Cat Arthritis (Osteoarthritis): Signs, Vet Care and Acupuncture
Subtle signs of joint pain in cats, veterinary care, and acupuncture for cats with arthritis as an add-on.
This guide is educational and does not replace a veterinary diagnosis. Acupuncture is used alongside, not instead of, conventional care, and the evidence differs from condition to condition. See our Medical Disclaimer.
See a veterinarian first
Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately, and do not delay care to try acupuncture, if:
- Your cat suddenly cannot use the back legs, cries out and the paws feel cold. This can be a blood clot and is an emergency.
- Your cat will not put weight on a leg, or a joint is swollen and hot.
- Your cat stops eating, hides or cries out.
- Pain medicine was given and your cat is vomiting or very lethargic.
This list is not complete. Cats hide illness, so if you are worried, call your veterinarian.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is very common in older cats but often missed, because cats hide pain. Instead of limping, a cat may jump less, groom less or avoid the litter box. It cannot be cured, but pain and mobility can often be improved.
Signs to look for
- Jumping less or choosing lower perches
- Less grooming, matted fur
- Stiffness after resting
- Avoiding the litter box, especially high-sided ones
- Irritability and hiding
How veterinarians diagnose and treat it
Diagnosis is based on examination, and often X-rays. Management combines weight control, ramps, low-sided litter boxes and soft bedding, pain relief chosen carefully for cats, and sometimes injectable options and physiotherapy. Never give human painkillers to cats.
Acupuncture for cats with arthritis
Acupuncture is one of the complementary options used for chronic joint pain in cats, usually as an add-on to home changes and medicine.
What the evidence says: Studies on acupuncture for arthritis in cats are very limited, so results for an individual cat cannot be promised.
Results vary from cat to cat and cannot be promised. To find a practitioner, see cat acupuncture near me in our directory.
Acupuncture points for cats commonly discussed for this condition
These feline acupuncture points are named in traditional charts for the signs described on this page. Each guide gives the location, traditional indications and safety notes. Listing a point is not a promise that it will help, and points are chosen by the practitioner for each cat.
- ST36 Zu San Li (足三里)Chart lists: hind limb paralysis
- GB34 Yang Ling Quan (阳陵泉)Chart lists: tendon/ligament injuries, hind limb ataxia
- LI4 He Gu (合谷)Chart lists: pain
- SP6 San Yin Jiao (三阴交)Traditional use; see the point guide
- BL23 Shen Shu (肾俞)Chart lists: osteoarthritis, hind limb paralysis
- Bai Hui (百会)Chart lists: lumbosacral pain, hind limb paralysis
- GB30 Huan Tiao (环跳)Chart lists: hind limb paralysis, hip and lumbar pain
- BL40 Wei Zhong (委中)Chart lists: lumbar and back pain, hind limb paralysis
See all points on the cat acupuncture points chart.
Mobility and care resources
Mobility and rehabilitation
Ramps, steps, supportive bedding and other mobility products for cats with joint pain.
Browse mobility resources →Pet insurance
What to consider when comparing pet insurance for diagnostics, treatment and long-term care.
Read about pet insurance →Books and learning
Acupuncture books, printable point cards, courses and learning resources.
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Frequently asked questions
Does acupuncture for cats arthritis really work?
Evidence is limited. Osteoarthritis is long-term and cannot be cured, and acupuncture may be used to help manage pain alongside other treatment.
How do I tell if my cat has arthritis?
Jumping less, grooming less and avoiding the litter box are common signs. A veterinary exam can confirm it.
What can I change at home?
Ramps, low-sided litter boxes and warm, soft beds are commonly suggested. Ask your veterinarian.
Related cat conditions
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