Cat Arthritis: Understanding and Managing Joint Pain in Felines

Arthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD) or osteoarthritis (OA), is a prevalent and often painful condition affecting cats, particularly as they age. Much like in humans, Cat Arthritis involves the gradual breakdown of joints, leading to discomfort and reduced mobility. It’s estimated that a significant majority, between 70% and 90%, of cats over the age of 12 years suffer from some degree of arthritis. Understanding cat arthritis is crucial for pet owners to ensure their feline companions live comfortable and active lives for as long as possible.

Arthritis in cats is typically a slow and progressive disease, developing over years. The process involves significant changes within the affected joints. Healthy joints rely on cartilage, a smooth, resilient tissue that lines the ends of bones, acting as a cushion and allowing for near-frictionless movement. In cats with arthritis, this cartilage deteriorates. As the cartilage breaks down, the protective cushioning is lost, and the underlying bones begin to rub directly against each other. This abnormal bone-on-bone contact can lead to splintering and the formation of osteophytes – sharp, bony spurs that protrude into the joint space. These changes are accompanied by swelling, inflammation, and ultimately, pain within the joint.

While arthritis can technically develop in any joint, it most commonly affects joints that bear weight and experience regular movement. The spine, hips, knees (stifles), and elbows are among the most frequently affected areas in cats. Because cat arthritis is a progressive condition, the joint damage and associated pain tend to worsen over time. Consequently, cats suffering from arthritis may exhibit a noticeable decrease in their mobility and may develop lameness, although this is not always readily apparent in cats.

It’s important to note that cat arthritis is not specific to any particular breed or sex; it can affect all types of cats. While it is often considered a disease associated with aging, the underlying process can begin much earlier in a cat’s life.

Recognizing the Subtle Signs: Symptoms of Cat Arthritis

One of the biggest challenges in diagnosing cat arthritis is that cats are masters at concealing pain. This stoic nature, while beneficial in the wild, can make it difficult for cat owners to recognize when their feline friend is suffering. Unlike dogs, cats rarely display obvious signs of pain like whimpering or yelping. Instead, the symptoms of cat arthritis are often subtle and easily attributed to normal aging or simply “slowing down.” Therefore, keen observation and understanding of these subtle changes are crucial for early detection and management of cat arthritis.

Instead of overt lameness, cat arthritis often manifests as changes in behavior and activity levels. A key symptom to watch for is a decrease in activity. Cats with arthritis may become less inclined to jump onto high surfaces, such as countertops or windowsills, or may hesitate before jumping down. Activities they once enjoyed, like playing or chasing toys, may become less frequent or less enthusiastic. You might notice your cat seems to have less energy overall and sleeps more.

Changes in grooming habits are another significant indicator of potential cat arthritis. Grooming can become painful for arthritic cats, particularly if they need to twist or extend their bodies to reach certain areas. As a result, cats with arthritis may groom themselves less frequently or less thoroughly, leading to a matted or unkempt appearance, especially along their back, hips, or tail base.

Posture and resting positions can also change in cats with arthritis. They may adopt unusual sleeping positions to avoid putting pressure on painful joints. Some owners notice their cat no longer curls up tightly when sleeping or sits in a hunched position.

Litter box issues can sometimes be linked to cat arthritis. If getting in and out of the litter box becomes painful, a cat may start eliminating outside the box. This is not a behavioral problem but rather a pain-avoidance behavior. They may associate the litter box itself with the pain and choose to relieve themselves in easier-to-access locations.

It is crucial to remember that these changes typically develop gradually over time, not overnight. This slow progression can make it even harder to notice these symptoms as they become part of the “new normal” for your cat. Paying close attention to these subtle shifts in your cat’s behavior and physical abilities is the first step in identifying potential cat arthritis and seeking veterinary care.

Unraveling the Causes of Cat Arthritis

Cat arthritis can arise from various underlying factors, and understanding these causes is important for both prevention and management. Broadly, cat arthritis can be categorized into primary and secondary forms.

Primary arthritis, also known as idiopathic arthritis, is arthritis that develops without a clearly identifiable underlying cause. This type is strongly associated with aging and is thought to have a genetic component in some cats. Essentially, primary arthritis is considered a wear-and-tear process on the joints that occurs over time.

