Arthritis in Cats

Arthritis in cats is extremely prevalent in middle-aged and older cat populations after the age of 6 years and negatively affects the quality of life of cats. Arthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, occurs when joint instability causes abnormal bone movement within the joint, and slowly this abnormal movement erodes cartilage and bone rubs against bone, producing chronic inflammation and pain.

What is Arthritis in Cats?

Arthritis is a common condition in cats that affects the joints, causing pain, inflammation, and stiffness. It is a degenerative joint disease that can occur as cats age, or it can be caused by an injury or infection. It can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly affects the hips, spine, and legs. 

Symptoms of Arthritis in Cats

The symptoms of arthritis in cats can vary depending on the severity of the disease and the joints affected. Here are some common signs to look out for:

• Limping or stiffness

Arthritic cats may limp or have difficulty moving, particularly when they first get up after resting.

• Reluctance to move or jump

Cats with arthritis may avoid activities they once enjoyed, such as jumping or climbing.

• Decreased activity

Arthritic cats may be less active than usual and may spend more time sleeping or lying down.

• Changes in grooming habits

Cats with arthritis may have difficulty grooming themselves and may have a scruffy or unkempt appearance.

• Loss of appetite

Cats with arthritis may have difficulty getting to their food and water bowls and may show a decreased appetite.

• Personality changes

Arthritic cats may become irritable or aggressive, particularly when touched or handled in a painful joint.

• Joint swelling or warmth

In some cases, arthritic joints may be swollen or feel warm to the touch.

If you notice any of these signs in your cat, it's important to take them to the vet for a thorough examination and diagnosis.

Causes of Cat Arthritis

• Immune-mediated diseases, such as immune-mediated non-cachectic polyarthritis
• Age: Just like humans, cats can develop arthritis as they age, particularly if they are overweight or have a genetic predisposition to the condition.
• Injury: Trauma or injury to a joint can cause arthritis, especially if the joint was not properly treated or allowed to heal.
• Infection: Infections, such as Lyme disease or fungal infections, can cause arthritis in cats.
• Congenital conditions: Some cats are born with joint abnormalities that can lead to arthritis later in life.
• Obesity: Excessive weight places additional strain on a cat's joints and can contribute to the development of arthritis.
• Joint stress: Overuse of a joint, such as repetitive jumping or running, can contribute to joint wear and tear and the development of arthritis.
• Other medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism, can increase a cat's risk of developing arthritis.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Arthritis in Cats

In order to check whether the cat is suffering from bone or joint problems, the veterinarian will give priority to a physical examination, which is mainly used to observe whether the cat's behavior is abnormal, whether there is a disease in the bones, etc.

• Let the catwalk around to determine if there is lameness.
• Observe whether the cat's gait, posture, or sitting posture is abnormal.
• Sit or stand up for difficulty.
• Touch the cat's joints to see if there is swelling or thickening.
• Observe if the joints make clicking sounds or twisting sounds when the cat moves.
• Touch the cat's joints lightly to see if there is a wailing and painful performance.
• When the cat walks and moves, observe whether there is a decrease in joint mobility

Behavior and palpation can be used to initially determine if the cat has a bone or arthritic condition, however, to further confirm, it is usually necessary to take X-rays to view changes in the cat's bones and joints.

If a cat's x-ray shows the following contrast, it may have osteoarthritis

Joint expansion

Bone growth

Thickening of soft tissue

Narrowing of the joint space

Calcified free-floating bone lesions (called arthrogryposis)

After the X-ray image confirms the disease, then the most important concern of parents is the treatment. After all, cats with arthritis are still accompanied by severe pain, so the first and foremost solution of the veterinary technician is to stop the pain, and will also be used together with some anti-inflammatory drugs.

In addition to pain relief and anti-inflammation, treatment measures are also essential.

Cat Arthritis Treatment

Supplements

• Omega-3 fatty acids may decrease the inflammation in joints.

• These are supplements that can help support joint health, including glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.

Medications

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These drugs can help reduce pain and inflammation in cats with arthritis, such as Naproxen. However, not all cats are good candidates for NSAIDs, as they can have side effects and interactions with other medications. Always consult with a veterinarian before giving any medication to your cat.
• Corticosteroids: These drugs can help reduce inflammation and pain in cats with arthritis, but they can have side effects with long-term use, including increased thirst and appetite, weight gain, and increased risk of infection.

Managing Arthritis in Cats

Lifestyle Changes

Making changes to your cat's lifestyle can also help manage arthritis symptoms. Some tips include:

• Providing soft, supportive bedding: This can help reduce pressure on the joints.
• Providing low-sided litter boxes: These can make it easier for cats with arthritis to climb in and out of the litter box.
• Providing ramps or steps: These can make it easier for cats to get up and down from furniture or other elevated surfaces.
• Providing food and water at ground level: This can reduce the need for cats to jump up to reach their food and water.
• Providing gentle exercise: While too much exercise can exacerbate arthritis symptoms, gentle exercise such as short walks or playtime can help keep joints mobile.

Supportive Care

In addition to medications and lifestyle changes, there are other ways to support cats with arthritis, including:
Keeping your cat at a healthy weight: Excess weight can put more strain on the joints and exacerbate arthritis symptoms.

• Providing heat therapy: Applying a warm compress or heating pad to the affected joints can help reduce pain and stiffness.
• Providing physical therapy: Massage, stretching, and range-of-motion exercises can help keep joints mobile and reduce stiffness.

FAQs

How Long Can a Cat Live with Arthritis?

Cats with mild arthritis can live for several years with appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes. However, cats with more severe arthritis may have a shorter lifespan due to the impact of the condition on their overall health and mobility. It's important to work with a veterinarian to develop a treatment plan that helps manage the arthritis symptoms and maintain the cat's overall health and quality of life.

In general, the lifespan of a cat with arthritis may be shorter than that of a healthy cat, but with proper management and care, many cats with arthritis can live for several years and enjoy a good quality of life.

What Can I Give My Cat for Arthritis Pain?

It's important to always consult with a veterinarian before giving any medication to your cat, including medications for arthritis pain. Some medications that may be prescribed by a veterinarian to help manage arthritis pain in cats include:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These drugs can help reduce pain and inflammation in cats with arthritis. However, not all cats are good candidates for NSAIDs, as they can have side effects and interactions with other medications. NSAIDs should only be given to cats under the guidance of a veterinarian.

Corticosteroids: These drugs can help reduce inflammation and pain in cats with arthritis, but they can have side effects with long-term use, including increased thirst and appetite, weight gain, and increased risk of infection.

Nutraceuticals: These are supplements that can help support joint health, including glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. While these supplements may not directly relieve pain, they can help improve joint function and mobility, which can indirectly reduce pain.

In addition to medications, there are other ways to help manage arthritis pain in cats, including:

Providing soft, supportive bedding: This can help reduce pressure on the joints.

Providing heat therapy: Applying a warm compress or heating pad to the affected joints can help reduce pain and stiffness.

Providing physical therapy: Massage, stretching, and range-of-motion exercises can help keep joints mobile and reduce stiffness.