Your cat used to leap to the top of the wardrobe. Now she takes the long way around, via the chair and the bed, to reach a spot she used to jump to in one movement. She still eats, still grooms, still follows you to the kitchen. But something has quietly changed.

This is arthritis. And it is happening to your cat right now, whether you have noticed it or not.

Feline osteoarthritis is one of the most common and most consistently underdiagnosed conditions in Indian homes. Studies show that most cats over the age of 10 already have radiographic evidence of joint disease yet a majority of their owners have no idea, because cats mask pain so effectively that the only signs are behavioural changes most people interpret as "getting old."

This guide explains what osteoarthritis in cats actually is, why it looks nothing like arthritis in dogs, what signs Indian cat owners need to watch for, what the current treatment options are including Solensia (frunevetmab), and what you can do at home to make your arthritic cat more comfortable.

Feline osteoarthritis (also called degenerative joint disease or DJD) is a chronic, progressive joint condition where cartilage breaks down, causing pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility. According to SpectrumCare, it is very common in senior cats with radiographic evidence found in most cats over 10 to 12 years of age yet many cats show only subtle behavioural signs rather than obvious limping. Treatment includes pain medications (including the monthly injectable Solensia/frunevetmab), weight management, home modifications, omega-3 supplementation, and in some cases rehabilitation. Never give human pain medicines to a cat many are dangerous or fatal.

Key Takeaways

• Arthritis affects the majority of cats over 10 and a significant portion of cats over 6. Most of these cats do not limp. They slow down, jump less, groom less, hide more, and become irritable.
• Cats are four-legged and very good at redistributing weight to cope with pain this makes lameness hard to spot, and behavioural changes are the main signal.
• The joints most commonly affected in cats are the elbows, hips, knees (stifles), hocks (ankles), and spine.
• Solensia (frunevetmab) is an FDA-approved monthly injectable monoclonal antibody that works by targeting nerve growth factor (NGF) a pain-signalling protein to reduce arthritis pain in cats. It is given by a vet once every 28 days.
• Never give ibuprofen, paracetamol, aspirin, or any human pain medicine to a cat. Most are toxic and can cause kidney failure, liver damage, or death.
• Weight management and omega-3 supplementation are two of the most practical, evidence-based steps Indian cat owners can take at home alongside veterinary care.

What Is Feline Osteoarthritis?

Feline osteoarthritis -- also called degenerative joint disease (DJD) is a chronic condition where the cartilage inside movable joints gradually breaks down. Cartilage is the smooth, cushioning tissue that covers the ends of bones and allows them to glide against each other without friction. When it degrades, several things happen simultaneously:

The exposed bone surfaces become painful, especially under load. The joint lining (synovium) becomes inflamed and may produce excess joint fluid, causing swelling. Over time, the body attempts to stabilise the damaged joint by producing extra bone at the edges osteophytes, or "bone spurs." These osteophytes reduce range of motion and add to the pain.

According to SpectrumCare's guide on feline osteoarthritis, this is a common but often missed condition. Veterinary references report that radiographic changes consistent with osteoarthritis are found in most cats over 10 to 12 years of age even when signs at home are subtle. One commonly cited figure is that radiographic evidence appears in approximately 90% of cats over 12.

It is important to understand two things about feline OA that distinguish it from dog arthritis and human arthritis:

First, cats do not always limp. A dog with an arthritic hip will typically show obvious lameness favouring the leg, limping on walks. A cat with the same degree of joint damage may continue to walk, jump, and even play just less, and with small modifications to how they move that most owners miss entirely.

Second, the condition is progressive. It does not plateau and it does not resolve. Without treatment, the cartilage loss continues, the inflammation worsens, and the cat's quality of life gradually declines often over months and years before anyone notices how much has changed.

Why Cats Hide Arthritis Pain Better Than Any Other Animal

This is the single most important piece of biology to understand about feline arthritis.

