Scottish Fold Cat Facts
These delightful cats make for a perfect companion to practically any family.
Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that makes it painful for cats to engage in everyday activities and negatively impacts their quality of life. For instance, arthritis can make it difficult for your cat to jump up to a favorite spot on the couch, climb the stairs to get to a litter box, or even enjoy a good petting in your lap without discomfort.
Like humans, cats have cartilage between the bones in their joints, which helps cushion the impact as they move around. This cartilage can deteriorate as cats get older, causing inflammation and pain.
In addition to aging, there are other influences on arthritis in cats:
Arthritis and joint pain aren’t the only issues linked to obesity, which is a growing problem for cats and dogs. It can also result in heart disease, kidney and liver issues, joint pain, and illnesses like diabetes. It is vital to help your cat maintain a healthy weight through appropriate diet and exercise.
Arthritis in cats can be tough to spot because symptoms are subtle, especially at first when there isn’t too much pain. Our notoriously independent felines also tend to hide or mask their symptoms, which is why it’s good to keep a close eye on their health (see 5 Signs Your Cat is Sick).
If your cat has arthritis, you may start to notice signs of reduced mobility, decreases in everyday activity, and changes in behavior, such as:
These signs of arthritis can be harder to detect in senior cats, who may be sleeping more or playing less, just as a natural part of getting older. They can also indicate health issues other than arthritis, which is why it’s essential to take your cat to the veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis.
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Your veterinarian will examine your cat thoroughly and look for signs of pain, including swelling or sensitivity in the joint areas. Arthritis can occur in the knees or “elbows” of a cat, as well as the hip joints, jawbone, and upper or lower back. The lower back is a common spot for arthritis in cats, often because of painful, boney spurs along the underside of the spine.
In addition to the physical exam, your veterinarian may order blood tests to rule out other health issues or illnesses. For instance, diabetes can also change the way a cat walks. X-rays may also be needed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the problem. If you have pet insurance for your cat, the exam, diagnostic blood tests, and X-rays may be covered.
Wanting what’s best for their feline friend, most concerned cat parents ask the question, “How can I help my cat with arthritis?” Unfortunately, there is no magic pill that can cure arthritis in cats. However, there are ways to help manage arthritis relief for cats and improve their quality of life.
Feline arthritis pain management can often include medications. Your veterinarian may prescribe medication to help manage the pain and inflammation related to arthritis. The most common drugs used for arthritis are anti-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as meloxicam. It’s essential that you clearly understand and follow your veterinarian’s dosage instructions carefully. Also, watch for side effects, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or appetite loss. Contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Never give your cat any medications without first consulting your veterinarian. Cats are very sensitive to them, and many over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and sleep aids are highly toxic to cats and may be fatal. Even medications prescribed for dogs in the family, such as carprofen (Rimadyl), deracoxib (Deramaxx), firocoxib (Previcox), and others, can be toxic to cats, even in small amounts.
A key part of arthritis care for cats is managing their weight. Extra weight puts more pressure on a cat’s joints, which can worsen the pain of arthritis. If your arthritic cat is obese or overweight, your veterinarian will likely recommend a weight loss program, which could include a special diet and an exercise regimen. Depending on the severity of arthritis, your cat may not be able to do too much in the way of exercise, but your veterinarian can give you a safe plan for weight reduction.
If your cat is at a healthy weight, it’s important to maintain it. For instance, avoid the temptation to offer extra treats and always measure out food portions precisely.
Treating cat arthritis doesn’t always have to revolve around medications and procedures. You can be creative with ways to help manage the pain experienced by your arthritic cat, including making changes around the home.
It can also help to brush your cat regularly since arthritis can get in the way of proper grooming.
Supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin may help protect the cartilage and support joint health. Please talk with your veterinarian about any supplements you might be considering for your cat.
Many veterinarians are using alternative therapies for cat arthritis treatments, such as:
These treatments are becoming more popular with cat parents and may be covered by an ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plan. In any case, you can discuss them with your veterinarian, who can help you decide if they might be helpful for your cat.
The information presented in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for the advice of your veterinarian.