Research overview: osteoarthritis in aging cats

Osteoarthritis is far more common in cats than once recognized, with radiographic studies showing degenerative joint changes in a large majority of older cats, yet the disease is frequently underdiagnosed because cats mask pain and rarely show obvious lameness, instead reducing activity, jumping less, and changing grooming or temperament. This overview synthesizes the orthopedic and geriatric literature rather than one citation, describing the high prevalence of feline osteoarthritis, why its subtle behavioral signs lead to underrecognition, and how diagnosis relies on owner-reported behavior change alongside examination and imaging. It matters because untreated arthritis causes chronic pain that diminishes quality of life in many older cats, and improved recognition, supported by behavioral assessment tools, is key to providing the pain management these cats need.