Arthritis can develop slowly in cats, often long before anyone notices clear discomfort. Many felines adapt quietly to joint pain, changing their behaviour in ways that seem minor or easy to miss.
Small shifts in movement, grooming habits, or daily routines may be early clues that their joints are becoming stiff or sore. Recognizing these subtle patterns can help you support your cat sooner and speak with a veterinarian about possible treatments that may improve their comfort and mobility over time.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from online sources. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for diagnosis or treatment. Images are for illustrative purposes only.
1. Reduced Grooming Habits
Cats pride themselves on cleanliness, so when grooming decreases, something is definitely wrong. Arthritis makes twisting and bending uncomfortable, particularly when reaching the back, hips, and tail area.
You might notice matted fur, a greasy coat, or an overall scruffy appearance. These changes happen gradually as your cat avoids positions that strain sore joints.
Pay special attention to areas that require flexibility to reach. A once-immaculate cat who now looks disheveled may be dealing with joint pain that limits movement.
2. Sleeping In Different Spots
Has your tree-loving cat suddenly become a floor dweller? Changes in sleeping location often reflect physical limitations rather than simple preference shifts.
Arthritic cats tend to choose spots that require minimal climbing or jumping. If your feline friend abandons her favourite high perch for ground-level beds, her joints might be making the decision for her.
Notice whether she picks warmer spots too, since heat can soothe aching joints. A cat who trades her cat tower for a sunny floor patch could be self-medicating her discomfort.
3. Stiffness After Resting
Watch how your cat moves right after waking from a nap. Arthritic joints become especially stiff during rest periods, making those first few steps particularly uncomfortable.
Your cat might walk with a slight limp initially or move more slowly than usual. After a few minutes of movement, she may seem to loosen up and walk more normally.
This pattern of post-rest stiffness is a classic arthritis indicator. Cold weather can make it worse, so watch for increased stiffness during winter months when joints feel even tighter.
4. Decreased Playfulness
Remember when your cat would chase anything that moved? A decline in playful behaviour might seem like normal aging, but arthritis often drives this change.
Cats experiencing joint pain learn to avoid activities that hurt. Running, pouncing, and batting at toys all require movements that can aggravate sore joints.
Your cat might watch toys with interest but refuse to engage physically. She still has the hunting instinct, but her body is not cooperating anymore, making playtime less appealing than it used to be.
5. Irritability When Touched
Your normally affectionate cat suddenly hisses when you pet her back or pick her up. This personality shift often stems from pain rather than meanness.
Arthritic joints hurt more when pressure is applied, making previously enjoyable touches uncomfortable. Your cat might tolerate head scratches but react negatively to body contact.
Pay attention to which areas trigger reactions. If she flinches when you touch her hips, spine, or legs, those joints are likely causing her trouble and making her more defensive about physical contact.
6. Overgrown Claws
Healthy cats naturally wear down their claws through scratching and climbing. When arthritis limits these activities, claws grow longer and may curve into uncomfortable shapes.
Scratching requires stretching movements that painful joints make difficult. Your cat might skip her scratching post sessions even though the instinct remains.
Check claw length regularly, especially on older cats. Overgrown claws can curl into paw pads, creating additional pain on top of existing joint discomfort and further limiting your cat’s mobility and quality of life.
7. Changes In Appetite
Pain affects appetite in surprising ways. Some arthritic cats eat less because bending down to food bowls hurts their neck and shoulder joints.
Others lose interest in food due to general discomfort or depression related to chronic pain. Weight changes might follow, with some cats losing muscle mass while others gain weight from decreased activity.
Raising food bowls to a more comfortable height could help if joint pain is the issue. Monitor eating patterns closely, as appetite changes combined with other symptoms strengthen the arthritis possibility.
8. Increased Sleeping Duration
Cats already sleep plenty, but arthritic cats often sleep even more. Chronic pain is exhausting, and rest provides temporary relief from constant joint discomfort.
Your cat might seem less interested in household activities and spend more time napping. This is not just old age laziness but potentially a coping mechanism for dealing with pain.
Track sleep patterns if you suspect arthritis. Combined with reduced activity levels and other warning signs, excessive sleeping could indicate your cat is dealing with joint problems that need veterinary attention and treatment.