Cats are both predator and prey. In the wild, showing weakness limping, crying, moving slowly signals to other predators that they are vulnerable. The evolutionary pressure to mask pain is therefore extreme in cats. A cat in significant joint pain will not cry. It will not limp dramatically. It will, instead, quietly stop doing the things that hurt.

According to SpectrumCare, because cats are agile and adaptable, they may change how they move long before a pet parent notices a problem. A cat with osteoarthritis may still walk around the house, eat normally, and use the litter box most of the time, yet still be living with daily pain.

The second mechanism is that cats are four-legged. Unlike humans and to some extent dogs, cats can redistribute weight across four limbs extremely efficiently. An arthritic hip or elbow can be partially offloaded by subtle shifts in posture and gait that are invisible to anyone who is not specifically looking for them.

The practical consequence: by the time an Indian cat owner brings their cat to a vet for "getting slow," the arthritis has often been progressing for one to three years. The cat was not being lazy. It was hurting, and it was hiding it.

Subtle Signs of Arthritis in Cats: The Checklist Indian Owners Need

Because cats do not limp, every Indian cat owner needs to know the indirect signs of arthritis. These are behavioural changes, not physical ones. Compare what your cat does now with what it was doing six to twelve months ago.

Mobility changes:

• No longer jumping to a favourite high spot (top of wardrobe, windowsill, refrigerator) without taking an intermediate step
• Landing awkwardly or with visible effort after a jump
• Hesitating at the bottom of a jump before attempting it
• Pulling up with the front legs onto surfaces rather than leaping
• Avoiding stairs or using them more slowly
• Moving more slowly overall, especially first thing in the morning or after a long rest

Grooming changes:

• Coat looking greasy, matted, or unkempt around the lower back, tail base, and hindquarters because twisting to reach these areas hurts
• Dandruff or dry skin appearing on the back because grooming is less frequent
• Claws growing longer than usual because scratching on surfaces hurts, and the cat stops using the scratching post
• Litter box changes:
• Starting to urinate or defecate just outside the litter box rather than inside not a behaviour problem, but a pain problem: stepping over the box wall hurts
• Spending more time in the box or adopting an unusual posture inside it
• Litter box accidents that the cat never had before

Behavioural changes:

• Sleeping significantly more than before
• Withdrawing from family interaction, hiding in quiet spots more
• Becoming irritable when touched, especially over the lower back, hips, or elbows hissing, swatting, or biting when handled in ways the cat previously tolerated
• Reduced interest in play or stopping mid-play earlier than before
• A generally subdued, less interactive temperament

Physical signs:

• Visible muscle wasting over the thighs and shoulders the legs look thinner compared to the body
• Stiffness after waking up that improves after a few minutes of movement
• Appearing "hunched" or tucked when resting

According to SpectrumCare, pain can also show up as changes in grooming and litter box habits. Cats with sore hips, knees, or spine may not twist well enough to groom their back end, so the coat becomes greasy or matted. If climbing into a high-sided litter box hurts, they may urinate or defecate beside the box instead. This is sometimes mistaken for a behaviour problem when it is really a mobility problem.

Key question to ask yourself: Is your cat still jumping to all the places it jumped to a year ago? Exactly the same height, exactly the same way, without hesitation? If the answer is no, your cat deserves a veterinary mobility assessment.

Which Joints Are Affected and Why It Matters

According to SpectrumCare, the joints most often involved in feline OA include the elbows, hips, knees (stifles), hocks (ankles), and spine. Many cats have multiple joints affected simultaneously.

Elbow arthritis is actually the most common single joint affected in cats more common than hip arthritis, unlike in dogs. Elbow disease causes front leg stiffness and a reluctance to jump down from heights, since landing puts significant load on the elbows.

Hip arthritis causes difficulty getting up from lying down, a shorter stride in the hind legs, and reluctance to climb stairs or jump up. Maine Coons have a somewhat higher rate of hip dysplasia, which can lead to earlier hip OA.

