Feline Arthritis

We are learning that feline arthritis, or degenerative joint disease, is much more common than we thought. Cats especially hide pain very well, so it can be hard to tell if they are uncomfortable.

The first sign of a kitty experiencing arthritis pain is often an inability to or a reluctance to jump up onto that favorite spot on the couch, the bed, etc.

Sometimes it hurts to get into or out of the litter box, so the cat stops using the litter box. Cutting a much lower entrance for these cats can help to solve the elimination problem. But yes, aging cats can definitely develop arthritis.

WHERE DO CATS GET ARTHRITIS?

Much less is known about feline arthritis than is known for dogs. It seems though that the lower back is a common place for them to become painful. Hips and knees can also become arthritic and painful.

HOW CAN WE TREAT IT?

Fewer too are the options available to help cats with arthritis pain, as compared to dogs. We need to be quite careful using drugs in kitties, as they process medications differently. It’s frightfully easy to do harm with prescription medications, including anti-inflammatories.

Any prescription medication you are giving your cat should be given as directed only, and always monitor your cat for any signs of problems (like a decreased appetite,vomiting, diarrhea, etc.) while they are receiving medications. If your cat is showing any of these signs while on any medication, call your vet.

That said, if the arthritic cat can handle anti-inflammatories, they help tremendously.

There are also joint supplements available for cats, and these seem to help as well. The difficulty with these is in getting the cat to eat them. You may have to try several different flavors or formulations, to find the one that your cat will accept.

Acupuncture would likely be a good adjunctive treatment for arthritis pain in cats, but few will tolerate the treatments the way that dogs will. If you have a very mellow and tolerant cat, then they may do well with acupuncture.

Stem cell treatment has been shown to be effective for dogs, but no studies have yet been done for feline arthritis. Hopefully this is being done soon.

Modification of the home environment can greatly increase the quality of life for the arthritic cat.

* Either short steps or a ramp to their favorite nap spot or sunny bird watching perches are greatly appreciated.

* As mentioned before, litter box modification can help with keeping them using their litter box, rather than your carpets.

* Simply lifting them up or down when it looks like that is what they are thinking of doing can help decrease stress on old joints.

* Supplying them with a warm place to nap can help soothe arthritic joints. Be cautious with this however – for instance, heating pads, even on low, can easily burn a sleeping cat, and are a fire hazard if left unattended.

ARTHRITIS HURTS....

As with dogs, and perhaps even more so, cats do not vocalize or otherwise complain if they are experiencing chronic pain. They tell you they hurt by their actions, like reluctance to jump up, or to go up stairs, refusing to use the litter box, less activity in general, and sometimes crying out or trying to bite if petted over the painful area. All of these can be signs of chronic pain in a cat.

Talk with your veterinarian about options for your cat if you believe they are painful. Listen to your friend, and help in whatever way you can!

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The information presented here is not meant to replace the advice of your own veterinarian! A valid veterinary-client-patient relationship (created when you take your pet to see your vet) is essential to providing excellent individual pet care. If your pet is ill, call or go to your vet or an emergency veterinary hospital!

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Last updated 11/27/11.