If your cat has stopped jumping onto windowsills, sofas, beds or favourite high perches, arthritis could be one possible reason, especially in an older cat. Other signs to watch for include stiffness after sleeping, hesitation before jumping, using stairs less, grooming less, sleeping more, avoiding play or struggling with the litter tray.
Cats are very good at hiding pain, so the signs of arthritis can be easy to miss at first. PDSA says arthritis is extremely common in cats, especially older cats, and symptoms can include difficulty jumping, using stairs, using the litter tray and grooming hard-to-reach areas.
This does not mean every cat who avoids a windowsill has arthritis, but a change in movement is worth paying attention to. If your cat seems stiff, uncomfortable or less willing to move in ways they used to, book a vet appointment rather than assuming they are “just getting old”.
Why Cats Stop Using Their Favourite High Spots
Cats naturally like high places. Windowsills, shelves, sofas and cat trees help them feel safe, give them a better view of the room and offer a quiet place away from busy family life.
When a cat stops using those spots, it may be because getting up or down has become harder. Cats Protection says signs of arthritis can include resting more, being unwilling to jump or climb, having difficulty grooming and struggling with stairs.
This change can happen gradually. A cat that once jumped straight onto the windowsill may start using a chair as a halfway point. Then they may hesitate before jumping. Eventually, they may stop trying altogether.
That slow change is exactly why arthritis in cats can be missed. Owners often adjust to the new normal without realising their cat may be avoiding pain.
Early Signs Of Arthritis In Cats
The early signs of arthritis in cats are often linked to movement and daily habits rather than obvious limping.
You may notice your cat:
- hesitates before jumping up or down
- avoids high places they used to love
- uses stairs less often
- sleeps more than usual
- plays less
- moves stiffly after resting
- lands awkwardly after jumping
- struggles to get in or out of the litter tray
- grooms less, especially around the back legs, back or tail base
- seems grumpier when touched around the hips, back or legs
The FDA notes that signs of osteoarthritis in cats can include decreased activity, changes in attitude, decreased grooming, litter tray accidents and not being able to jump as easily as before.
The key thing is change. A naturally lazy cat may always prefer the sofa. A once-active cat suddenly avoiding jumps, stairs or play deserves a closer look.
Grooming And Posture Changes To Watch For
Grooming changes are one of the easier signs to overlook.
A cat with sore joints may struggle to twist around and clean areas such as the lower back, hind legs and tail base. This can lead to matted fur, a greasy-looking coat or patches that look less tidy than usual.
Some cats may do the opposite and over-groom sore areas. This can cause thinning fur, bald patches or irritated skin.
Posture can also change. A cat with joint discomfort may sit in a hunched position, avoid stretching fully after waking or shift their weight when standing. These are small signs, but together they can show that movement feels harder than it used to.
Behaviour Changes That May Point To Joint Pain
Arthritis does not only affect how a cat moves. It can also affect how they behave.
A cat in pain may become more withdrawn, less playful or more irritable. They may avoid being picked up, move away when stroked or react when touched around sore areas.
Litter tray problems can also appear. A high-sided tray may be harder to climb into, especially if the hips, back legs or spine feel stiff. Cats Protection recommends making sure a cat can reach their toileting area easily and that the sides of the litter tray are not too tall.
Changes in where your cat sleeps can be another clue. A cat who stops using a high bed, cat tree or windowsill and chooses lower resting spots instead may be trying to avoid uncomfortable jumps.
How To Help An Older Cat At Home
Small home changes can make daily life easier for a cat with stiff joints, but they should not replace veterinary advice.
You can help by:
- adding pet steps or ramps to favourite spots
- using low-sided litter trays
- placing food, water, beds and litter trays on the same level where possible
- adding non-slip mats on hard floors
- keeping beds warm, soft and easy to reach
- gently brushing areas your cat struggles to groom
- keeping pathways clear so your cat can move around more easily
PDSA recommends practical adjustments such as ramps and steps, comfortable beds, warmth, raised food bowls and low-sided litter trays for cats with arthritis. It also warns that pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication should only be used when prescribed by a vet, and that human medication can be highly toxic to cats.
This is also where your home setup matters. A calm, accessible space can support your cat’s comfort, just as a healthy home environment can make day-to-day life feel easier for the whole household.
If your cat slips on laminate, tiles or polished flooring, it may also be worth thinking about things to consider when replacing flooring in your home, especially if you want surfaces that work better for the whole family.
Keeping walkways clear can make it easier for an older cat to move around, and these best ways to declutter quickly may help if your home needs a quick reset.
Warm, draught-free spaces can make a big difference to comfort, so these tips on how to keep an old house warm may be useful if your home gets chilly in winter.
Use A Simple Arthritis Check Before Speaking To Your Vet
Before your vet appointment, make a note of what has changed. This gives your vet a clearer picture of what is happening at home.
Watch for changes in:
- jumping
- climbing
- stairs
- grooming
- litter tray use
- play
- sleep
- appetite
- mood
- reactions to being touched
You could also take short videos of your cat walking, jumping or using stairs, as Cats Protection suggests filming movement, play, stairs and jumping to help show your vet what you are seeing at home.
A veterinary-backed cat arthritis quiz can also be a useful way to organise your observations before speaking to your vet. It should not replace a proper diagnosis, but it can help you spot patterns and explain your concerns more clearly.
When To Speak To A Vet
Speak to your vet if your cat has stopped jumping, seems stiff, avoids stairs, struggles with grooming, has litter tray accidents or reacts differently when touched.
It is better to ask early than wait until movement becomes much harder. Arthritis is painful, but support is available. Your vet can check for arthritis, rule out other causes and advise on safe treatment options, weight management and home changes.
Helping Cats Stay Comfortable As They Age
Cats do not always make it obvious when they are in pain. Sometimes the first sign is not a limp or a cry, but an empty windowsill, an unused perch or a favourite chair they no longer jump onto.
Noticing these small changes matters. If your cat is moving differently, grooming less, avoiding high places or seeming less like themselves, it is worth taking seriously. Simple home adjustments, early veterinary advice and careful observation can all help your cat stay more comfortable as they age.
