Arthritis isn't just a "big dog" problem. Veterinary studies using X-rays have found degenerative joint changes in the majority of cats over the age of 12, and large-breed cats — Maine Coons, Ragdolls, and Norwegian Forest Cats among them — carry extra load on their joints simply by virtue of their size. Some large breeds, particularly Maine Coons, also have a higher documented incidence of hip dysplasia, which can compound normal age-related wear. Yet feline arthritis remains one of the most under-diagnosed conditions in cats, largely because cats are extraordinarily good at hiding pain and adapting their behaviour quietly rather than limping obviously.
Why Arthritis Is Easy to Miss in Cats
Unlike dogs, cats rarely vocalise or limp dramatically when their joints hurt. Instead, they compensate. A cat with sore hips or elbows will simply stop doing the things that hurt — jumping onto the windowsill, climbing to the top of the cat tree, or hopping into a high-sided litter tray — and start doing more of the things that don't, like sleeping.
Signs Worth Watching For
- Hesitating before jumping up or down, or jumping to a lower spot first instead of in one bound
- Stiffness after sleeping or resting, which eases as the cat moves around
- Reduced grooming, especially around the lower back, hips, and tail base (often the first visible sign)
- Avoiding stairs, high perches, or litter trays with tall sides
- Increased time spent sleeping and reduced play or exploration
- Irritability when picked up or touched around the hips, spine, or shoulders
- Missing the litter tray, which can happen if getting in and out has become painful
Furniture Adjustments That Can Help
Lowering the Jump Height
The single biggest change you can make is reducing how far an arthritic cat has to jump. Wide, stable intermediate platforms placed between the floor and a cat's favourite perch let an older cat climb gradually rather than launching from ground level.
Easier Litter Tray Access
A tray with high sides can become a genuine barrier for a cat with sore joints, sometimes leading to accidents just outside the tray rather than in it. The Dome's extra-large enclosed interior is worth considering here — check the current entry dimensions on the product page to confirm it suits a stiff senior cat's access needs.
Supportive, Warm Bedding
Cats with arthritis often seek out warm, soft, well-padded surfaces because heat and cushioning ease joint discomfort. A plush, deep-sided bed like the Velvet Nest gives a senior cat somewhere supportive to curl into without needing to climb. Our beds and comfort range includes several ground-level and low-sided options worth considering as a cat ages. Because large-breed cats need proportionally more bed to stretch out fully, it's worth checking our size guide before choosing.
Non-Slip, Stable Surfaces
Wobbly or slippery furniture makes any cat cautious, but it's a particular problem for a cat already unsure of their footing. Stable bases, wide platforms, and non-slip surfaces reduce the number of small, painful corrections a cat has to make while climbing or settling down.
A Note on Veterinary Advice
This article offers general information to help you recognise possible signs of arthritis and make your home more comfortable — it isn't a diagnosis and isn't a substitute for veterinary care. If you notice any of the signs above, please book a check-up with your vet.
FAQ
Can furniture changes alone treat feline arthritis?
No. Furniture and environmental adjustments can make daily life more comfortable for a cat with sore joints, but they don't treat the underlying condition. A vet can assess pain levels, rule out other causes, and recommend appropriate management.
At what age should I start watching for arthritis signs in a large-breed cat?
Many vets suggest starting to watch more closely from around seven to eight years old, though large-breed cats with a genetic predisposition to joint issues, such as some Maine Coons, can occasionally show early signs younger.