Winter is coming!
As the temperature starts to drop, many people notice their dogs starting to slow down. Walks become shorter, getting up takes a little longer and they might seem a bit stiffer overall.
Cold weather can absolutely play a role in this because lower temperatures can affect joints and often exacerbate pain associated with osteoarthritis (OA).
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that leads to inflammation and chronic pain.
But what about our cats?
Because most people don’t take their cats out and about in the same way, these changes can be much harder to spot. On top of that, cats are incredibly good at masking pain. As a result, signs of osteoarthritis in cats are often subtle, easily overlooked, or mistaken for “just getting older.”
From my time working in practice, I can’t tell you how often I would hear things like:
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“My cat is just getting old”
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“They’re just becoming a bit lazy”
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“They’re getting grumpy in their old age”
But in many cases, these changes were actually signs of underlying pain.
Here are a few things to look out for, some of which might surprise you:
1. Changes in movement and activity
Cats are naturally agile, so even small changes can be significant.
You might notice:
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Less interest in playing
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Hesitation when jumping
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Avoiding going outside
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Sleeping more than usual
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Spending more time hiding
Jumping, in particular, is a really useful thing to observe.
Instead of jumping straight from the ground to a bench or windowsill, your cat might start using “stepping stones” , like a chair in between.
Another subtle sign is how they jump down. If your cat stretches themselves down before dropping, they may be trying to reduce the height and minimise impact on sore joints.
2. Changes in grooming
Cats are usually very fastidious groomers.
If you notice:
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An unkempt coat
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Greasier or scruffier fur
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Mats forming (especially over the back or hips)
…it may not be laziness; it could be that grooming has become uncomfortable or painful.
3. Changes in toileting habits
This is a big one that often gets misunderstood.
If your cat starts:
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Missing the litter tray
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Having accidents
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Hesitating to use the tray
…it may be due to discomfort.
Climbing into a litter tray and squatting can place pressure on sore joints, particularly in the hips and spine, making the experience unpleasant.
4. Behavioural changes
Pain doesn’t just affect the body, it affects behaviour too.
You might notice:
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Increased irritability
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Less tolerance for being handled or picked up
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Becoming withdrawn or “not themselves”
This is often because pressure on sore joints is uncomfortable, and chronic pain can lower a cat’s overall tolerance and mood.
Why this matters
Osteoarthritis in cats is incredibly common, but often under-diagnosed.
In fact, studies suggest that over 90% of cats over the age of 12 show signs of OA, yet less than 7% receive treatment.
That’s a huge gap and it largely comes down to how difficult signs can be to detect!
Supporting your cat
The most important first step, if you’ve noticed any of these changes, is to book an appointment with your veterinarian.
Because many of the signs of osteoarthritis in cats are subtle, a proper assessment can help determine whether pain is contributing to what you’re seeing and allow you to put a plan in place early.
From there, there are a number of ways we can support cats living with OA, often using a multimodal approach tailored to the individual.
Cats can sometimes be a little fussy or difficult when it comes to medication, so finding something that’s both effective and easy to give is key.
This is where something like Antinol can be really helpful.
Antinol is a palatable, fish-flavoured oil in a capsule that in the “Easy Feed” format, can easily be opened and mixed with food, making it simple to incorporate into your cat’s daily routine.
It works by providing highly potent omega fatty acids that help target inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, supporting joint health and helping to manage pain.
Beyond joint support, it also:
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Supports cognitive function in ageing cats
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Improves skin and coat condition
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Is safe to use alongside other medications
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Has an excellent safety profile, including in cats with kidney concerns
Most importantly, it can make a real difference to comfort and quality of life.
I’ve seen first-hand the difference that early recognition and support can make and it’s something I now prioritise for my own cat as well (she absolutely loves her daily Antinol and takes it like a treat!).
If you’ve noticed any of these changes in your cat, it’s always worth having a conversation with your vet. Sometimes what looks like “just getting older” is actually something we can help with.
If you’d like any further information, please contact
georgie@vetzpetz.com
References:
Hardie, E.M. et al. (2002). Radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease in geriatric cats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 220(5), 628–632.
Lascelles, B.D.X., Henry, J.B., Brown, J., Robertson, I., Sumrell, A.T., Simpson, W., Wheeler, S. & Freire, M. (2010). Cross-sectional study of the prevalence of radiographic degenerative joint disease in domesticated cats. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 12(9), 681–688.
Lascelles, B.D.X. et al. (2007). Evaluation of client-specific outcome measures and activity monitoring to measure pain relief in cats with osteoarthritis. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 21(3), 410–416.
Lascelles, B.D.X. & Robertson, S.A. (2010). DJD-associated pain in cats: what can we do to promote patient comfort? Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 12(3), 200–212.
Lascelles, B.D.X. (n.d.). Recognising and managing osteoarthritis pain in cats. YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-u9Ud9Qttw