Spinal arthritis (spondylosis) is very common in older cats and causes stiffness in the back, reluctance to twist, and an inability to groom the lower back and tail base. A cat that suddenly cannot or will not groom its hindquarters may have spinal arthritis rather than any skin problem.

Stifle (knee) arthritis causes hind limb stiffness and a bunny-hopping gait where both back legs move together rather than alternately especially going up stairs.

Knowing which joints are affected helps you make targeted home modifications for example, if your cat has elbow arthritis, prioritising low landing points and avoiding high drops matters most. If hip arthritis is dominant, a low-sided litter box and a ramp to the bed become the priority.

Causes and Risk Factors: Who Gets Arthritis and Why

SpectrumCare notes that there is no single cause of feline osteoarthritis. The main contributing factors are:

Age is the biggest risk factor. The cartilage breakdown that leads to OA is cumulative it builds over years of use. This is why OA prevalence increases dramatically in older cats.

Excess body weight is one of the most important modifiable risk factors. Extra weight increases mechanical stress on cartilage. Cats that are overweight may also produce more inflammatory signalling molecules (cytokines) in their fat tissue, which worsen joint inflammation throughout the body. According to SpectrumCare, keeping a cat lean is one of the most practical ways to reduce risk and support long-term comfort.

Previous joint injury -- fractures, ligament damage, joint infections, or surgery can damage cartilage and start an OA cycle that manifests years later.

Developmental joint problems including hip dysplasia (more common in Maine Coons and some other larger breeds) and patellar luxation can cause early-onset OA.

Genetics and breed play a role. Scottish Fold cats have a specific genetic musculoskeletal disorder (osteochondrodysplasia) that affects all joints, not just the ears, and produces severe arthritis from a young age. This is an important consideration in India, where Scottish Folds have become popular many buyers are unaware that all Scottish Folds, not just those with folded ears, carry this condition.

Diet imbalances over years can affect cartilage health particularly diets low in omega-3 fatty acids or with chronic calcium-phosphorus imbalances.

How Vets Diagnose Arthritis in Cats in India

The diagnostic process combines history, physical examination, and usually imaging.

History is critical. Because cats hide pain, the owner's observations of behavioural changes are a crucial diagnostic input. A vet who does not ask specifically about jumping height, grooming patterns, and litter box habits is missing the most diagnostically useful information for feline OA. SpectrumCare emphasises that comparing the cat's current routine with the past six to twelve months are they still jumping the same height, the same way, without hesitation is what matters.

Physical examination includes palpation of joints for pain response, swelling, and reduced range of motion. Muscle mass is assessed atrophy over the thighs and shoulders is a consistent finding in cats with established OA. A vet may assess gait, watching for asymmetry, shortened stride, or a bunny-hopping pattern.

X-rays show bony changes osteophytes, joint space narrowing, bone remodelling that confirm OA in affected joints. However, SpectrumCare notes an important limitation: some cats have clear pain with only modest radiographic changes, while others have significant imaging changes but fewer signs. X-rays alone cannot tell you how much pain a cat is in. The FDA has also noted that in one study, only 10% of arthritic cat joints that were painful also showed corresponding X-ray changes. This means a "normal" X-ray does not rule out significant arthritis pain in cats.

Bloodwork and urinalysis are recommended before starting long-term pain medications, especially in senior cats, to screen for kidney disease, liver disease, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes all of which affect treatment choices. A cat with compromised kidneys, for instance, may not be able to safely take some NSAIDs.

India context: MRI is available at specialist veterinary centres in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad for complex cases, but standard X-ray plus examination is the typical diagnostic pathway available at most urban veterinary clinics. The key is finding a vet who specifically asks the right behavioural history questions rather than relying solely on the physical exam.

What Is Solensia (Frunevetmab)? The Monthly Injection Explained

Solensia is the brand name for frunevetmab, a prescription injectable monoclonal antibody made specifically for cats. According to SpectrumCare's Solensia guide, it is FDA-approved to control pain associated with feline osteoarthritis.

