Arthritis in Cats

Like many diseases, detecting arthritis in your cat can be very difficult. Cats gradually slow down as they age and over the course of time, little behavioral changes might go unnoticed by owners. Limping or stiffness in gait, slow rising after resting, reluctance to jump, and personality changes can all be signs of joint pain.

Arthritis is a disease of the skeletal joints. In a healthy joint, cartilage between joints forms a cushion for the movement of bones. As this cartilage wears away, cats can suffer from joint inflammation, pain, swelling and stiffness. Over time, this wear and tear on the joints can cause incredible discomfort. Pain might be intermittent or constant—it’s so hard to tell with a cat.

Cats often suffer from osteoarthritis which a degenerative condition of the cartilage on the end of the bones. Rheumatoid arthritis, which is rare in cats, is an autoimmune disease that causes the animal’s body to attack its own joints. Some cats develop arthritis as a result of traumatic injuries while others simply develop the disease as they age. Recognizing the signs and focusing your attention on providing some comfort to your cat can greatly increase his quality of life.

Treatment options

At the first sign of stiffness in your cat’s gait, take your cat to the veterinarian. Do not attempt to medicate your cat on your own with over-the-counter human pain medications. Your vet can prescribe anti-inflammatory or steroid medications to help reduce joint swelling. Some vets will recommend using joint remedies such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin. Others might recommend increasing Vitamin C intake. Massage or acupuncture are also options that you should discuss with your cat’s vet.

You vet can also develop a pain management plan for your cat. Excess weight adds to the burden placed on your cat’s arthritic joints. A healthy, balanced diet including weight management is key to easing joint pain. Your kitty’s aching joints need some pampering but exercise is important too. Mild, regular activity will benefit your cat by loosening up those stiff joints.

Little comforts go a long way

Cats have a knack for seeking out that warm sunny spot for sleeping. But now, that spot may be just too hard to reach. Consider purchasing a warming cat bed. Many models only warm up when your cat’s weight presses on the bedding and shut off when your cat leaves. Heat works wonders for old bones. Consider taking a favorite blanket and making your cat a nice snuggle spot on the floor instead of on the sofa. Or fill a hot water bottle and place it under your cat’s bedding. The warmth will soothe those sore and aching joints.

Steps are a nightmare for arthritic cats. Why not help kitty by carrying him up and down the steps? It saves him the pain and you the worry of a possible fall. Try lifting your cat up onto the sofa before he tries to pull himself up. Before you know it, he’ll wait to be lifted when he approaches the sofa.

Day to day care

Little things go a long way towards easing day to day life for your cat. Since arthritis makes movement so painful, consider buying a low-sided litter box for easier access. Place the litter box and food and water bowls in easy-to-reach areas on non-slip surfaces. If you’ve got hardwood steps, purchase step treads to prevent your cat from taking a spill.

Padded ramps or steps are available for elderly pets to ease climbing onto beds or sofas. Playtime should be very moderate and limited in time. It’s important not to over-exercise the cat, as that will cause even more joint pain. Make sure family members handle the cat gently at all times.

And finally, your dear old companion might have some trouble grooming due to the sore joints and bones. Why don’t you give him a little help with a soft bristle grooming brush a few times a week? A little love and attention can go a very long way to increasing the quality of your cat’s life.