Arthritis in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment & Cost

By the Pawlee Team

Diagnosis cost

£150–£400

Treatment cost

£200–£800

Ongoing cost

£30–£80 per month

Severity

Moderate

Treatable

Manageable

Species

Cats

What is arthritis?

Arthritis (osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease) is extremely common in older cats but remains vastly under-diagnosed. Studies show that up to 90% of cats over the age of 12 have radiographic evidence of arthritis, yet most owners and even vets miss the signs because cats hide pain exceptionally well. Unlike dogs, cats with arthritis rarely limp – instead, they gradually become less active and change their behaviour in subtle ways. With appropriate pain management, arthritic cats can maintain a good quality of life well into old age.

Symptoms to watch for

Book a routine appointment

Reluctance to jump up or down from furniture
Hesitation or difficulty using the stairs
Sleeping more and playing less
Stiffness, especially after resting
Reduced grooming, leading to a matted or unkempt coat
Avoiding the litter tray (if sides are too high to climb into)
Irritability when handled or stroked in certain areas
Overgrown claws from reduced activity and scratching

How is arthritis diagnosed?

Test	Typical cost
Consultation and orthopaedic examination	£35–£65
X-rays (to assess joint changes)	£100–£300
Blood test (to check suitability for pain medication)	£80–£200

Treatment options and costs

Anti-inflammatory pain medication (long-term)

£30–£80 per month ongoing

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) licensed for long-term use in cats, such as meloxicam or robenacoxib. Recent approval of Solensia (frunevetmab), a monthly injection given by the vet, has transformed feline arthritis management for cats that are difficult to medicate orally. Regular blood tests are needed to monitor kidney and liver function.

Environmental modifications and weight management

£50–£200 (one-off setup)

Low-sided litter trays, ramps or steps to favourite spots, heated beds, raised food and water bowls, and gentle weight loss if the cat is overweight. These simple changes can make a significant difference to comfort and mobility at minimal ongoing cost.

Joint supplements and supportive therapies

£15–£40 per month ongoing

Glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, and green-lipped mussel supplements. Evidence is mixed, but many owners report improvement. Hydrotherapy and physiotherapy are available for cats at some specialist centres but are less commonly used than for dogs.

Ongoing costs

Estimated ongoing management cost

£30–£80 per month

monthly

Breeds most at risk

Breed	Risk level
Maine Coon	High
Scottish Fold	High
Persian	Moderate
British Shorthair	Moderate
Ragdoll	Moderate
Bengal	Moderate

Does pet insurance cover arthritis?

Arthritis is covered by most lifetime pet insurance policies, including diagnosis, medication, and ongoing pain management. Because it’s a chronic condition requiring lifelong treatment, a lifetime policy is essential – time-limited or maximum-benefit policies are likely to run out. The newer injectable treatment (Solensia) is generally covered but check your policy, as some insurers may require prior authorisation for specialist medications. Environmental modifications (ramps, heated beds) are not covered.

Related conditions

Arthritis Dogs Hip Dysplasia Dogs Kidney Disease Cats

Frequently asked questions

How much does arthritis treatment cost for cats in the UK?

Diagnosis typically costs £150–£400 including consultation, X-rays, and blood tests. Ongoing pain medication costs £30–£80 per month. Solensia injections (given monthly at the vet) cost £50–£80 per injection plus the consultation fee. Over a cat’s remaining lifetime, total arthritis management costs typically range from £2,000–£8,000.

How do I know if my cat has arthritis?

Cats are masters at hiding pain, so the signs are often subtle. Look for reluctance to jump, hesitation on stairs, sleeping more, playing less, an unkempt coat (from reduced grooming), avoiding the litter tray, and irritability when touched. Unlike dogs, cats very rarely limp with arthritis. If your cat is over 10, there’s a high chance they have some degree of arthritis even if they seem fine.

What is Solensia and is it worth the cost?

Solensia (frunevetmab) is a monoclonal antibody injection given monthly by your vet to control arthritis pain in cats. It targets nerve growth factor (NGF), a key driver of arthritis pain. It’s been a game-changer for cats that are difficult to medicate orally or can’t tolerate traditional anti-inflammatories. At £50–£80 per month, it’s comparable in cost to oral medication and many owners report a dramatic improvement in their cat’s mobility and quality of life.

Can arthritis in cats be prevented?

You can’t prevent age-related arthritis entirely, but you can reduce the risk and slow progression. Keep your cat at a healthy weight (obesity significantly increases joint strain), provide regular gentle exercise through play, feed a balanced diet with omega-3 fatty acids, and address any injuries promptly. For breeds like Scottish Folds, which are genetically predisposed to joint problems, early monitoring is especially important.