Cats & Arthritis
Recognizing the signs of arthritis
- Reluctance to walk, climb stairs, jump or play
- Difficulty performing routine movements including rising from a resting position.
- Limping
- Yelping in pain when touched or resisting touch
- Change in personality
- Audible clicking when walking
Noticed that fluffy is limping or using one side of his/her body more? We bring you the myths and facts concerning arthritis, which strikes among felines and how to make life comfortable for your arthritic pet.
Myth: Arthritis only strikes humans and it’s not a pet disease.
Fact: Our cats are just as susceptible to the disease as we are. Arthritis is a condition in which an animal’s joints become inflamed. It is accompanied by pain, heat and swelling in the joints and it usually results in increasing stiffness and immobility. The symbol of arthritis can be hard to distinguish. Animals can’t complain about their aching joints, so all that cat “parents” see is a response to pain. Many illnesses may mimic the symptoms of arthritis, so it must be properly diagnosed.
Myth: There is no known treatment for arthritis for pets
Fact: There are countless types of treatments available for the treatment of arthritis for cats. In recent years, many new medications have made the treatment of arthritis much more promising. Your vet may prescribe steroids and anti-inflammatory drugs to decrease the swelling in joints and make movement easier. It is important that you not try to medicate your cat’s arthritis on your own, and human anti-inflammatory and supplements can be dangerous for cats as well.
Surgery is also an option for some animals with arthritis, particularly younger cats. Veterinary surgeons can try to reconstruct joints to give them more stability or they may perform an arthroscopy to remove chips of damaged bone. In some large breed, vets will choose to replace the entire hip joint.
Many pet owners and veterinarians are turning to complementary or holistic therapies to reduce arthritis symptoms. Acupuncture is becoming increasingly popular as a treatment for chronic pain, for example. Massage is also gaining support, as it benefits cats both physically and emotionally.
Myth: Arthritis strikes any cat, with no warning and there is no way to prevent it.
Fact: Arthritis can affect cats of any age and breed but certain risk factors increase a cat’s susceptibility to the disease.
Obesity
Studies shown hat obese cats are likely to develop osteoarthritis 3 years earlier on average than lean and healthy ones.
Joint abnormalities
Joint conditions such as Hip dysplasia can increase a cat’s risk of developing osteoarthritis because it puts excessive stress on the animal’s joints.
Joint stress & trauma injuries
Getting hit by a car that damages ligaments, tissues or bones also increase an animal’s risk of developing osteoarthritis. In addition, high-activity cats in demanding activities put repeated stress on their joints. This chronic ligamentous injury makes them more susceptible to osteoarthritis.
Out of all these factors, there is one that helps in reducing the risk of arthritis in cats that you, as the owner can help and control. Obesity in pets is said to be the leading cause of arthritis after genetic predisposition. Keeping your cat’s weight at a healthy level will help prevent the onset arthritis.
Even with treatment, arthritis makes animals less able to deal with physical challenges of their world. A few alterations around the house can help your arthritic pet to move around more easily and confidently.
- Keep litter boxes, food and water dishes at a comfortable height, easily accessible and on a non-slip surface such as rubber mat or piece of carpet. In a multi-level house, keep them on every floor.
- Supply a padded surface to cushion your pet’s joints while he/she sits or sleeps. Use cat beds, beanbags or mattresses. Place padding in a warm, draft-free spot.
- Some pets that are too stiff to use the stairs will try to use them regardless, possibly falling and hurting themselves in the process. Supervise your pet when she is using the stairs and use a baby gate to keep the steps off limits the rest of the time.
- Groom your pet regularly as animals lose flexibility in their joints, they can’t reach around to scratch or groom themselves the way they used to. Cats particularly may develop matted or dirty fur, which is very upsetting to a finicky feline! Regular brushing will help your cat feel comfortable and allow you to spend some quiet, affectionate time with him/her.
Your closest ally in your battle against the disease is your vet. Arthritis may well change your life with your pet but it certainly doesn’t mean that life is over. You may not get your cat jump up after the feather toy but you can replace these lost activities with time being near your cat. Your energetic, playful friendship may eventually be replaced with the joy of a gentle, caring life together.
