Understanding the Caregiver Placebo Effect in Feline Arthritis Treatment

Cats are masters of hiding pain. This makes it challenging for owners and even veterinarians to recognize when arthritis is affecting their daily comfort and mobility. A recent large study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science looked at frunevetmab (Solensia®), a monoclonal antibody therapy designed to manage arthritis pain in cats.

What the Study Found

• This was a multisite, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving hundreds of cats with naturally occurring osteoarthritis.
• Cats that received Solensia® were more likely to show improvements in comfort and mobility compared to those receiving placebo.
• By the end of the study, 76–80% of treated cats were rated as treatment successes by their owners, compared to 45–55% of placebo cats.

The Caregiver Placebo Effect

One of the most striking aspects of this research was how high the caregiver placebo effect was. In some feline arthritis studies, up to 74% of cats in the placebo group were reported by owners as showing improvement, even though they didn’t receive active medication.

Why does this happen?

• Cats are subtle in their signs of pain and owners may interpret small changes in activity or posture as signs of improvement.
• Owners naturally want their pets to feel better, and this hope can influence how changes are perceived.
• This is not unique to cats, it’s also seen in human medicine when family members report on a loved one’s condition.

Why This Matters

The study confirms that Solensia® can provide real benefit for many cats with arthritis. But it also reminds us that caregiver perceptions are powerful, and sometimes misleading. The high placebo response highlights the importance of careful monitoring and working closely with your veterinarian to assess whether a treatment is truly effective.

The Takeaway for Pet Owners

• Yes, cats get arthritis, and yes, there are new treatments like Solensia® that may help.
• But we also need to recognize how much our own expectations can shape what we think we see.
• If your cat is being treated for arthritis, keep notes, record short videos, and share them with your veterinarian. This helps build a clearer picture of whether your cat is genuinely more comfortable.