Keeping Your Cat Active with Arthritis: Do’s and Don’ts



Arthritis in cats slows them down. In Australia, heat and chill can make joint pain worse. Vets make several suggestions for arthritis treatments for cats in Australia. While treatment is important, with thoughtful care at home, you can help your cat stay active and comfortable. 

Arthritis, or osteoarthritis, wears away cartilage in a cat’s joints. It leads to pain, stiffness and bone spurs. As a result, cats move less and feel sore. They may limp, skip jumps or skip grooming.

Here’s a friendly guide for pet parents on how to help your cats deal with osteoarthritis at home:

Things to Do

  • Watch for Warning Signs

Stay alert to small changes in their behaviour. Notice if they seem less energetic than before – less climbing and jumping, slow starts after sleeping, less playing around in general, or trouble getting in and out of the litter box. It might seem like nothing but these are warning signs you need to look out for.  

Changes in grooming, especially around the back or hind legs might also be a sign of pain. Spotting these early lets you act fast.

  • Keep Them Moving—Gently

Movement helps joints stay healthy. Try taking your cat on short, soft walks on cool mornings in mild climates. You can also try to catch their interest with low-to-the-ground toys or feather wands. The aim is to keep them moving. Make access to their favourite spots easy, like carpeted ramps to access their favourite spots without jumping.

Play in brief sessions. A few minutes of movement is often better than a hard burst.

  • Keep Ideal Weight

Extra body weight strains joints. An overweight cat experiences more wear. Work with your vet to set a healthy weight goal. Slimming improves comfort and mobility more than any other single step.

  • Adjust the Home for Comfort

Arthritic cats benefit from a cosy, accessible environment. Use soft beds near radiators or in sunlit areas for warmth. Provide ramps to favourite spots. Opt for low-sided litter boxes. Keep scratching posts and toys nearby.

A warm, easy-access setup helps joints. In cooler parts of the country, use heated pet mats or warm faux-fur bedding. In hotter areas, use cooling pads but avoid over-chilling. Monitor your cat’s comfort.

  • Use Heat and Cold Therapy Smartly

Just like humans, cats benefit from temperature therapy. After any activity, apply warm packs wrapped in cloth for a few minutes. Use cool packs briefly during hot days or swelling. These can ease stiffness or achiness. Avoid extremes to prevent skin damage.

  • Keep It a Team Effort

You, your vet, and your cat are a team. If you are unsure, ask questions without any hesitation. You have the right to bring any questions you have to your vet. The questions might be regarding how medications or vaccines interact with CBD, if the joint supplement is safe with other meds, or how you can spot pain changes or flare-ups. 

Keep a clear record and share updates on weight, litter box habits, mood, and movement with the vet. This helps your vet adjust care.

Things to Avoid

  • Don’t Push Through Pain

Avoid forcing high-energy or high-jump activities. They can worsen inflammation. Even cats can flare up after overdoing it. If you notice soreness, skip the stairs and let them rest.

  • Don’t Rely on Over-the-Counter Supplements

Be cautious with pet products bought online. They may lack quality control. Always choose vet-prescribed or recommended options. Only legal, vet-monitored products offer proven benefit and safety.

  • Don’t Ignore the Weather

Australia’s climate varies vastly. Both extremes affect joints. Cold makes stiffness worse. Heat may discourage movement and cause dehydration.

In winter or the cold south—use warm bedding and gentle indoor play. In summer or the tropics—encourage early-morning or evening play. Provide water fountains or ice cubes in water bowls to stay hydrated.

Final Thoughts

Arthritis is progressive. Early action eases decline. Small steps can make a big difference in comfort and mobility over time.

If your cat is in pain from osteoarthritis, explore the option for arthritis treatment for cats in Australia. These include blending gentle activity, weight care, warmth, vet-guided treatments CBD, and smart home setup.

In Australia, vets can legally prescribe medicinal cannabis products with CBD under strict control. CBD has shown great results as a pain relief for dogs in Australia. These products show promise in reducing pain and inflammation. However, always use these under vet guidance. 

At CBD Vets Australia, we provide pet owners with legal CBD under strict control and vet’s guidance. If you are looking for arthritis treatment for cats in Australia, contact us for a consultation with one of our experienced vets now. 

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