Part of being a cat owner includes dealing with various health conditions, particularly as they age. One common condition in senior pets is arthritis, which is often regarded as just a sign that a cat is naturally starting to slow down.
Technically, arthritis can affect a cat at any age, but it is most commonly seen in cats ages 6 years or older.
Let’s take a deeper look at arthritis, how it affects cats, and how you can help your cat get through it and improve their quality of life.
What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is typically associated with the elderly, both in humans and animals. It’s also known as degenerative joint disease and occurs when cartilage on the joints starts to wear away.
Cartilage is the connective tissue found between the bones and acts as a cushion to prevent the ends of the bones from rubbing against each other. When the cartilage wears away and the bones do start to grind against each other, it can cause extreme pain.
It can also lead to further damage to the cartilage and can cause new bone to form around the joint. This condition, known as osteoarthritis, causes stiffness and limits movement.
In cats, arthritis most commonly affects the elbows, knees, ankles, hips, and spine. Unfortunately, there is no cure, but there are treatments and medications that can help.
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How Old Are Cats When They Develop Arthritis?
It is a common disease that affects cats, and a 2011 study found 61% of cats over the age of 6 had osteoarthritis in at least one joint,1 and 48% had it in more than one joint.
The study also discovered that the older the cat gets, the higher the chances of developing arthritis. But younger cats also have the potential to develop arthritis, particularly after an injury to the joint. Causes of arthritis that are not a result of aging include:
Physical trauma (such as getting hit by a car or a fall)
What Are the Signs of Arthritis in Cats?
When a cat is injured or sick, they don’t typically show signs of illness or pain. When you do start to see something wrong with your cat, it’s because the illness or injury has progressed beyond the cat’s ability to hide it.
Before you realize that your cat has something like arthritis, you might notice that they are slowing down and not running and jumping as much as they used to.
Signs of arthritis can include:
Limping
Wasting away of the muscles
Having swollen joints
Walking stiffly and limping
Reacting when touched on certain parts of the body
Having difficulty jumping up and down from furniture
Having an unkempt appearance due to a lack of grooming
Sitting or sleeping in unusual positions
Going outside of the litter box
Being more irritable than usual
Most of these clinical signs don’t occur suddenly, but rather quite gradually, so they may be challenging to notice. This is why taking your cat to your vet for annual wellness checks is essential, particularly as they age.
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What Are the Causes of Arthritis?
It’s not just one thing that can lead to osteoarthritis, but several factors.
Obesity
Body structure
Improper joint development (elbow or hip dysplasia)
Orthopedic surgery
Injury history
Genetics (with some breeds being more prone, like the Scottish Fold)
Natural wear and tear
Checklist for Arthritis in Cats
Since it can be difficult to tell when a cat has arthritis, a checklist can help you determine if you should bring your cat to the vet sooner rather than later.
Occasionally going through a simple checklist as your cat gets older might help you catch arthritis in its early stages. These six questions are simple versions of the kinds of questions that a vet will ask:
Does your cat jump down normally?
Does your cat jump up normally?
Does your cat climb down steps or stairs normally?
Does your cat climb up steps or stairs normally?
Does your cat chase moving things like prey or toys?
Does your cat run normally?
There’s another checklist online with more questions that you can print out and bring to your vet. You can also take videos of your cat with your phone while they’re running up the stairs, jumping, and playing, which you can show your vet.
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How Does the Vet Diagnose Arthritis?
The vet will start by reviewing your cat’s medical history and finish up with a physical exam. They will look for:
Pain in the joints
Noticeable joint deformity
Decreased range of motion
Fluid in the joints
Grating or clicking noise when the joints move
Joint instability
The veterinarian will also take X-rays of your cat’s bones to confirm a diagnosis and discuss treatment options.
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How Do You Treat Arthritis?
Weight Loss – If your cat has any weight issues, work with your vet to help your cat attain an appropriate weight. This will include a special diet and perhaps more playtime with your cat.
Pain Control – The pain can be helped with medication to reduce swelling in the joints. Anti-inflammatories are often used for arthritis. Other possibilities to consider include massage, laser, or physical therapy, as well as acupuncture and supplements that contain omega-3 fatty acids, chondroitin, and glucosamine. Hot and cold therapy can also help with arthritis pain.
Surgery – Surgery might be necessary if the arthritis is extreme. This kind of surgery doesn’t ensure that the arthritis won’t return, but it might offer your cat a better quality of life. Surgery options include joint replacement, joint fusions, or removal of abnormal bony tissue that develops in joints.
What Should You Do for Your Cat at Home?
Beyond keeping your cat at a healthy weight and administering medication and supplements, you can make adjustments in the house so things are easier for your cat.
Litter Box – Cats might stop using the litter box if they find it painful to get in and out, so invest in a box with one lower side.
Ramps – If your cat likes to snuggle on your couch or bed, but your cat can no longer jump high enough, invest in steps or ramps. These will make it much easier for your cat to get up and down and prevent them from accidentally injuring themselves by jumping and missing.
Appropriate Cat Bed – You can find specialty beds for cats with arthritis that are orthopedic and can make sleeping more comfortable. A heated bed or pad for cats is also a good idea because heat can help with the pain. Just be careful with the heat level, and don’t ever use a human heating pad; cats have sensitive skin and are more likely to burn.
Same Floor – If you live in a home with multiple levels, keep everything that your cat needs on one floor: their litter box, food, water, toys, etc.
Non-slip Mats and Rugs – If you have tiled or laminated floors that tend to be slippery, the flooring might cause your cat to slip and fall. Invest in non-slip mats and rugs so your cat doesn’t injure themselves.
Elevated Bowls – Elevated food and water bowls can make eating and drinking easier for your cat because they don’t have to bend down. Also, consider picking up a cat fountain, as it will encourage your cat to drink more water. Most are tall enough that your cat can drink sitting or standing.
Conclusion
Observing your cat over the years will enable you to become familiar with their body language and moods. This means you’ll likely be the first to notice anything out of the ordinary and likely pick up when something is wrong. Even if it seems insignificant, take your cat to see the vet.
Also, be proactive, and keep your cat at a healthy weight and visit your vet every year. Speak to them about any of your concerns. They can help you develop a healthy diet and exercise plan to keep your cat healthy, which can go a long way toward preventing arthritis, at least for a while.
Kathryn was a librarian in a previous lifetime and is currently a writer about all things pets. When she was a child, she hoped to work in zoos or with wildlife in some way, thanks to her all-consuming love for animals. Unfortunately, she’s not strong in the sciences, so she fills her days with researching and writing about all kinds of animals and spends time playing with her adorable but terribly naughty tabby cat, Bella. Kathryn is hoping to add to her family in the near future – maybe another cat and a dog.
