My Cat Stopped Jumping: Signs of Arthritis and When to See a Vet
Article - 6 min read • Updated Jun 20, 2026
Medically reviewed by Dr. Claire Tan, BVSc (Qld.), BAppSc (Qld.)
Have you noticed your cat pausing before jumping onto the sofa?
Maybe they've stopped visiting their favourite windowsill altogether, or they're taking the scenic route via chairs and shelves instead of making one effortless leap.
It's easy to assume they're simply slowing down with age. But sometimes, these subtle changes can be your cat's way of telling you they're uncomfortable.
Cats are experts at hiding pain. In fact, one of the earliest signs of arthritis in cats is often a change in mobility rather than an obvious limp or cry of discomfort. Because these changes happen gradually, they're easy to miss until they start affecting your cat's daily routine.
That is why understanding the signs of arthritis in cats can help you identify discomfort earlier and improve your cat's quality of life significantly!
Could It Be Arthritis? Common Signs of Joint Pain in Cats
As cats age, they may naturally become a little less active than they were as kittens. However, aging itself shouldn't make everyday movements painful.
Many owners who visit Gaia Vets tell us things like:
"She's just not jumping as much anymore."
"He sleeps more these days."
"She doesn't seem interested in playing."
"He's become grumpier when I pick him up."
While these changes can occur as cats get older, they can also be signs of arthritis or chronic joint pain.
Some common signs of arthritis in cats include:
- Hesitating before jumping
- Abandoning jumps halfway
- Choosing lower resting spots
- Using furniture as stepping stones
- Sleeping more than usual
- Grooming less effectively
- Becoming less playful
- Flinching when touched around the hips or lower back
- Becoming more withdrawn or irritable
If your cat's behaviour has changed, it's worth paying attention. Cats rarely stop doing things without a reason.
Why Cats Often Hide Pain
One of the reasons arthritis in cats can be difficult to recognise is that cats are naturally very good at masking discomfort.
In the wild, showing pain or weakness could make an animal vulnerable. Even though our cats now live comfortable lives at home, many of these instincts remain.
Unlike dogs, cats often don't cry out or dramatically favour a limb when something hurts. Instead, they quietly adapt.
For a start, you may notice them:
- Sleeping in different locations
- Spending more time resting
- Avoiding stairs
- Skipping favourite jumping spots
- Seeking warm places to sleep
- Interacting less with family members
Some cats respond differently and become more vocal, clingy, or demanding of attention.
Because these changes often happen gradually, they can easily be mistaken for normal ageing.
Signs of Arthritis in Cats: What to Look Out For
Arthritis can affect multiple joints throughout the body, and the signs you notice may vary depending on where your cat feels discomfort.
Hip and Knee Arthritis in Cats
The hips and knees are commonly affected joints. You may notice:
- Reluctance to jump onto furniture
- Difficulty jumping down from heights
- Slower movement on stairs
- Less interest in climbing
Jumping down is often more uncomfortable than jumping up because it places more force through the joints.
Elbow and Shoulder Arthritis in Cats
Pain affecting the front legs may make movement feel stiff or tiring. Signs can include:
- Slower movement after naps
- Reduced interest in play
- Shorter play sessions
- Less enthusiasm for chasing toys
Spinal Arthritis in Cats
Arthritis affecting the spine can be particularly subtle. You may notice:
- Sensitivity during grooming or brushing
- Difficulty twisting to groom certain areas
- A slightly hunched posture
- Reduced stretching behaviour
In fact, no one sign confirms arthritis, but several of these changes occurring together can provide important clues.
How to Check Your Cat's Mobility at Home
You don't need special equipment to start monitoring your cat's comfort.
Over a few days, try observing your cat's normal routines and noting any patterns.
1) Watch Their Jumping
Does your cat hesitate before jumping? Do they make several attempts before committing?
2) Pay Attention to Landings
Do they land heavily? Do they pause after landing before moving again?
3) Notice Grooming Habits
Can they comfortably groom their lower back and hips?
Have you noticed dandruff, matting, or untidy fur in those areas?