How does it work? Unlike traditional pain medications, Solensia targets nerve growth factor (NGF) a protein involved in pain signalling from arthritic joints. By binding and neutralising NGF, the medication reduces the pain signals that arthritic joints generate. Because it is an antibody rather than a conventional drug, it is processed differently by the body compared to NSAIDs or gabapentin.

How is it given? Solensia is given as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin) once every 28 days at a veterinary clinic. It is not a medication that pet parents give at home. According to SpectrumCare, the labeled dose is 1 to 2.8 mg/kg, with 1 mL given to cats weighing 2.5 to 7 kg and 2 mL to cats weighing 7.1 to 14 kg. Cats under 2.5 kg should not receive it.

When does it work? SpectrumCare notes that some cats improve after the first injection, while others need 2 to 3 monthly doses before the change is obvious. Vets typically assess response over the first 1 to 3 injections. What owners look for is not dramatic it is the cat jumping more willingly, grooming the lower back again, using the litter box more reliably, interacting more normally.

What are the side effects? Most cats tolerate Solensia well. Reported reactions include pain at the injection site, vomiting, diarrhoea, decreased appetite, anxiety, ear infections, and itching, scabbing, or hair loss around the head and neck. SpectrumCare notes that skin changes are worth monitoring after each injection and reporting to the vet. Serious allergic reactions (facial swelling, difficulty breathing, collapse) are rare but warrant immediate emergency care.

Solensia is not a cure. It does not rebuild cartilage or halt the progression of OA. Its role is pain control giving the cat enough relief to move more comfortably and return to normal daily behaviours.

Is Solensia available in India? As of 2026, Solensia (frunevetmab) is FDA-approved in the United States and has received approval in Europe and other markets. Its availability in India is limited to specialist veterinary centres in major cities, and it may require importation or specialist access. If your vet in India is not yet offering Solensia, asking about it specifically and asking about any newer anti-NGF treatments is a worthwhile conversation. The treatment landscape for feline arthritis in India is evolving rapidly as awareness improves.

Cost context: SpectrumCare's US cost guides report that in the United States, Solensia typically costs USD 80 to 180 per monthly injection with visit costs of USD 120 to 250. In India, costs for imported treatments and specialist veterinary care will vary significantly by city and clinic. Discuss cost-effectiveness versus alternative management approaches with your vet when building a plan.

Other Pain Management Options: Gabapentin, NSAIDs, and More

Because Solensia may not yet be universally accessible in India, and because arthritis management is ideally multimodal, there are several other treatment options that vets may use:

Gabapentin is commonly used for chronic pain management in cats, including arthritis pain. It works through nerve pain pathways and is often used as a component of multimodal OA plans. It is generally affordable, available in generic form, and safe when dosed correctly for cats. According to SpectrumCare's pain medication guide, gabapentin is often one of the more budget-friendly prescription options.

Short-term NSAIDs -- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to manage acute flares of OA pain. Meloxicam (oral liquid) and robenacoxib are occasionally used in cats, but require careful veterinary supervision and pre-treatment kidney function testing because cats metabolise NSAIDs much more slowly than dogs and are more susceptible to renal side effects. Long-term daily NSAID use in cats requires ongoing kidney monitoring.

Buprenorphine is an opioid analgesic that can be used for more severe pain under veterinary supervision.

Adequan (polysulphated glycosaminoglycans/PSGAG) is an injectable chondroprotective agent that helps the joint produce better-quality joint fluid, can reduce inflammation at the joint membrane level, and may slow some cartilage breakdown. It requires injections at a vet clinic, typically on a loading schedule followed by monthly maintenance.

Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil (EPA and DHA specifically) have strong evidence for slowing the progression of arthritis and reducing pain and inflammation. According to veterinary literature cited by SpectrumCare, there is strong evidence that omega-3 fatty acids slow progression of arthritis and improve function and decrease pain. This makes supplementation with a quality cat-appropriate omega-3 supplement one of the most practical, accessible steps Indian cat owners can take alongside any veterinary treatment.

