Does your senior cat hesitate before jumping to their once favored high resting spot? They may have arthritis, which is a common condition in cats, but their stoic nature often prevents prompt diagnosis and treatment. Our Southern Crossing Animal Hospital team wants to ensure your cat’s joint pain is detected, so we explain all you need to know about feline arthritis.

Feline arthritis is painful

Cartilage is a flexible, protective tissue inside the joint that helps the structure move smoothly and without pain. Arthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is progressive joint cartilage deterioration that causes inflammation, pain, and decreased joint mobility. The condition can affect any cat, but factors that increase risk include:

  • Age — Older cats are at higher arthritis risk because they have increased joint wear and tear.
  • Excess weight — Overweight and obese cats’ joints have to carry excess weight, predisposing them to feline arthritis.
  • Joint instability — Joint developmental problems, such as hip dysplasia and luxating patellas, can lead to joint instability and arthritis.
  • Joint infections or trauma — Joint injuries or infections increase a cat’s arthritis risk.
  • Genetics — Certain cat breeds, such as Scottish folds, Maine coons, Persians, and Siamese, are at increased arthritis risk.

Feline arthritis is common

Cats are excellent at hiding vulnerabilities, because they retain their ancestors’ instincts to avoid a predator’s attention. This stoicism makes detecting feline arthritis difficult, and the condition is significantly underdiagnosed. Studies show that nearly 40% of cats have DJD clinical signs, and 90% of cats older than 12 show DJD X-ray evidence. 

Feline arthritis can be hard to detect

As mentioned, arthritic cats often don’t exhibit overt signs, such as limping, that indicate joint pain. Your feline friend with arthritis may show signs that include:

  • Spending more time hiding or sleeping
  • Hesitating when jumping on or off elevated surfaces
  • Resting in a more accessible location (e.g., the couch as opposed to the top of the refrigerator)
  • Eliminating outside the litter box, because navigating the high litter box sides is difficult
  • Decreased interest in play or interaction with people or other pets
  • Less grooming and looking unkempt
  • Uncharacteristic irritability or aggression

Feline arthritis can be diagnosed

Cats aren’t the most cooperative patients. In the veterinary examination room, they tend to hide in their carrier or refuse to move around normally, which can make evaluating their movements difficult. Methods that help our team diagnose feline arthritis include:

  • Videos — If you are concerned about your cat’s movement, a video can help our team assess their gait without needing to entice them to move around the examination room.
  • Physical examination — A thorough physical examination may reveal pain, swelling, or decreased range of motion in your cat’s joint.
  • X-rays — X-rays can help determine the joint damage extent.
  • Blood work — Blood work is typically necessary to rule out other potential causes and to ensure we implement a safe and appropriate treatment regimen.

Feline arthritis can be managed

While feline arthritis can’t be cured, management strategies can significantly improve your cat’s quality of life. A multimodal approach is typically most effective and may include:

  • Weight management — Maintaining a healthy weight is important to reduce strain on inflamed joints and, if necessary, our team will devise a safe weight loss program to help your feline friend lose a few pounds.
  • Medications — Some cats benefit from pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications.
  • Monoclonal antibody treatment — A once-monthly injection can help control your cat’s DJD pain.
  • Nutritional supplements — Our team may recommend joint supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, to help alleviate joint inflammation and pain.
  • Exercise — Daily physical exercise improves joint mobility and muscle strength.
  • Environmental modification — You can help your arthritic cat with home adjustments, such as:
    • Providing orthopedic, supportive bedding in easily accessible locations
    • Placing ramps or stairs near your cat’s favorite elevated resting area
    • Elevating your cat’s water and food bowls
    • Providing low-sided litter boxes
    • Grooming your cat regularly to help them stay clean and maintain a healthy coat

If your feline friend isn’t as active as they once were, contact our Southern Crossing Animal Hospital team, so we can determine if arthritis is contributing to the problem.