monthly injection is a breakthrough treatment specifically for feline OA pain
- Environmental modifications — ramps, heated beds, low-entry litter boxes — significantly improve comfort
- A comprehensive management plan includes pain control, weight management, and increased gentle movement
Why Cats Hide Their Pain
Unlike dogs that often limp or whimper, cats instinctively mask pain — a survival mechanism from their wild ancestors. This means behavioral changes are the primary indicators: reluctance to jump to favorite spots, decreased grooming (especially on the back and hind legs), sleeping more, avoiding stairs, and becoming less social. Many owners attribute these changes to "getting old" when they actually indicate chronic pain requiring treatment.
Diagnosis Challenges
Feline OA presents a diagnostic challenge because overt lameness is uncommon. Physical examination in the clinic is limited because many cats are tense due to fear and stress. The most effective diagnostic approach combines: owner-reported behavioral questionnaires, video of the cat at home moving naturally, radiographs (X-rays), and response to pain medication trials. Your vet may ask you to complete a mobility questionnaire to help assess your cat's condition.
Treatment: Multimodal Approach
Treatment is multimodal: pain medication (meloxicam/NSAIDs with kidney monitoring, or Solensia monthly injection), joint supplements (omega-3 fatty acids), weight management (even small reductions help), physical therapy (gentle exercise, laser therapy), and environmental modifications. Solensia (frunevetmab) blocks nerve growth factor and provides significant pain relief without daily medication — a monthly injection at your vet clinic.
Home Modifications for Arthritic Cats
Small changes make a huge difference: provide pet stairs/ramps to favorite perches, use low-entry litter boxes (cut down the front of a storage bin), place heated beds in sleeping spots (warmth soothes joints), add non-srip mats on slippery floors, elevate food/water bowls, and ensure essentials are on the same level where your cat spends most time. These modifications help your cat maintain independence and dignity.
Quand Aller chez le Vétérinaire
- Your cat has stopped jumping to favorite high spots or uses intermediate steps
- Your cat's grooming has decreased — matted fur on the back or hind legs
- Your cat is having litter box issues — avoiding it or having accidents
- Your cat seems less social, hides more, or is more irritable
- Your cat has stiff movements after resting that improve with activity
- You want to discuss pain management options for your aging cat
Comment le Centre Royal Peut Aider
Royal Veterinary Center specializes in feline arthritis management. We offer diagnostic X-rays, Solensia injections (monthly feline arthritis treatment), anti-inflammatory medications with kidney monitoring, therapeutic laser sessions, and home modification consultations. Don't let your cat suffer in silence — a simple assessment can reveal treatable pain. Call +853 6677 6611.
Cet article est à titre éducatif uniquement. Contactez le Centre Royal au +853 6677 6611.