Omega-3 supplementation through products like FUREVER SALMON OIL LIQUID by Pawsome Companions sourced from cold-pressed Norwegian salmon, rich in omega-3 and omega-6, and supportive of joint health and inflammation reduction for cats or OMEGAPET ELITE CAPSULES by MPS providing 1650mg triple-strength omega-3 fish oil per dose with 600mg EPA and 400mg DHA, specifically noted for joint and heart health in dogs and cats -- can be discussed with your vet as a supportive adjunct to any arthritis management plan. Both are available at up to 15% off on Animeal. Always confirm with your vet before starting supplementation, particularly if your cat has kidney disease or other conditions.

Rehabilitation and physical therapy -- including hydrotherapy, therapeutic laser, and guided exercise are available at specialist veterinary centres in some Indian metros. These can maintain muscle mass and joint mobility and reduce pain without the side effect profile of drugs.

Dietary changes -- specifically weight loss if the cat is overweight, and transitioning to a mobility or joint-support therapeutic diet are among the most impactful management steps for OA.

What You Cannot Give Your Cat: The Danger of Human Pain Medicines

This section cannot be stated strongly enough.

Cats are physiologically different from humans and dogs in how they metabolise many drugs. Most human pain medicines are either dangerous or outright fatal to cats, and the doses required to harm a cat can be surprisingly small.

Paracetamol (acetaminophen / Crocin / Dolo): A single standard human paracetamol tablet (500mg) is enough to kill a cat. Cats lack the liver enzyme (glucuronyl transferase) needed to metabolise paracetamol. Instead, a toxic metabolite accumulates, destroying red blood cells and causing liver failure. Signs include brown or dark urine, facial swelling, difficulty breathing, and collapse. There is no safe dose of paracetamol for cats.

Ibuprofen (Brufen, Combiflam): Highly toxic to cats. Causes stomach ulcers, kidney failure, and neurological signs. Even a small dose is dangerous.

Aspirin: Cats metabolise aspirin extremely slowly. A dose that would be safe for a human lasts in a cat's body for 24 to 48 hours rather than a few hours. Regular aspirin use causes gastric bleeding and salicylate poisoning.

Naproxen (Aleve): Similar to ibuprofen highly toxic.

The SpectrumCare pain medication guide is explicit: never give human pain medicines to a cat. SpectrumCare notes that human NSAIDs can be dangerous for cats and may turn a manageable problem into an emergency.

This is especially important in India, where these medications are available over the counter, accessible in every home, and where some well-meaning owners may be tempted to "give something for the pain" before a vet visit. If your arthritic cat is in pain, the answer is a veterinary visit not a piece of paracetamol.

If your cat is uncomfortable and cannot see a vet immediately, the safest steps are environmental: removing the need to jump or climb, providing warmth, ensuring food and water are accessible without effort, and booking the earliest possible vet appointment.

Home Management: The Most Important Steps Indian Owners Can Take

Alongside whatever veterinary treatment your cat receives, home management is where you spend the most time and where you can have the most consistent impact on daily comfort.

Modify the environment first. According to SpectrumCare, home changes such as ramps, steps, low-entry litter boxes, non-slip rugs, and padded bedding can improve comfort quickly. Specific steps for Indian homes:

Replace any standard litter box with a low-sided model (the side wall should be no higher than 5 to 8 cm at the entry point). Cut down a regular box at the entry if needed, or use a storage tray as a litter tray.

Provide a ramp or step to the cat's favourite elevated resting spots the bed, the sofa, the window perch. Wooden or cardboard ramp structures placed against the furniture work well. Even a stable stool as an intermediate step is enough.

Place a non-slip mat on any smooth floor the cat walks on regularly. Tile and marble floors are standard in Indian homes and are genuinely slippery for arthritic cats whose gait is compromised.

