Did you know an estimated 40% of all cats are living with arthritis?

What Is Arthritis?

There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common is osteoarthritis, essentially the same chronic condition that humans suffer from. Osteoarthritis is mostly associated with older cats; however, it is found in younger cats more commonly than people realise.
It is a progressive disease, meaning it worsens over time, causing pain and decreased mobility.

Healthy joints are covered by cartilage, a rubbery material that creates a cushion between the bones and provides a smooth surface for movement. When osteoarthritis occurs, this cartilage breaks down, causing swelling, stiffness, movement problems, and increasing pain as the bone ends rub together.
Osteoarthritis in cats most commonly affects the hips, elbows, knees and spine. However, it can affect any bone joint.

It can be caused by natural wear and tear of the joints, aging, genetics, past injuries, and obesity, as well as joint abnormalities.

How Do I Spot The Symptoms?

Cats are very good at hiding pain, which means they might not vocalise or look obviously lame. Because our furry friends are four-legged, they are more adept at redistributing their weight to cope with discomfort (unlike us!). As a result, a limp can be harder to spot.
Osteoarthritis is also about more than just joint pain, as pain can have emotional responses that affect mental well-being and quality of life.

There are some signs to look out for:

• Changes in Demanour​​
  • Less social. They may be less engaging and interactive
• Changes in Movement
  • Slowing down. They may become less active overall, moving at a slower pace
  • Difficulty chasing moving objects. They may show disinterest in play, slow down significantly, or take breaks during activities like chasing
• More Hesitation or Difficulty
  • Difficulty climbing up stairs and steps. They might use a ‘bunny-hop’ gait, where both back legs move together. They may also pause or stop for breaks
  • Climbing down stairs and steps. They might angle their body sideways and descend one step at a time. They may also pause or stop for breaks
  • Struggles to jump up. They may hesitate before attempting to jump onto furniture, fail to clear the jump in a single leap, or use their front legs to pull their back legs up
  • Jumping down. They might hesitate before jumping down, opt for several smaller jumps instead of one large one, or reach down towards the ground before descending
• Physical Indicators
  • Lack of Grooming. They may stop grooming themselves as well, resulting in a matted or dirty coat
  • Muscle Loss. Their frame might appear thinner, and their bones may be felt easier due to muscle loss

Complete the online quiz to see if your cat is showing signs of osteoarthritis:

How Is It Treated?

There is no cure for osteoarthritis. With proper management, the effects of osteoarthritis can be substantially reduced, enabling cats to live happier and more active lives. Working in partnership with your vet to devise a complete care program can improve the quality of life for your cat.

The most effective osteoarthritis management often requires a combined approach. Our most common recommendations include:

• Monthly Solensia injections. As a monoclonal antibody, Solensia targets and neutralises a specific protein involved in the pain process, helping to reduce pain and inflammation within the joint. Solensia has been shown to significantly reduce pain and improve the mobility and quality of life of cats.

• Daily 4Cyte supplementation. Made from a natural and well-tolerated plant seed oil called Epiitalis, 4CYTE is a scientifically proven supplement that targets the underlying causes of osteoarthritis to manage pain and improve mobility. By stimulating the growth of chondrocyte cells, 4CYTE helps repair damaged cartilage, reducing joint pain and inflammation and slowing the progression of osteoarthritis.

• Feeding a high-quality super-premium diet formulated for senior cats to meet their changing nutritional needs. Hills and Royal Canin are some examples. Hills Mobility k/d + Mobility is a complete dietetic pet food for the support of adult cats with osteoarthritis. It is enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, along with amino acids and L-carnitine to support muscle mass

• Maintaining a healthy weight significantly reduces pressure on arthritic joints in cats, helping to alleviate pain and slow down further damage. Use a body condition score chart to assess your cat’s weight and consult your vet for guidance on achieving and maintaining a healthy size.

• To manage inflammation and alleviate pain, your veterinarian may prescribe medication. It is important to discuss the various treatment options available with your vet to determine the most appropriate course of action for your pet’s specific needs.

• Keep them comfy and warm. For cats, especially older ones or those with osteoarthritis or joint issues, orthopedic beds made of memory foam or other supportive materials can significantly improve comfort. These beds contour to the pet’s body, distributing weight evenly and reducing pressure points on joints and bones. This can lead to less pain and a night of more restful sleep. Warmth can help to increase blood flow to the joints and muscles, reducing stiffness and discomfort. Find cat beds that are self-warming or use heating pads.

• Modifying your cats home environment with accessible features like ramps, steps, and non-slip rugs and mats can make a significant positive impact on the daily lives of cats with arthritis. Yoga mats are a cheap option.
  Raise food and water bowls for ease of feeding without flexing their neck.

• Pain associated with arthritis can often lead cats to neglect their grooming. Gentle brushing and wiping with a warm, damp cloth can provide assistance. ​​​​​​​Trim long fur from between their toes and foot pads to reduce slipping.
  Additionally, as cats age, they may lose the ability to fully retract their claws. For indoor-only cats, regular nail clipping can prevent their claws from snagging on fabrics like blankets.

This information is general and does not take into account your pet’s individual medical needs. Please consult one of our veterinarians to find a suitable regime.