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5 Possible Signs of Arthritis in Cats

Arthritis can affect cats at any age. Here are some warning signs to help you catch it as early as possible.

Sophia KellerGhanasyam Bey, DVM
Written by Sophia Keller | Reviewed by Ghanasyam Bey, DVM
Updated on April 15, 2025

If your cat is acting reclusive and irritable, that could suggest something is wrong.

For arthritis specifically, check to see how your cat moves around the house. If they struggle with getting in and out of the litter box, or climbing to their favorite spots, that could be an indicator of joint pain. Another sneaky sign of arthritis is when a cat is neglecting their coat and avoiding grooming. 

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If you notice any potential signs of arthritis in your cat, take them to a vet as soon as possible. Arthritis can be very painful, and the first step to finding relief is getting diagnosed.

References

Cornell Feline Health Center. (n.d.). Is your cat slowing down?

Llera, R., et al. (n.d.). Arthritis in cats. VCA Animal Hospitals.

View All References (1)

Williams, K., et al. (n.d.). Degenerative joint disease in cats. VCA Animal Hospitals.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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