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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
Reviewed by Ghanasyam Bey, DVM | 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. 

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

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Sophia Keller
Written by:
Sophia Keller
Sophia Keller was an editorial intern on the GoodRx Health team. She has a bachelor’s degree in justice studies from Arizona State University.
Ghanasyam Bey, DVM
Reviewed by:
Ghanasyam Bey, DVM
Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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