Position food bowls, water bowls, and a litter box on every floor of the home the cat uses. Arthritic cats should not have to climb a full set of stairs to reach any basic need.

Put a warm, padded bed at floor level in the cat's preferred resting area. In Indian winters, especially in northern cities, a self-warming or orthopaedic mat makes a significant difference cold worsens joint stiffness in arthritic cats.

Manage weight. If your cat is overweight, weight loss is one of the most evidence-based interventions for arthritis. A gradual, veterinary-supervised weight loss plan not crash dieting can meaningfully reduce joint load and improve mobility. Every additional kilogram on a 4 to 5 kg cat is a proportionally enormous increase in joint stress.

Support with omega-3 supplementation. Strong veterinary evidence supports omega-3 fatty acid supplementation (specifically EPA and DHA from fish oil) for reducing inflammation, slowing arthritis progression, and improving joint function. For cats who will not eat capsules, a palatable liquid omega supplement mixed into food is the easiest route. CAT STAR SYRUP by Sky EC a cat-specific formulation containing omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids (6800 mg per dose) alongside L-taurine, biotin, zinc, and a spectrum of vitamins A, D3, E, B6, and B12 is designed specifically for cats and kittens and can be mixed into food. Available at up to 15% off on Animeal. Confirm with your vet before starting, especially in cats with chronic kidney disease.

Encourage gentle movement. Short, low-intensity play sessions with feather wands or string toys at floor level maintain joint lubrication and muscle mass without stressing the joint. Arthritic cats should not be expected or encouraged to jump, but gentle movement in a horizontal plane is beneficial. Food puzzles placed at floor level can encourage walking and mental engagement.

Nail care. Arthritic cats stop using scratching posts because it hurts to stretch. Claws grow longer and begin to snag on fabric and carpets, which worsens mobility and can cause panic responses when a claw gets stuck. Regular nail trims by the vet or at home are a practical comfort measure.

Regular check-ins. Arthritis is progressive. A management plan that was working six months ago may need adjustment. Twice-yearly vet visits for senior cats (over 7 years) are the standard recommendation not because yearly visits are insufficient, but because OA progresses, other conditions develop, and the plan should adapt.

The India Context: What Makes Cat Arthritis Harder to Manage Here

Several India-specific realities shape how feline arthritis is diagnosed and managed:

Low awareness among cat owners. Many Indian cat owners do not keep cats for the full 15 to 18 year lifespan that indoor cats can reach. The culture of senior cat care understanding that a 12-year-old cat may be arthritic, hypothyroid, or have early kidney disease even if she "seems fine" is still developing. The result is that many senior Indian cats never receive any arthritis diagnosis or treatment.

Hard floor environments. The standard Indian home has marble, tile, or cement floors surfaces that are significantly worse for arthritic cats than the carpeted interiors common in Western homes. Non-slip mats and comfortable resting spots are not luxuries for arthritic cats in Indian homes; they are necessities.

Home feeding practices. Cats in many Indian households receive supplemental home food fish, chicken, rice. A diet heavy in raw or home-cooked food without omega-3 supplementation may be deficient in the fatty acids that support joint health. The specific risk in coastal states of high-fish diets prepared without vitamin E correction (which can cause yellow fat disease) is an additional consideration for cats already managing arthritis.

Specialist access. Feline medicine specialists and veterinary physiotherapists exist in India but are concentrated in specific metro areas. Most cat owners across India rely on general practice veterinary clinics. For them, conservative management appropriate weight, omega-3 supplementation, environmental modification, and where available, gabapentin or short-term NSAIDs under vet supervision is the practical arthritis plan.

Breed popularity and associated risks. Scottish Folds are increasingly popular in Indian cities. Every Scottish Fold folded-ear or straight-ear carries the osteochondrodysplasia gene that causes progressive, painful joint disease throughout the skeleton. This is not a risk: it is a certainty. Indian buyers and breeders of Scottish Folds should be aware that managing joint pain from an early age is a non-negotiable part of caring for this breed.

