Caring for Arthritic Cats: A Loving Guide from Your Brisbane Mobile Vet

Healthy Paws Mobile Vet - House Call Vet Care for Cats & Dogs | Brisbane & Moreton Bay

As cats age, their bodies naturally begin to slow down. You may notice your once-active feline hesitating to jump onto the couch or seeming a little stiff after a nap. These could be early signs of feline arthritis, a common but often underdiagnosed condition that causes joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

At Healthy Paws Mobile Vet, we provide gentle, personalised veterinary care at home, allowing your cat to receive high-quality medical support in their most familiar and comfortable environment. If you're based in Brisbane or Moreton Bay, our mobile vet team can help assess and manage arthritis in your cat, right from your living room.

Recognising Arthritis in Cats

Cats are experts at masking pain. Their subtle behavioural changes can often be the only signs that something’s wrong. Keep an eye out for:

• Hesitation or difficulty jumping up or down

• Reduced activity or increased sleeping

• Limping, stiffness, or a change in gait

• Reluctance to use stairs

• Difficulty grooming or matted fur along the back or legs

• Litter box accidents due to discomfort getting in/out

• Changes in mood, such as irritability or withdrawal

If you’re unsure whether your cat’s slowing down is due to age or arthritis, our vets can perform a home-based mobility assessment and tailor a care plan.

How We Can Help: Arthritis Management for Cats

With early intervention and the right support, many arthritic cats continue to enjoy a happy, comfortable life. At Healthy Paws Mobile Vet, we use a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and supportive therapies to improve your cat’s quality of life.

🐾 Medications

• Meloxicam (Metacam): A commonly prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) for managing pain and inflammation.

• Solensia: A monthly injectable monoclonal antibody specifically designed for cats with osteoarthritis.

• Gabapentin / Pregabalin: Useful for nerve-related pain or when arthritis is more advanced.

• Ketamine : Monthly injections for pain relief.

We can administer medications and monitor progress without your cat ever needing to leave home.

🐾 Joint Support & Natural Therapies

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Help reduce joint inflammation (available in liquid or capsule form).

• Green-lipped mussel supplements: Provide natural joint support (Antinol).

• Prescribed CBD oil (vet-approved): May assist with pain relief and mobility in some cats.

🐾 Gentle Movement & Supportive Environments

• Encourage low-impact play (e.g., wand toys, short play sessions).

• Use ramps or steps to favourite places like the couch or window sill.

• Switch to a low-entry litter tray to ease bathroom access.

• Provide orthopaedic bedding to cushion sore joints.

• Keep them warm- colder weather often makes stiffness worse.

We can offer home environment advice during our visits, tailored to your cat's specific needs.

When to Seek Veterinary Advice

If your cat shows any of the following signs, it may be time to contact your mobile vet:

• Sudden worsening of mobility

• Increased vocalisation or signs of pain

• Reduced appetite or weight

• Accidents outside the litter tray

• Personality or behaviour changes

Our team can perform a thorough assessment at home, avoiding the stress of a clinic visit for both you and your cat.

Compassionate End-of-Life Support

For cats with severe arthritis or other chronic conditions, there may come a time when managing pain becomes more difficult. When that moment arrives, we are here to guide you through the decision-making process with care and empathy.

We offer:

• In-home quality of life assessments

• Gentle home euthanasia when the time comes

• Supportive guidance to help you navigate this emotional journey

Healthy Paws, Happy Cats, At Home

You don’t have to manage your cat’s arthritis alone. At Healthy Paws Mobile Vet, we’re committed to helping your feline companion live as comfortably and happily as possible, in the place they feel safest.

We service parts of Brisbane or Moreton Bay, bringing expert veterinary care directly to your door.

📍 Mobile Vet Services for Brisbane & Moreton Bay

• Arthritis management for cats & dogs

• Pain relief and mobility support

• Quality of life consultations

• Gentle home euthanasia (when needed)

Ready to Support Your Cat?

Contact us today to schedule an in-home consultation or ask about how we can support your senior cat.

If you would like to talk to us about how you can support your cat, you can reach out to us here.

For more resources on keeping your pets healthy, visit our blog here.

To find out more about Home Pet Euthanasia, you can visit Love & Toe Beans here

With care and comfort,
The Healthy Paws Mobile Vet Team