Secondary arthritis, on the other hand, develops as a consequence of a pre-existing condition or injury to the joint. Numerous factors can contribute to secondary cat arthritis:

  • Joint Injuries: Trauma to a joint, such as ligament injuries (like a cranial cruciate ligament – CCL – tear, analogous to an ACL tear in humans), fractures, or dislocations, can damage the joint structure and accelerate the development of arthritis. Even seemingly minor injuries can initiate a cascade of events leading to cartilage breakdown.
  • Developmental Joint Problems: Conditions like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, where the joints don’t develop properly, create instability and abnormal wear, predisposing cats to early-onset arthritis.
  • Metabolic Diseases: Certain metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, can indirectly contribute to arthritis by affecting cartilage health and joint function.
  • Infections: Infections within a joint can cause direct damage to the cartilage and joint tissues, leading to septic arthritis and increasing the risk of long-term degenerative changes.
  • Immune-Mediated Diseases: Conditions like immune-mediated non-erosive polyarthritis, where the body’s immune system attacks the joints, can cause significant inflammation and joint damage, ultimately leading to arthritis.
  • Tick-Borne Diseases: While less common in cats than in dogs, tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease can, in some cases, contribute to joint inflammation and arthritis.
  • Congenital Defects: Cats born with certain congenital joint abnormalities may be more prone to developing arthritis later in life.

Regardless of the initial cause, the progression of arthritis in cats is often driven by the joint’s inherent response to injury or damage. When a joint is injured, the cartilage within it releases enzymes and inflammatory mediators. While these substances are initially part of the healing process, in chronic conditions like arthritis, they can become destructive, further breaking down cartilage and collagen, and perpetuating a cycle of inflammation and joint damage. This self-perpetuating cycle makes arthritis a progressive disease that requires ongoing management.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Cat Arthritis

Diagnosing cat arthritis requires a comprehensive approach, as cats are adept at masking their discomfort. Veterinarians rely on a combination of physical examination findings and diagnostic tools to confirm the presence and extent of arthritis. Often, a diagnosis is suspected based on a thorough physical exam, but further diagnostics are usually needed for definitive confirmation. Interestingly, some cats, especially those with mild arthritis or a very stoic temperament, may show no obvious symptoms at all. In these cases, arthritis may be diagnosed incidentally – discovered during a routine veterinary exam when the veterinarian palpates (feels) joint abnormalities or when X-rays are taken for another reason.

During a physical examination for suspected cat arthritis, a veterinarian will look for several key indicators:

  • Lameness: While not always obvious, subtle limping or favoring of a limb can be detected.
  • Changes in Gait, Posture, or Sitting Position: Abnormalities in the way a cat walks, stands, or sits can indicate joint pain and stiffness.
  • Difficulties Sitting or Getting Up: Cats with arthritis may hesitate or struggle when transitioning from lying down to standing or sitting.
  • Swollen or Thickened Joints: In some cases, the joints themselves may appear visibly swollen or feel thickened upon palpation.
  • Crepitus: This is a clicking, popping, or grating sound or sensation that can be felt or heard when the joint is moved. It indicates rough surfaces within the joint due to cartilage damage.
  • Pain on Palpation of Joints: Gentle manipulation and palpation of the joints may elicit pain responses, such as hissing, withdrawing, or tensing up.
  • Decreased Range of Motion: The veterinarian will assess the flexibility of the joints by gently moving them through their normal range of motion. Arthritic joints often have a reduced range of motion.

While a physical exam can strongly suggest arthritis, definitive diagnosis typically relies on diagnostic imaging, primarily X-rays (radiographs). X-rays provide detailed images of the bones and joints, allowing veterinarians to visualize characteristic arthritic changes. Common X-ray abnormalities seen in cats with arthritis include:

  • Joint Distention: An increased amount of fluid within the joint capsule, making the joint appear swollen on the X-ray.
  • Bony Outgrowths (Osteophytes): These are the bony spurs mentioned earlier, a hallmark sign of arthritis.
  • Soft-Tissue Thickening: Inflammation around the joint can cause thickening of the soft tissues visible on X-rays.
  • Narrowed Joint Spaces: As cartilage deteriorates, the space between the bones within the joint decreases, which is visible on X-rays.
  • Calcified Free-Floating Bony Lesions (Joint Mice): These are small fragments of bone and cartilage that can break off within the joint and become calcified, appearing as small, dense objects on X-rays.

In some cases, veterinarians may also recommend a trial of pain medications as a diagnostic tool. If a cat’s symptoms improve significantly with pain relief, it further supports the diagnosis of arthritis and helps to assess the degree of pain the cat is experiencing.

Treatment and Management of Cat Arthritis: Enhancing Quality of Life

Although cat arthritis is a chronic and irreversible condition, it is highly manageable. With appropriate and proactive management, cats with arthritis can live comfortable, active, and fulfilling lives. The cornerstone of cat arthritis management is a multi-modal approach, meaning combining several different therapies to address the various aspects of the disease and achieve the best possible outcome.

One of the most impactful factors in managing cat arthritis is weight management. Obesity significantly exacerbates arthritis. Excess weight puts increased stress on already compromised joints, accelerating cartilage breakdown and increasing pain. For overweight cats, weight loss is often the very first and most crucial step in easing the strain on their arthritic joints. Veterinarians can recommend specific weight reduction diets and calculate appropriate daily caloric intake to help cats safely and effectively lose weight.

