Recognising Arthritis in Ageing Cats and Dogs

Introduction

Your dog used to bound up the stairs without a second thought, but lately there's a slight hesitation before that first step. Or perhaps your once-agile cat is jumping onto lower surfaces instead of leaping straight onto the windowsill. These small changes are easy to write off as "just getting older," but they're often among the earliest signs of arthritis — one of the most common, and most under-recognised, conditions in ageing pets.

This guide explains what arthritis looks like in cats and dogs, the early signs to watch for, and practical ways to keep your pet comfortable at home, so you know when a subtle change is simply age and when it's worth a proper conversation with your vet.

Quick Summary: Arthritis is extremely common in older cats and dogs, though it's frequently mistaken for normal ageing. Look out for stiffness after rest, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, and changes in grooming or temperament. There's no cure, but with your vet's guidance, pain management, weight control and small changes to your home can make a significant difference to comfort.

How Common Is Arthritis in Cats and Dogs?

Arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, affects a large proportion of older pets. UK veterinary charities such as the PDSA and the BVA note that arthritis affects a majority of dogs over the age of eight, and a similarly high proportion of cats over ten — though because cats are so good at hiding discomfort, feline arthritis is thought to be significantly under-diagnosed.

Why Cats Hide Arthritis So Well

Cats are instinctively private about pain and mobility issues — a survival trait from their wild ancestry, where showing weakness could make them a target. This means feline arthritis rarely looks dramatic. Instead, it shows up as small, gradual behaviour changes that are easy to dismiss as your cat simply "slowing down" or "getting lazier" with age.

Early Signs to Watch For

• Stiffness after rest — struggling to get up smoothly after sleeping or lying down for a while.
• Reluctance to jump or climb — avoiding the sofa, windowsill, stairs or car boot they once used easily.
• Reduced grooming — cats with painful joints often groom less, leading to a scruffier, matted-looking coat.
• Changes in toileting habits — hesitating at a high-sided litter tray, or accidents near, but not in, the tray.
• Irritability or withdrawal — some pets become less tolerant of handling or less sociable when in discomfort.
• Muscle loss — noticeable thinning around the hind legs or spine as activity reduces over time.

Differences Between Cats and Dogs

Dogs tend to show arthritis more visibly than cats — limping, a stiff or awkward gait, or audible difficulty with stairs are common. Cats are far subtler, and owners often only notice a problem once mobility has already declined considerably. In both species, symptoms tend to be worse first thing in the morning or after a long rest, and ease slightly with gentle movement.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

• Age — joint wear naturally increases over a pet's lifetime.
• Excess weight — extra body weight places significant additional strain on joints.
• Previous injury — an old fracture or ligament injury often leads to arthritis in that joint later in life.
• Breed predisposition — larger dog breeds and certain cat breeds are more prone to joint issues.
• Genetics — some pets are simply more predisposed than others, regardless of lifestyle.

How Vets Diagnose and Manage Arthritis

If you suspect arthritis, always consult your vet rather than guessing at home — they can assess your pet's joints, gait and range of movement, and may recommend an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes. While arthritis can't be cured, it's very manageable. Vets typically use a combination of pain relief medication specifically formulated for pets (never human painkillers, which can be dangerous or even fatal), weight management, controlled exercise and, in some cases, joint supplements or physiotherapy.

Making Home Adjustments for Comfort

Small changes around the house can make a real difference to an arthritic pet's daily comfort:

1. Add ramps or steps to help pets reach beds, sofas or cars without jumping.
2. Switch to a low-sided litter tray so cats don't need to climb over a high edge.
3. Provide orthopaedic or extra-padded bedding to cushion joints during rest.
4. Keep food and water at a comfortable height and in easy-to-reach locations, rather than requiring a trip up or down stairs.
5. Use non-slip mats on hard flooring to prevent slipping, which can worsen joint pain.

Pro tip: Pets with reduced mobility often visit their water bowl less often simply because it's inconvenient to reach, which can quietly affect hydration over time. Placing an easy-access water source such as the ROJECO Wireless Pump Cat Water Fountain somewhere your cat already spends time resting can help maintain good water intake without extra effort.

Supporting a Healthy Weight

Keeping your pet at a healthy weight is one of the single most effective things you can do to reduce joint strain, whether arthritis has already developed or you're hoping to prevent it. Even a modest amount of extra weight can meaningfully increase pressure on hips, knees and spine. Ask your vet to assess your pet's body condition score at their next check-up, and discuss a suitable diet and exercise plan if change is needed.

When to See a Vet

Book a vet appointment if you notice stiffness, limping, reluctance to move, or any of the behaviour changes described above — particularly if they persist for more than a few days or seem to be getting worse. Sudden, severe lameness or visible pain should always be checked promptly, as this can occasionally indicate an injury rather than gradual arthritis.

Conclusion

Arthritis is one of the most common, and most quietly progressive, health conditions in older pets — but it doesn't have to mean a dramatic decline in your cat or dog's quality of life. Spotting the early signs, working with your vet on a management plan, and making thoughtful adjustments at home can keep an arthritic pet comfortable and confident for years to come.

Browse the full Rojeco range for products designed to make everyday life easier and more comfortable for pets of every age.