Although pain is, well… painful, it can also be useful. Acute pain — the useful kind — is typically related to illness, injury, or surgery, and can last for a few seconds or a few months. Acute pain is the brain’s way of telling us something is wrong, and we need to protect the affected area so it can heal. Let’s say your cat injures their paw — they’ll avoid putting weight on the area until it feels better.

Chronic pain, however, is not useful. Chronic pain, like from osteoarthritis (OA), happens when the pain signal doesn't go away. It keeps bombarding the nervous system until the nervous system actually changes, making your cat more sensitive to pain signals and negatively impacting your cat’s quality of life.

What is the Difference Between Acute and Chronic Pain?

Acute pain starts suddenly and usually has a clear cause, such as an injury, illness, or surgery. It helps protect the body while it heals. For example, a cat with an injured paw may avoid putting weight on it.

Chronic pain lasts for weeks or months. It may continue even after the original injury has healed. Osteoarthritis is one cause of chronic pain in cats. Over time, ongoing pain can make the nervous system more sensitive, so normal movement or touch may become harder for your cat to tolerate.

Unlike people, cats can’t tell you where they hurt or schedule their own veterinary appointment. Your cat depends on you to notice changes and share them with your veterinarian.

Can Osteoarthritis Cause Chronic Pain in Cats?

Yes. Osteoarthritis can cause chronic joint pain and make everyday movement more difficult. A cat with OA may still eat, use the litter box, and move around the home, even when their joints hurt. That’s why a lack of limping doesn’t rule out pain.

One study found that 61% of cats over the age of six had osteoarthritis, while another study found evidence of the condition in 90% of cats over the age of 12.^1,2

These findings show why it’s important to look for changes in your cat’s routine as they age. Your observations can help your veterinarian determine whether OA or another health problem is affecting your cat.

How Does Osteoarthritis Affect a Cat’s Daily Life?

Osteoarthritis can affect movement, grooming, body condition, sensitivity to touch, and social behavior. These changes may build slowly, so you may not notice them until they begin to affect several parts of your cat’s routine.

• Movement. Pain may cause your cat to play, jump, or hunt less. Less activity can contribute to muscle loss and weight gain, which may make movement even harder.
• Grooming. A painful cat may groom less often and develop mats or changes in their coat and skin.
• Sensitivity to touch. Long-term pain may make your cat more sensitive. They may tense up, move away, or react when touched, even if they once enjoyed being petted.
• Social behavior. A cat in pain may hide more, interact less, or react when approached by you or another animal.

These signs don’t always mean your cat has OA. Dental disease, injury, kidney disease, and other health problems can also affect movement or behavior. A veterinary exam is the best way to find the cause.^3,4

Why Should Chronic Pain in Cats be Treated Early?

Early veterinary care may help identify pain before it changes many parts of your cat’s routine. Without appropriate care, chronic pain may become harder to manage as changes in the joints and nervous system continue.

Your veterinarian can create an OA treatment plan for your cat based on your cat’s health, age, lifestyle, and other medical needs. The plan may include medication, weight support, changes to the home, and follow-up visits. Never give your cat a human pain reliever unless your veterinarian specifically tells you to do so.