Symptoms & Treatments for Feline Arthritis: What You Ne

It's not common for us to take our cats out for walks as we do with our dogs, as we've grown accustomed to their lounging naps at home. This often means that, traditionally, we as owners and veterinarians may overlook certain diseases. Some estimates suggest that up to 90% of senior cats suffer from some degree of arthritis.

What causes feline arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a condition that leads to the wearing down of the cartilage that cushions the joints. This means that with each movement, the bones essentially rub against each other, causing pain and difficulty in movement.

Just like humans, there are several factors that can contribute to this disease:

● Genetics Some animals are more prone to arthritis due to inherited "weaknesses" from their parents.

● Damaged Joints (Such as after a road traffic accident or dislocation) can increase the likelihood of these joints developing arthritis changes later in life.

● Obesity While it doesn't cause arthritis, it can add stress to the joints and worsen symptoms.

What are the symptoms of feline arthritis?

The most common symptom of arthritis is joint pain, unfortunately, it's often hard to detect in cats because they are very good at masking their pain.

Look out for these daily behaviors to identify if your cat might have arthritis:

● Decreased Mobility Your cat may no longer jump onto tables with ease. They may limp when moving.

● Reduced Grooming Pain from joint friction can make it difficult for cats to reach certain areas, leading to dull or flaky fur in hardtoreach spots.

● Behavioral Changes They may become less interactive when you pet them or play with other animals.

● Less Activity They may not venture outside as often and may no longer bring "gifts" home (which could also be a sign they're not interested in hunting).

If you notice any or all of these symptoms, it's important to take your cat to the vet promptly.

Can feline arthritis be treated?

The goal of any arthritis treatment is to try to reduce the symptoms of the disease and to attempt to slow down the progression of arthritis over time. There is no onesizefitsall treatment, and managing this disease usually involves a combination of approaches.

● Special Diet There are special prescription diets that contain products specifically designed to support joint cartilage as much as possible. It may take several months for your pet to benefit, but they are often very successful longterm management tools.

● Weight Management Obesity can exacerbate the disease and its symptoms, so losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to minimizing the impact of the disease.

● Medication Drug therapy, such as antiinflammatories and painkillers, is usually the most effective. They can provide direct relief to the animal and help control the disease while some longterm changes take effect.

Ultimately, as time goes on, the disease will continue to worsen, but all of these treatment methods can help slow the progression of the disease and alleviate the severity of symptoms. Generally, the earlier the disease is detected, the more successful the treatment will be.