If your cat has stopped jumping to the spots it used to reach, reads our guide on how to prevent lethargy in your cat for broader context on when reduced activity signals a health issue versus normal aging. For cats that are also eating less alongside their mobility changes, our guide on why your cat is not eating but still active covers the connection between pain and appetite reduction in senior cats. Our early illness signs and when to call the vet guide covers the full spectrum of symptoms that warrant urgent versus scheduled veterinary attention. And if you want a broader reference for reading your cat's health, 10 signs your pet is sick covers the full range of warning signals across all body systems.

FAQ

How common is arthritis in cats?
Very common. Veterinary evidence consistently shows radiographic signs of osteoarthritis in most cats over 10 to 12 years of age, and significant numbers of cats over 6. Because cats hide pain so effectively, most of these cats have no formal diagnosis. If your cat is over 7, it is worth specifically discussing mobility with your vet at the next wellness visit, even if the cat seems fine.

Does my cat have arthritis if it is not limping?
A cat without a limp can still have significant arthritis. Limping placing less weight on one limb, taking shorter steps on one side is much more common in dogs and humans than in cats. In cats, the more reliable signs are behavioural: jumping less, hesitating before jumps, grooming less around the hindquarters, becoming irritable when handled, and spending more time on the floor than elevated spots. If your cat shows any of these changes, arthritis is on the list of causes to investigate.

What is Solensia and is it available in India?
Solensia (frunevetmab) is an FDA-approved monthly injectable monoclonal antibody that works by binding nerve growth factor (NGF), a key pain-signalling protein in arthritic joints. It is given by a vet once every 28 days. As of 2026, availability in India is limited it is available through some specialist veterinary centres in larger cities but is not yet widely stocked. Ask your vet specifically about frunevetmab or anti-NGF therapy for cats. The treatment landscape is evolving rapidly.

Can I give my cat ibuprofen or paracetamol for pain?
No. Never. Even a single standard human paracetamol tablet can kill a cat by destroying its red blood cells and causing liver failure. Ibuprofen and aspirin cause stomach ulcers and kidney failure in cats. There is no human pain medicine that is safe to give a cat without a vet's specific prescription and dose instruction. If your arthritic cat is clearly in pain, the right response is a vet visit, not home pain relief.

How can I make my arthritic cat more comfortable at home?
The most impactful steps are: replace your litter box with a low-sided model, provide a ramp or step to every elevated spot the cat uses, place non-slip mats on smooth floors, ensure food and water are accessible at floor level, provide a warm padded resting area, manage weight, and discuss omega-3 fatty acid supplementation with your vet. These changes cost very little and can meaningfully improve daily comfort within days.

My cat is a Scottish Fold. Does that affect arthritis risk?
Yes, significantly. Every Scottish Fold whether it has folded or straight ears carries the genetic mutation that causes osteochondrodysplasia, a progressive and painful musculoskeletal disease affecting all joints throughout the skeleton. This is not a risk in Scottish Folds; it is a certainty to varying degrees of severity. Scottish Fold owners in India should discuss pain management and joint support with a vet from the time the cat is young, not only when obvious signs appear.

References

1. SpectrumCare. Feline Osteoarthritis in Cats. https://spectrumcare.pet/cats/conditions/feline-osteoarthritis (Modified March 2026)
2. SpectrumCare. Solensia for Cats: How It Works, Cost & What to Expect. https://spectrumcare.pet/cats/medications/solensia (Modified March 2026)
3. SpectrumCare. Cat Pain Medications. https://spectrumcare.pet/cats/medications/cat-pain-medications
4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Osteoarthritis in Cats: More Common Than You Think. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/osteoarthritis-cats-more-common-you-think
5. VCA Animal Hospitals. Arthritis in Cats. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/arthritis-in-cats