December 15, 2025, 5:37 am | Read time: 4 minutes
If your cat suddenly seems stiffer, stretches less, or changes its resting place more frequently, bony remodeling processes in the spine could be the cause. One such change is spondylosis–a degenerative disease that often goes unnoticed in cats and is usually only discovered through X-rays. PETBOOK explains how this disease develops, what signs cats may show, and what steps the veterinarian takes if suspected.
What Happens in a Cat’s Body During Spondylosis?
The cat’s spine has several central functions: It stabilizes the body, connects large areas of the skeleton, and protects the spinal cord. Between the vertebrae are intervertebral discs that cushion movements and allow flexibility.
In spondylosis (spondylosis deformans), bony changes occur at the ventral endplates of the vertebrae. These may initially appear as small protrusions but can develop into bony bridges connecting adjacent vertebrae.1
Causes of Spondylosis
Spondylosis involves degenerative remodeling processes–meaning the body restructures the vertebrae, limiting their function. This process is triggered by aging, wear and tear, or repeated stress. Often, wear of the vertebral joints (spondylarthrosis) can also occur. Inflammatory changes are rare, and there are few indications that the spinal cord or nerve roots are affected by spondylosis itself.
These changes can develop over years and often progress with few symptoms in cats.
Recognizing Symptoms
Spondylosis is often considered an incidental finding in veterinary practice, as many cats show no clear symptoms despite significant changes on X-rays. However, pet owners may notice certain behavioral changes:
- stiffer gait
- reduced mobility in daily life
- frequent change of resting place, possibly due to discomfort in certain positions
Since the disease progresses slowly, symptoms are often recognized late.2
Diagnosis at the Veterinarian
While pain can be an indication of spondylosis in cats, a definitive diagnosis can only be made by a veterinarian through an X-ray. Only then do the pathological changes in the vertebrae become apparent. Usually, the bony growths, protrusions, or bony bridges between the vertebrae are clearly visible.
Spondylosis is classified into four severity grades depending on the progression of the sclerosing process:
- Grade 1: Initial stage, where new bone formations are visible on the underside of the vertebrae.
- Grade 2: Small, growing bone spurs appear on the underside of the vertebrae, which veterinarians also refer to as “open bridges,” but they are not yet fused.
- Grade 3: In this phase, the bone spurs are already fused and “bridge” the intervertebral space.
- Grade 4: Spondylosis is in the final stage–the vertebral bodies are fused with the growths, forming a single unit.3
Treatment of Spondylosis
If spondylosis is in the early stages, it is often monitored in many cats due to the typically mild symptoms. Unfortunately, the process cannot be halted or reversed. Fortunately, the disease does not necessarily cause pain and rarely leads to neurological deficits. 4
Treatment depends on the clinical symptoms. Various medications are available, such as preparations to protect bones and cartilage, as well as different pain relievers. Depending on the severity of the disease, surgery may also be considered. Cortisone and anti-inflammatory drugs are often used in combination.
It is important to note: Spondylosis itself is not an inflammatory process. However, the short-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs can significantly improve the animals’ well-being. Long-term use of these drugs should be avoided due to potential side effects.
Chronic pain can also be effectively treated with naturopathic methods. Many of these approaches show good results in practice, allowing the use of conventional medications to be reduced.
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Prevention in Everyday Life
Preventing the disease is difficult. However, you can optimize the conditions for your cat. This includes providing a species-appropriate environment with sufficient and appropriate exercise, as well as an optimized diet. 5
Conclusion
Spondylosis is a spinal disease that often goes unnoticed in cats and is frequently diagnosed by chance. Bony changes in the vertebrae can affect mobility but rarely lead to neurological problems.
Pet owners should be alert if their cat appears stiffer or its movements change. A veterinary examination provides clarity and helps assess the extent of the changes.
Please note: This information does not replace veterinary advice.