You want your feline friend to lead a long, healthy, and comfortable life. However, as cats age, they commonly develop degenerative joint disease that can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Feline arthritis is a painful and debilitating degenerative condition that affects 60% of cats older than age 6, and 90% of cats older than age 10. Our Oak Creek Veterinary Care team answers your frequently asked questions about feline arthritis. 

Question: What is feline arthritis?

Answer: Feline arthritis is a degenerative condition that causes the breakdown of cartilage that cushions the impact between a joint’s bones. The cartilage eventually disintegrates, and the bones begin rubbing against each other, causing the affected cat to experience pain, inflammation, and decreased mobility. Left untreated, the condition worsens over time. To help maintain your cat’s mobility and ease their pain, early detection and prompt treatment are essential to slowing the disease’s progression.

Q: What causes feline arthritis?

A: As cats age, wear and tear on their joints can lead to cartilage deterioration. However, while the aging process is the primary cause for feline arthritis, younger cats are also susceptible. Your cat’s arthritis risk increases because of these other factors, which include:

  • Genetics — Certain feline breeds, such as Maine coons, Scottish fold cats, Persian cats, and Siamese cats, have a greater genetic disposition for developing arthritis.
  • Obesity — Overweight cats are more likely to develop arthritis because of the extra strain their added pounds put on their joints. This additional pressure can increase the cartilage deterioration rate.
  • Previous injury — Joint injuries can cause damage that leads to arthritis later in life. Even a long-healed injury can leave lasting damage within a joint.

Q: What are feline arthritis signs?

A: Feline arthritis can be difficult to detect because of cats’ natural tendency to hide discomfort. The signs can be subtle and progress slowly over time. Your cat may be suffering from arthritis if they exhibit these signs:

  • Limping or stiffness — This is one of the most obvious feline arthritis signs. Your cat may limp or favor one leg, especially after resting.
  • Decreased activity — Cats with arthritis are often less mobile. They might stop jumping onto high surfaces or be less enthusiastic about play.
  • Changes in grooming — Cats with arthritis may groom themselves less in response to the pain they feel when stretching or bending. This can result in a dull, matted, or uneven coat.
  • Behavioral changes — Cats with arthritis may exhibit behavioral changes, becoming less social, hiding more, or reacting with increased aggression when handled.
  • Difficulty using the litter box —A  cat with arthritis may have difficulty stepping over a litter box’s sides, having accidents outside of the box as a result.
  • Appetite changes — Some cats with arthritis might eat less, possibly because they feel discomfort while walking to their feeding station.
  • Altered sleep patterns — Cats with arthritis may sleep more than usual, or appear restless and change positions frequently.

Q: How is feline arthritis diagnosed?

A: Diagnosing arthritis in cats is more challenging than diagnosing the condition in dogs. Because of their small size and natural agility, cats are able to compensate well for their joint pain, generally hiding discomfort and lameness better than dogs. In addition, cats tend to be less active than dogs, so changes in their activity level after this condition’s onset might not be as obvious as in dogs. A feline arthritis diagnosis typically requires a thorough orthopedic examination. Our Oak Creek Veterinary Care team may also recommend X-rays, blood tests, or other diagnostic imaging to confirm your cat’s arthritis diagnosis and rule out other underlying conditions. 

Q: What are feline arthritis treatment options?

A: Although arthritis is a progressive disease with no cure, various treatment options are available that can help manage your cat’s signs and improve their quality of life. Feline arthritis treatment options include:

  • Weight management — If your cat is overweight, losing a few pounds can help decrease stress on their joints.
  • Anti-inflammatories — Long-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) must be used cautiously with cats, although these medications are useful for dogs with arthritis.
  • Pain medications — Pain medications do not directly counteract arthritis inflammation because they affect only the brain and nerves. However, these drugs can help ease a pet’s discomfort.
  • Injectables — Monthly injectables that reduce arthritis pain are available. If you do not want to administer medications daily to your cat, this treatment option is ideal. 
  • Joint health supplements — Joint supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin can protect against further cartilage damage.
  • Physical therapy — Gentle exercises and massage can help maintain an arthritic cat’s joint flexibility and muscle strength.
  • Alternative therapies — Laser therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic care are a few of the many available alternative treatments that can round out a well-balanced arthritis management plan. These therapies generally cause no side effects, and most cats tolerate these treatments well.
  • Surgery — Surgery is usually a last resort to salvage a severely damaged joint and reduce a cat’s pain. Surgery may include joint fusion, joint replacement, or amputation.

Feline arthritis can be a challenging condition to manage, but with early detection, appropriate treatment, and lots of love, your cat can still lead a comfortable and fulfilling life. If you suspect your cat is suffering from arthritis, schedule an appointment with our Oak Creek Veterinary Care team.