Cat Arthritis 101: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management

Osteoarthritis (AKA arthritis or degenerative joint disease) is a complex and chronic condition that can impact any joint in the body. While cats can develop arthritis at any age, it’s much more common in older animals. In fact, it likely impacts 70-90% of cats over 12 years old. Learn to recognize the symptoms of cat arthritis so you and your veterinarian can work together to catch it in its earlier stages.

Symptoms of Cat Arthritis

Cats are masters when it comes to hiding pain symptoms! When they lived in the wild, this adaptation kept them safe from larger predators. Now, however, it can make it harder to recognize and diagnose their chronic pain. That’s why it’s important to know what’s “normal” for your cat. Yearly routine wellness exams can help you track your cat’s normal and establish a baseline of good health. 

Other symptoms of cat arthritis to watch for include: 

• Difficulty jumping up or down from furniture and other favorite spots
• Difficulty walking up or down stairs
• Difficulty chasing moving objects, like their favorite toys and treats
• Difficulty stepping in and out of the litter box
• Less time spent grooming 
• Stiffness in the legs, especially after resting or sleeping
• Expressing discomfort when they are being pet

Use this helpful interactive checklist from Zoetis to see if your cat is showing signs of osteoarthritis! 

What Causes Cat Arthritis? 

Osteoarthritis can be caused by a number of factors. Some cats have an increased risk due to genetics or the joint structures they’re born with. Others may develop arthritis after a traumatic injury to the joint. But, in most cases, it’s the result of normal wear and tear throughout your cat’s life. 

In a healthy joint, the surface of the bone is covered with a thin layer of smooth cartilage and lubricated with a small amount of fluid. This allows the joint to move freely and smoothly. With osteoarthritis, that smooth surface degrades, letting the bones rub together. This leads to further breakdown of the cartilage, making joints stiff and limiting their mobility. 

The most commonly affected joints include the elbows, hocks, hips, and stifles. Your cat may have multiple joints that are affected by osteoarthritis, not just one. 

How Is Cat Arthritis Diagnosed?

Diagnosing osteoarthritis starts with you! If you notice changes in your cat’s movement quality, habits, or mood it’s important to get in touch with your veterinary care team. If your vet suspects osteoarthritis, they’ll complete a thorough physical exam. This involves moving different joints to check for stiffness, pain, and limited mobility. 

Your vet may also suggest x-rays to check for changes to your pet’s bones and joint structures. X-rays are the most accurate way for your veterinarian to confirm an arthritis diagnosis. 

Cat Arthritis Treatment & Management

Once your cat develops arthritis, it is a lifelong condition that cannot be cured. Luckily, you have options when it comes to cat arthritis treatment and pain management! 

This year, Zoetis released the first and only FDA-approved treatment for osteoarthritis pain in cats. Solensia is a monthly injection administered at your vet’s office. In a three month clinical study, 77% of cat owners experienced seeing improvement in signs of pain when their cats were treated monthly with Solensia. 

Other helpful interventions for cats with arthritis pain include: 

• Weight management. Extra weight means extra strain on already painful joints. If your kitty is carrying around a few extra pounds, a weight-loss strategy could help reduce chronic pain. You can work with your veterinarian to discuss a diet that will support joint health and help your cat stay lean. 
• Exercise. Osteoarthritis can lead to less active kitties. And in this case, the phrase “use it or lose it” really does hold weight! Regular, moderate activity contributes to joint health. Adding daily exercise to your kitty’s routine, in addition to pain management, can keep them moving better for longer. 
• Medications & supplements. Your veterinarian can recommend medications and supplements based on your cat’s health history and risk factors. This might include the use of NSAIDs, painkillers, injectable joint protectorants, and nutraceuticals such as fish oils. It’s important to only use medications as prescribed by your veterinarian. Never give over-the-counter supplements without discussing them with your veterinarian first! 
• Acupuncture, laser therapy, & massage. Non-invasive therapies can help reduce inflammation, promote relaxation, and decrease pain symptoms for cats with arthritis. In Portland and Beaverton, there are even massage and acupuncture specialists who can visit your home for treatments! Although formal, full-body massage is best performed by a trained professional, your veterinary team may be able to teach you some techniques to help your cat’s pain at home.  
• Environment. Small changes to your kitty’s home environment can help keep them comfortable. If they’re having trouble stepping in and out of the litter box, look into a litter box with lower sides made specifically for senior cats. Extra soft, orthopedic bedding helps support joints for better sleep. Since cold can aggravate joint pain, pet-safe heating pads and heated beds can help during colder months. 
  
  

Making Cat Arthritis More Manageable!

While osteoarthritis is not a curable condition, you can work with your veterinary care team to help your cat move better and experience less pain. It all starts with an appointment to assess your cat’s condition and get them started on a sustainable pain management program. Want to learn more about cat osteoarthritis, Solensia, and other pain management options? Get in touch with our team to schedule an appointment! ​