Arthritis – here’s what you need to know about your ageing cat’s joints
Cats are very adaptable and it’s not always easy to spot pain, discomfort or restriction in their movements. This means it can be hard for cat owners to detect the early stages of arthritis.
Cats are agile creatures that make full use of their supple joints in a lifetime. Pets are also living longer thanks to medicine. So it’s no surprise that up to 74% of cats over 12 years of age develop joint problems and arthritis.
It’s a good idea to start observing your cat’s movements from their middle years (about 7 years old). Be on the lookout for any subtle changes in the way they behave, get around, and handle their environment.
Observe them more closely from 7 years of age
Up to 70% of middle-aged cats will show small changes in their joints on a scan. This doesn’t necessarily mean they will show visible signs of joint wear and arthritis.
Some early signs can be very subtle so take the time to closely observe your ageing cat on a regular basis.
Progressive joint change starts to happen as your cat passes middle age.
Symptoms of arthritis to watch out for
Less active (less zoomies and sudden spurts of energy up the hallway)
Not as interactive and playful
Changes in the way they jump off furniture (hesitating first or taking an easier way down)
Using their feet to support themselves as they jump down
Using paws to help pull themselves up onto furniture
Going up stairs one at a time
Bunny hopping downstairs two feet at a time
Pausing between each stair
Using a more upright position in the litter tray (avoiding crouching)
Vocalisation when you pick them up or pat them in certain spots
A new level of moodiness.
Seeking treatment
As soon as you see a few of the above symptoms regularly, take your cat to the vet for assessment.
Don’t assume that sluggish behaviour and slower movements are typical and acceptable in an older cat. There’s a great deal you and your vet can do to make your cat more comfortable, feel less pain, and slow down joint degeneration.
With the right treatment, some older cats can unexpectedly spring back to life!
Management of arthritis
Your vet can help with pain management and slowing down the process of joint damage.
It can be tricky for the vet to understand your cat’s movements away from their own environment, so they will work with you to identify behavioural changes. The vet will look for signs of pain when your cat flexes and extends their joints and spine. X-rays are sometimes warranted but will depend on your cat’s circumstances.
Feline arthritis can strike any joint, but in particular the hips, pelvis, elbows, shoulders, spine and base of the tail have the most problems.
Treatment options
There are many options for managing pain and slowing the progression of disease. The vet will work with you to individualise a treatment plan.
Cats can be notoriously difficult to medicate so finding the right treatment to suit your cat is imperative.
Solensia injections, only recently available in Australia, are administered monthly. It’s a very safe and well-tolerated drug that can be a great option for cats that resist daily oral medication. This is now the treatment of choice for most cats.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) are safe for many cats, but particular care must be taken in cats with kidney disease. They are given orally every day with food.
Blood and urine tests are recommended prior to starting cats on long-term treatment with NSAIDS.
Talk to your vet for a complete rundown on all of the options for care of your cat. Some cats may be prescribed more than one type of treatment to manage their disease effectively.
Can diet help support better joints?
There are no specific recommendations but it’s important to feed your cat a well-balanced diet free of highly processed foods. Talk to your vet about the best diet for a senior cat.
Cats should be in lean body condition in order to live an optimal life. A healthy weight will benefit their joints for a lifetime.
Supplements that contain glucosamine or omega fatty acids may help keep your cat’s bones and joints healthy, but research hasn’t found absolute proof of this.
There is new research supporting the use of cannabidiol (CBD) oil in cats for management of inflammation and chronic pain.
How can I make my house more accessible for my arthritic cat?
Make sure they have a comfy place to sleep that’s easy to get in and out of.
If you have stairs and your cat lives on both levels of the house, provide all of their resources on both levels (litter tray, food, water, scratching post, etc).
Make it easy for them to get up on the couch or their favourite higher spot (a little set of stairs or a ramp).
Ensure the litter trays have low sides and are wide enough to cope with a cat than can’t squat well.
How can I minimise the likelihood of severe arthritis when my cat gets old?
Feed them a healthy diet free of highly processed food.
Follow feeding guidelines and keep your cat a healthy weight for their lifespan.
Make sure they get plenty of daily movement and play, especially if they are an indoor cat.
Don’t encourage them to jump from crazy heights or push their body too hard, even when they are younger.
Observe your cat intermittently from 7 years of age for subtle signs of joint degeneration and get onto it early before arthritis progresses.