Does My Cat Have Arthritis?
What is Feline Arthritis?
Feline arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease (DJD), is a condition characterised by inflammation and degeneration of one or more joints. This condition can lead to pain and discomfort, interfering with your cat's daily activities and quality of life.
What are the Signs of Feline Arthritis?
Cat, the master’s of hiding their pain, may not show outward signs of their arthritis and it is therefore usually only noticed when it becomes severe. Your cat may exhibit various signs, although they may not consistently show all symptoms.
Common signs include
Difficulty getting up and down
Stiffness while walking
Lameness in one or more legs
Reluctance to climb stairs or jump
Decreased interest in play
Swollen or sore joints
Behavioral changes such as aggression or hiding
House soiling
Decline in coat condition due to limited self-grooming abilities.
One study showed that 90% of cats older than 12 years of age have radiographic signs of osteoarthritis in 1 or more joints. Most of these cats did not have clinical signs recognised by owners or veterinarians.
Can I Tell if My Cat Has Arthritis?
Detecting arthritis in cats can be challenging since they often mask their discomfort. However, if you observe any of the signs mentioned above, it's crucial to consult with your veterinarian for a thorough examination and proper diagnosis. Your vet may perform palpation and imaging tests such as X-rays to confirm the presence of arthritis and assess its severity.
What are Ways to Prevent Arthritis for My Cat?
While arthritis cannot always be prevented, certain measures can help reduce the risk or delay its onset. Providing a balanced diet to maintain optimal body condition and weight is essential, as excess weight is highly correlated with arthritis in cats. Additionally, ensuring your cat's environment is safe and conducive to healthy joint development can help minimize the risk of injury that may lead to arthritis later in life. Regular exercise and proper nutrition throughout your cat's life stages also play a significant role in preventing arthritis.
Is There Treatment for Feline Arthritis?
Although there's no cure for feline arthritis, various treatment options can help manage the condition and alleviate your cat's discomfort. Treatment typically involves a multimodal approach, including:
Nutrition: Your veterinarian may prescribe a specific diet to support joint health and help normalize body weight.
Pain Medication: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Other medications such as gabapentin may also be prescribed to address chronic pain.
Nutraceuticals: Supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids may have beneficial effects on joint health. Always consult with your vet before introducing any supplements.
Physical Therapy: Techniques such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, and physical rehabilitation can provide pain relief and improve mobility in cats with arthritis.
Surgery: In severe cases, surgical procedures such as Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) or joint arthrodesis may be considered to alleviate pain and improve joint function.
Emerging therapies offer promising alternatives for managing feline arthritis and improving the quality of life for affected cats.
One such innovation involves the use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the pain pathway of nerve growth factor (NGF). Frunevetmab (Solensia) is an anti-NGF mAb, shown to enhance comfort in cats with osteoarthritis by blocking the pain pathway.
Another emerging therapy involves injections of polysulfated glycosaminoglycans (PSGAGs), aimed at reducing the activity of catabolic enzymes in arthritic joints. While no PSGAG product is currently approved for cats, off-label use of approved products for dogs is common and has shown efficacy in improving joint health.
These emerging therapies offer exciting possibilities for enhancing pain management and slowing the progression of arthritis in cats. Stay informed about these advancements and consult with your veterinarian to explore the most suitable treatment approach for your arthritic cat's needs.
How Can I Modify My Home for My Cat with Arthritis?
Making simple modifications to your home can significantly improve your arthritic cat's comfort and mobility. Provide soft, padded bedding for resting, raise food and water dishes to elbow height to reduce strain on joints, use non-skid floor surfaces to prevent slipping, and consider installing ramps or steps for accessing higher surfaces. Adhering to prescribed feeding and medication recommendations is also crucial for managing your cat's arthritis effectively.
Feline arthritis is a common condition that can affect cats, impacting their mobility and quality of life. By understanding the signs, seeking timely veterinary care, implementing preventive measures, exploring treatment options, and making necessary home modifications, you can help ensure your beloved feline companion lives comfortably and happily despite arthritis.
If you suspect your cat may be suffering from arthritis or if you need guidance on managing your cat's arthritis effectively, don't hesitate to book a consultation with one of our veterinarians.