Cat Mobility: What’s Normal and What’s Not in Senior Cats

Introduction

Does your cat follow you everywhere? If they do, you’re probably used to them popping up next to you when you’re sitting on the couch or curling up by your feet when you head to bed. But are they still doing those jumps with ease? Or do they hesitate? Cat mobility is a great indicator, not just of joint health, but overall health and well-being.

In this article, we’ll clarify what’s normal when it comes to senior cat mobility, and what changes to look out for that might mean a trip to the vet. We’ll also share what you can do for cat mobility issues to keep your senior cat comfortable.

Fast Facts on Cat Mobility

• Hesitance to jump and climb is an early indicator of cat mobility issues
• Arthritis is the most common cause of senior cat mobility issues
• Senior cats with mobility issues can still move around comfortably with the right support, including modifying the environment with ramps and steps, maintaining a healthy weight, and using medication.

What “Normal” Cat Mobility Looks Like in Senior Cats

It’s not surprising that older cats aren’t as active and playful as kittens and younger adult cats, but it’s important not to assume that your senior cat being slow, stiff, and inactive is just normal for their age – because significant changes in cat mobility are usually a sign of pain or arthritis. Here’s what’s normal for an older cat:

• Sleeping slightly more and spending less time outside.
• Less time spent with toys and at play, but still some interest.
• Slight hesitance or lack of confidence when jumping or climbing, but without it stopping them from getting where they want to go.
• A smooth and symmetrical, light-footed gait with even strides.

What’s Not Normal: Signs of Cat Mobility Problems

Now that you understand normal senior cat mobility and behavior, let’s explore some red flags that could be a sign of something more than just older age. If you spot any of these signs, it’s a good idea to take your cat to the vet for a check-up:

• Prolonged hesitation before jumping or refusal to jump.
• Stiffness or slowness when walking, which might be more noticeable after rest.
• Limping, shuffling, shortened stride, or an unbalanced or asymmetrical gait.
• Struggling to get in or out of the litterbox, missing the litterbox, or choosing to pass urine or feces elsewhere.
• A scruffy or matted appearance due to lack of grooming, particularly around the tail base and lower back.
• No interest in playing or toys.
• Becoming more irritable, less interested in socializing or being petted, or withdrawing.

Cats are great at hiding discomfort, but these changes in their movements, activity levels, and behavior can be clues that they are in pain. Therefore, it’s important to let your vet know if you notice anything different about your senior cat.

Common Causes of Reduced Mobility in Senior Cats

Arthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)

Arthritis affects up to 90% of cats over 12 years old. Inflammation of the joints due to wear and tear leads to stiffness and pain.

Muscle Loss

Even otherwise healthy older cats tend to lose some muscle mass as part of the aging process, which can cause weakness and a wobbly gait.

Obesity

When a cat is overweight, it puts extra pressure on the joints.

Previous injuries

Certain injuries, particularly fractures, can make arthritis, pain, or stiffness more likely in the future.

Neurological diseases or nerve damage

Nerve damage can lead to paralysis or reduced function of the limbs, while some neurological conditions can cause weakness or incoordination.

Other health conditions

Diseases that affect the circulation or electrolyte levels, like hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, and diabetes, can indirectly affect a cat's mobility.

Although there are many potential issues that affect an older cat’s mobility, often mobility can be improved with treatment and management advice from your vet.

Supporting Cat Mobility at Home

Here are 6 vet-approved ways to help improve your cat’s mobility.

1. Book an Appointment at the Vet

You and your vet can work together to assess your senior cat’s mobility. After discussing your cat’s behavior at home and performing a physical examination, focusing on their limbs and joints, the vet might recommend X-rays, a trial of anti-inflammatory medication, or joint supplements. They can show you how to monitor your pet’s pain levels at home using a pain score system, and what to look for in terms of improvements – perhaps more interest in toys, jumping with more ease, or being more affectionate.

2. Manage Weight Carefully

Obesity puts extra strain on the joints, which can make them more painful and impact their movement. Keeping your senior cat at a healthy body weight (ask your vet for their ideal weight) will help keep them comfortable and make movement easier.

3. Create an Easy-Access Environment

If your cat is struggling with their mobility, it’s really important to maintain their good quality of life by ensuring they can reach everything they need with ease. Some ideas include installing ramps or steps, placing more food and water bowls, and litter trays around your home, raising food and water bowls off the ground slightly, and choosing a litterbox with lower sides.

4. Provide Supportive Bedding

Thick orthopedic pet beds support the joints and provide plenty of padding, keeping your pet comfortable.

5. Keep the Environment Warm

Just like humans with arthritis, the colder months can be more of a struggle for senior cats. Keeping your home warm will help your cat move more comfortably.

6. Check In Regularly With Your Vet

Unfortunately, arthritis cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be managed to make your cat more comfortable. Because arthritis is a progressive condition, it will worsen over time, meaning regular vet checks are important as your cat’s needs change.

Exercise, Enrichment, and Physical Therapy

Although your cat might seem to enjoy resting, gentle movement is good for aging joints and muscles. Ask your vet about options like physiotherapy, acupuncture, and laser therapy, which can be helpful, particularly if gentle exercises are built into your cat’s routine at home.

When to See the Vet Right Away

If your cat shows any of the following signs, make an urgent appointment with the vet:

• Sudden inability to stand, walk, or jump
• Vocalizing as if in pain, or a sudden, out-of-character aggression or refusal to be touched
• Weakness, dragging one or more limbs, or holding one paw up
• A visible wound, swelling, or bleeding that doesn’t stop with pressure

These signs could indicate severe pain, illness, or injury and require urgent veterinary advice.

FAQs

Summary

Cat mobility doesn’t just give an indication of your cat’s joint health; it also gives some clues to their overall health and well-being. If your senior cat’s mobility is poor, it’s likely that their quality of life isn’t as good as it should be either. Thankfully, with the right medication and management, you can make a big difference.

Dr. Hannah Godfrey BVetMed MRCVS

Hannah graduated in 2011 and works as a small animal vet in Cardiff, UK. She loves meeting people and their special pets and has a particular interest in diagnostic imaging, soft tissue surgery, and dentistry.

Feature image: istockphoto