Arthritis is a condition that leads to pain and progressive degeneration of the joint. It affects many aspects of a cat’s life including limiting mobility, causing sore joints and ultimately a poor quality of life. Signs can often be subtle and you may never notice lameness in your cat. It is important to look out for other signs like a change in behaviour.

This may include defecating outside the litter box, hesitating when jumping and/or difficulty grooming. Cats in discomfort may also elect to sleep in areas of the house that do not require stairs to minimize movement.

Arthritis is common in cats of all sizes, ages and breeds so it is important to monitor your cats’ behaviour from a young age.
Did you know that ~40% of all cats have clinical signs of osteoarthritis (OA)

Cats don’t have to suffer from the pain of arthritis

Could your cat have arthritis?

Any cat can develop arthritis. Knowing the signs will help you determine when your cat may need veterinary attention. This checklist will help identify your cat’s activities and behaviours that might be signs of arthritis, which can be painful.

Access the check list quiz below. There you can check all of the signs that you’ve observed in your dog.

If you noticed any of these behaviours in your cat, it’s possible your cat is suffering from arthritis pain.

The sooner your cat is examined and diagnosed, the sooner your cat can be treated and return to a more comfortable life.

Speak with a veterinarian today Call 6455 7800 or book online here

Many cats are suffering in silence…

…and while we can’t completely stop the disease, we can manage the pain and give cats a good quality of life.

• Treating pain can help maintain muscle, reduce weight, and improve quality of life—for all cats with arthritis
• Recognising and treating pain can help restore the important bond between you and your cat

Although the disease cannot be cured, your veterinary surgeon can recommend treatments and a long term plan to ensure your cat lives a comfortable life.

Get your cat back where they belong
Start with managing their pain

Pain management is the key starting point to successfully managing arthritis pain. All other supportive care such as joint supplements can be added once pain is successfully managed.

Goals for treating feline arthritis include:

• Alleviating pain
• Maintaining mobility
• Improving quality of life

Starting an arthritis management plan? Check out our resources here…
Management Plan

References:

1. Johnston SA. Osteoarthritis: joint anatomy, physiology and pathobiology. Vet Clin N Am Small Anim Pract. 1997; 27:699-723.
2. Enomoto M, Lascelles BDX, Gruen ME. Development of a checklist for the detection of degenerative joint disease-associated pain in cats. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. 2020; 22 (12):1137-1147. 3 Benito J, Gruen ME, Thomson A, et al. Owner-assessed indices of quality of life in cats and the relationship to the presence of degenerative joint disease. J Feline Med Surg. 2012;14:863-870.
3. Gruen ME, et al. A feline-specific anti-nerve growth factor antibody improves mobility in cats with degenerative joint disease-associated pain: a pilot proof of concept study. J Vet Intern Med. 2016;30(4):1138-1148.

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