Can cat arthritis be treated?
Last updated November 5, 2026 · Based on 2 studies we covered
Short answer
Yes. In two trials, treatments helped many cats with arthritis. A shot given every three months did better than a placebo in a large trial. Donor cell infusions also looked promising, but that study was small. Your vet can talk through what is available now.
What the science says now
Can a shot help a cat with arthritis?
In a trial of 307 pet cats with arthritis, owners saw a clear improvement in their cat’s hardest activities at day 90 for 73.0% of cats who got the shot relfovetmab. With a placebo (a saltwater shot), it was 46.8%. The shot went under the skin every three months for three doses. (A shot every three months helps cats move better, a win for arthritis in pets · The Veterinary Journal)
In cats; trials.
How fast, and for how long?
The benefit showed up as soon as three days after the first dose. It held through the whole nine-month trial. (our story · The Veterinary Journal)
In cats; trials.
Was the shot safe?
Side effects of any kind were about as common in both groups: 44.4% with the shot and 39.6% with placebo. Pain at the injection spot was the one clear difference: 7.2% of treated cats and 1.3% of placebo cats. (our story · The Veterinary Journal)
In cats; trials.
What about donor cell infusions?
In a small pilot study of 35 cats, owners called the treatment a success at day 90 for about 78% of cats on the lower dose (7 of 9) and about 83% on the higher dose (10 of 12). With salt water, it was 36.4% (4 of 11). (New hope for arthritis in pets: cats moved better after donor cell infusions · Frontiers in Veterinary Science)
In cats; trials.
Did the cells cause problems?
Some cats had short-lived reactions linked to treatment: 10% on the lower dose, 38% on the higher dose and 16.7% on salt water. Common ones in the first 24 hours included vomiting or nausea, weakness, tiredness and drooling. (our story · Frontiers in Veterinary Science)
In cats; trials.
Why is it easy to miss?
Cats hide pain. Signs can look like normal aging: jumping less, sleeping more, skipping grooming, or seeming grumpy when touched. (our story · The Veterinary Journal)
In cats; trials.
What we don’t know yet
The cell therapy study was a small pilot, so the next step is bigger trials. It is still being tested, so it is not something to ask your clinic to start next week. Our notes also do not say how much these treatments cost, how easy they are to get, or how they compare with other pain medicines. For the shot, we only know results through nine months.
When to talk to your vet
Talk to your vet if your cat jumps less, sleeps more, grooms less or seems grumpy when touched. Your vet can check for arthritis and talk through the options available now. Please do not start or change any medicine on your own.
Talk about it at dinner
Ask the family: “Where is our cat’s favorite high spot, and does it still jump up easily?” Then take turns watching the cat for a minute this week. Could a small step make that spot easier to reach?
What you can do today
Spend five minutes watching your older cat hop onto a couch or chair a few times. Notice if it hesitates, jumps shorter or skips it. Jot down what you see, plus any changes in grooming, sleep or litter box habits, and bring the note to your vet.
The studies behind this answer
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