Arthritis in Cats - Learning to Spot the Signs

Feline Arthritis Causes Joint Pain and Discomfort for Older Cats

May 6, 2009 Lorie Huston

Feline arthritis is a degenerative joint disease which occurs most often in middle-aged to older cats. Arthritis in cats results in pain which affects the quality of life

Arthritis is common in cats, particularly in senior cats. However, the signs of arthritis in cats are subtle and can be difficult to recognize. Often, cat owners simply think their senior cat is "slowing down" because of age. In fact, these cats may very well be less active because of the joint pain they are experiencing.

What is Feline Arthritis and How does it Affect Cats?

Arthritis is degenerative disease of the joints. Frequently seen in middle aged to older cats, arthritis can cause a great deal of pain. However, often cats do not show overt signs of pain. While it is possible to see an arthritic cat limping, this is not the typical presentation of arthritis in cats. In this, cats differ from their canine counterparts. Cats often attempt to mask the signs of arthritis.

Symptoms associated with arthritis in cats may be:

lower level of activity
sleeping more often
interacting less often with human family members and other pets
reluctance to jump onto surfaces at heights which were once readily accessible
urinating and/or defecating outside of the litter box, particularly if the litter box has high sides which the arthritic cat has difficulty climbing over
reluctance to cover feces or urine in the litter box
lack of appetite
muscle wasting which may result in legs which appear thinner and smaller than previously

How is Feline Arthritis Diagnosed in Cats?

Symptoms seen with arthritis are often mild and subtle. These symptoms may mimic those seen with other feline diseases common in middle-aged and senior cats. It may be necessary for the veterinarian to run various diagnostic tests to determine whether a cat is suffering from feline arthritis.

Radiographs are the most commonly used and often the most useful diagnostic test to determine whether a cat has arthritis. Arthritic changes may be visible radiographically in any joint, but commonly hips and stifles are involved. Spinal arthritis is also possible, as is arthritis within the elbow or shoulder.

Often, routine blood testing, such as a complete blood count, blood chemistry panel and thyroid testing, is necessary in addition to radiography. These blood tests are used to help rule out other diseases. They are also helpful in determining which medications may be safe for the arthritic cat.

Treating Arthritis in Cats

While it is possible to treat an arthritic cat to reduce pain and inflammation within the affected joints, arthritis is not a curable disease.

Medications commonly used to treat arthritis in cats include:

dietary supplements which decrease inflammation. Common examples include glucosamine, chondroitin and omega-3 fatty acids.
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications, such as Metacam. The use of these medications remains controversial in cats. Many veterinarians worry about the safety of NSAIDS in cats. Medications like Metacam may be used for a few days to break the cycle of pain and allow other treatment modalities time to work. Alternatively, Metacam may be administered every few days rather than dosed as a daily medication.
non-NSAID pain relievers, such as tramadol.

Rehabilitation therapies may also be considered as a treatment option for arthritis in cats. Acupuncture and acupressure are gaining popularity as treatment options in feline arthritis as well.

Multi-modal Approach to Treaing Arthritis in Cats

Increasingly, veterinarians and cat owners are finding that a multi-modal approach to relieving pain is the most effective treatment method. Multi-modal therapies incorporate two or more of the treatment options listed above.

The copyright of the article Arthritis in Cats - Learning to Spot the Signs in Pet Care is owned by Lorie Huston. Permission to republish Arthritis in Cats - Learning to Spot the Signs in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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