4) Monitor Litter Box Behaviour
Do they hesitate before entering the litter box?
Do they perch on the edge rather than stepping fully inside?
5) Observe Morning Movement
Are they noticeably stiffer after waking up? Do they take a few minutes to loosen up?
These observations can provide valuable information during a consultation with your vet.
How to Help a Cat With Arthritis at Home
Small changes around the house can make everyday activities more comfortable for cats with arthritis.
1) Make Favourite Spots Easier to Reach
Consider placing sturdy steps, stools, or ramps near:
- Beds
- Sofas
- Window perches
- Cat trees
Reducing the height of jumps can significantly improve confidence and comfort.
2) Choose a Senior-Friendly Litter Box
Cats with arthritis may struggle to climb into high-sided litter trays. A lower entrance can make toileting much easier.
3) Improve Traction Around the House
Slippery flooring can make sore joints work harder. Non-slip mats near favourite resting spots and pathways can help improve stability.
4) Create Comfortable Resting Areas
Many arthritic cats enjoy warm, supportive beds that are easy to access. Providing comfortable resting spots can help reduce strain on painful joints.
5) Exercise and Weight Management for Cats With Arthritis
While it may seem counterintuitive, movement remains important for cats with arthritis. The goal isn't intense exercise, it's comfortable movement.
Gentle activities can help maintain muscle strength and mobility, including:
- Short play sessions
- Wand toy games at floor level
- Regular movement throughout the day
Maintaining a healthy weight is equally important. Excess weight places additional stress on already uncomfortable joints.
Even modest weight loss can make a meaningful difference to mobility and comfort. You may use a body conditioning score chart to help assess your cat's condition.
Arthritis Treatment for Cats: How Vets Can Help
Arthritis management is rarely about a single solution. Instead, treatment often combines several approaches tailored to your cat's lifestyle and needs.
Pain Relief Options for Cats
Your vet can offer several safe options for managing chronic pain in cats.
It's important to avoid giving human pain medications unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian, as many can be toxic to cats.
Joint Support Diets and Supplements
Your vet may recommend:
These can often work alongside other treatment strategies.
When X-Rays May Be Recommended
Not every cat with suspected arthritis requires X-rays. However, imaging can sometimes help confirm a diagnosis, assess severity, and rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
When Should You Bring Your Cat to the Vet?
Arthritis usually develops gradually, but some signs warrant earlier attention.
We recommend arranging a vet consultation if your cat:
- Suddenly stops jumping
- Refuses to use stairs
- Cries out when touched or lifted
- Starts toileting outside the litter box
- Shows obvious limping
- Experiences repeated falls
- Develops sudden behavioural changes
These signs may indicate significant pain or another underlying condition that requires investigation.
FAQs About Arthritis in Cats
1. Is my senior cat just slowing down?
Some slowing down is expected with age. Pain is not.
Many owners who see us are surprised by how much more active their cats become once discomfort is addressed.
2. Do indoor cats get arthritis?
Yes. Arthritis is related to joint health and ageing rather than whether a cat spends time outdoors.
3. Can cats with arthritis still play?
Absolutely. Many cats with arthritis continue to enjoy play, although they may prefer shorter and gentler sessions.
4. Are supplements enough for cat arthritis?
Supplements can be beneficial, but they often work best as part of a broader treatment plan that includes environmental changes, weight management, and pain relief where needed.
5. Can weight loss help cats with arthritis?
Yes. Even a bit of weight loss can reduce stress on the joints and improve mobility for overweight cats. Every bit counts!
Helping Your Cat Stay Comfortable as They Age
Cats are incredibly resilient animals. Many continue eating, playing, and interacting with their families despite experiencing significant discomfort.
That's why subtle changes, such as avoiding a favourite jump or choosing a different place to sleep etc. can be so important.
If you've noticed your cat moving differently, don't assume it's simply old age.
A proper vet assessment can help determine whether arthritis or another condition is affecting their comfort and identify ways to keep them moving confidently for years to come.
At Gaia Vets, we see and treat many senior cats and cats with mobility issues, so if your cat is showing the signs mentioned above, do contact us!
