Arthritis in Cats

Many of you will already be familiar the concept of dogs getting arthritis. We hear about dogs with poor hips, dogs that have difficulty getting up and down or just getting stiff during the colder months. But what about cats? They get arthritis too.

Unlike dogs, the signs of arthritis in cats can be more subtle. As cats, especially older ones, tend not to be overly active, signs like lameness are not always evident.

Instead with cats we might see a reluctance to jump up onto things. They might not jump onto a couch or bed any more or break the jump into two sections. They might over-groom the fur over their lower back where they are experiencing discomfort. Or they might seem a bit grumpy or over-sensitive when you stroke certain areas over their back or pelvis.

Arthritis is a progressive deterioration of the joint cartilage. One or more joints can be affected. There are two types of arthritis in cats. Type one is a result of old age changes. Type two arthritis results are secondary to an unstable joint, such as hip dysplasia, or damage from a previous fracture of ligament injury.

When arthritis is suspected, we may recommend X-rays to confirm a diagnosis. This is important especially in old cats to rule out other possible causes such as spinal disc involvement, trauma or infections.

There are some excellent options for treating the cat with arthritis:

1. Cartilage protective agents – these agents act to lubricate and strengthen the cartilage surface. They help rehabilitate the cartilage and restore health to damaged joints.
2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – these agents work by inhibiting the mediators of pain and inflammation.
3. Acupuncture – cats cope very well with acupuncture. They even seem to enjoy it.
4. Corticosteroids – for the refractory cases, corticosteroids can be employed for its pain relief affects.

The prognosis for cats with arthritis is good. In most instances medical treatment can dramatically improve the function of the affected joints and the patient's quality of life.

If you suspect your cat may have arthritis, please feel free to discuss it with any one of our veterinarians.