Feline Arthritis
Authored by James Horner
Often unseen and untreated, how can we be better at helping our cats get the care they deserve?
Cats, known for their agility and grace, are often seen as agile creatures. However, just like humans and other animals, they can also suffer from arthritis. As a a condition that can severely affect their quality of life and all too often goes unrecognised in our feline friends, or worse still, written off as an inconsequential condition.
In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and various treatment options available to help your feline friend lead a more comfortable and pain-free life.
Quick Read
Arthritis in cats is easy to miss
Many things can look like arthritis, and arthritis can look like many things!
Staying slim is an easy way to mitigate many of the effect of arthritis
Treatment is multifactorial; medication, weight loss, physiotherapy, supplements, alternative ways such as acupuncture (if they tolerate it!!)
What is Cat Arthritis?
Arthritis in cats is a degenerative joint disease that affects the cartilage surrounding their joints. Cartilage acts as a cushion between bones and allows for smooth joint movement. When arthritis develops, this cartilage starts to break down, leading to painful and stiff joints. The most affected joints in cats are the hips, elbows, and stifles (knees).
Causes of Cat Arthritis
Several factors can contribute to the development of arthritis in cats, including:
Age: Arthritis is more prevalent in older cats, usually affecting those over the age of 8.
Obesity: Excess weight puts additional stress on the joints, increasing the risk of arthritis.
Genetics: Certain cat breeds, such as Maine Coons and Persians, are genetically predisposed to joint problems.
Injury: Past injuries or joint trauma can increase the likelihood of arthritis.
Infection or Inflammation: Infections or immune system disorders can lead to joint inflammation, contributing to arthritis.
Common Symptoms of Cat Arthritis
Recognising the signs of arthritis in your cat is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management. Common symptoms include:
Reduced activity: Often overlooked, or attributed to age, when you cat “slows-down” it may be due to early arthritic pain. Because of this, they may become less playful and avoid activities they once enjoyed.
Limping or lameness: Cats with arthritis may limp or favour one leg over the others.
Stiffness: Cats may have difficulty moving, especially after rest.
Pain when touched: Cats with arthritis may react adversely when their affected joints are touched.
Loss of appetite: Chronic pain can cause cats to eat less or avoid eating altogether.
Personality changes: Some cats become more irritable or reclusive due to discomfort.
Diagnosis and Veterinary Care
If you suspect your cat has arthritis, it's important to get a formal diagnosis. The vet will perform a physical examination, possibly take X-rays, and assess your cat's overall health. Sometimes treatment trials are used to identify if the symptoms are pain related, along with other tests that will be used to rule out alternative causes for pain, lethargy and generally being “not-right”.
Treatment Options
While arthritis in cats is not curable, there are several treatment options to manage the condition and improve your cat's quality of life.
Medications: Your veterinarian may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or monoclonal antibodies to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. If pain is severe there are alternatives, but in all cases care must be taken to balance the benefits with any possible risks associated with long term medication use.
Joint Supplements: Supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin can help improve joint health.
Weight Management: Keeping your cat at a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise can reduce stress on the joints.
Physical Therapy: Some cats benefit from physical therapy exercises and massages to improve joint mobility.
Alternative Therapies: Acupuncture, laser therapy, and hydrotherapy are becoming popular choices for managing cat arthritis.
Conclusion
Cat arthritis is a common condition that affects many felines, especially as they age. Recognising the signs early and seeking professional veterinary care can significantly improve your cat's quality of life. With the right treatment and care, your arthritic cat can enjoy a more comfortable and pain-free existence, allowing them to continue being a cherished member of your family.