Beyond weight management, a range of treatment options are available, including medications, supplements, supportive therapies, and in some cases, surgery.

Pain Medications:

  • Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories (NSAIDs): NSAIDs like meloxicam (brand name Metacam) and robenacoxib (brand name Onsior) are commonly used to effectively reduce pain and inflammation associated with cat arthritis. However, it’s essential to use NSAIDs cautiously in cats, as they can have potential side effects, particularly with long-term use, affecting kidney and liver function. Veterinary supervision and regular monitoring are crucial when using NSAIDs in cats. The duration of NSAID treatment may also be limited to minimize potential risks.
  • Gabapentin: Gabapentin is a medication that has pain-relieving properties and is often used for chronic pain management in cats, including arthritis pain. It is generally considered safer for long-term use than NSAIDs and can be a good option for cats who cannot tolerate NSAIDs or need additional pain relief.
  • Opioids: Opioid pain medications, such as buprenorphine, can be used for more severe arthritis pain or for short-term pain relief during flare-ups. Opioids require careful monitoring and may cause sedation or other side effects in cats.
  • Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) (Adequan): Adequan is an injectable medication that can help support joint health by inhibiting enzymes that break down cartilage and promoting cartilage repair. While not specifically labeled for cats, it is sometimes used off-label under veterinary guidance.
  • Amantadine: Amantadine is another medication that may provide pain relief in some cats with arthritis, often used in combination with other pain medications.
  • Frunevetmab (Solensia): Solensia is a relatively new and innovative treatment specifically developed for cat arthritis pain. It is a monoclonal antibody therapy administered by injection once a month. Solensia targets nerve growth factor (NGF), a key protein involved in arthritis pain. Studies suggest it can be very effective in reducing arthritis pain in cats, with a good safety profile.

Supplements:

  • Glucosamine and Chondroitin: These are over-the-counter supplements that provide building blocks for cartilage and may help support cartilage health and slow down cartilage degradation. Veterinarians often recommend brands like Dasuquin and Cosequin, which have a strong reputation for quality, safety, and effectiveness.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA found in fish oil, have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce joint inflammation in cats with arthritis.
  • CBD (Cannabidiol): CBD has gained attention for its potential pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. However, research on CBD in cats is still limited, and legal and quality control issues surrounding CBD products exist. Consulting with a veterinarian is essential before using CBD for cat arthritis to discuss potential benefits, risks, and legal considerations.

Medical and Supportive Care:

  • Laser Therapy (Cold Laser Therapy): Laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate tissues and reduce inflammation and pain at the cellular level. It is a non-invasive and well-tolerated therapy that can be very beneficial for managing cat arthritis pain and improving mobility. Treatment protocols typically involve an initial series of treatments, followed by maintenance sessions as needed.
  • Acupuncture: Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine technique, involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate healing and pain relief. Some cats respond well to acupuncture for arthritis pain management.
  • Physical Therapy/Rehabilitation: Just like in humans, physical therapy can play a crucial role in managing cat arthritis. It can help improve joint mobility, strengthen muscles, and promote weight loss through controlled exercise programs.
  • Environmental Modifications: Making simple changes to the cat’s environment can significantly improve their comfort and ease of movement. Providing soft, comfortable bedding, ramps or steps to reach favorite spots, elevated food and water bowls, and litter boxes with low sides can all make life easier for arthritic cats.
  • Warm/Cold Compresses: Applying warm or cold compresses to affected joints can provide temporary pain relief. Warm compresses can increase blood flow and relax muscles, while cold compresses can reduce inflammation.

Surgery:

Surgical intervention is generally reserved for more severe cases of cat arthritis or when other treatments are not sufficiently effective. Surgical options may include:

  • Joint Fusion (Arthrodesis): Fusing the bones of a joint together eliminates movement at the joint, which can relieve pain in some cases, particularly for severely damaged joints.
  • Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): Replacing a severely damaged joint with an artificial joint (prosthesis), most commonly hip replacement in cats, can restore joint function and eliminate pain.
  • Amputation: In very rare and severe cases, amputation of a severely affected limb might be considered as a last resort to eliminate intractable pain.

It’s important to understand that surgery for arthritis is not a guaranteed cure, and arthritis can sometimes recur in other joints over time. However, surgery can significantly improve a cat’s quality of life in carefully selected cases.

Living Well with Cat Arthritis: Recovery and Long-Term Management

Cat arthritis is a lifelong condition, and there is no cure to fully reverse the joint damage. Therefore, the focus of management is not on recovery in the sense of complete healing, but rather on slowing the progression of the disease, alleviating pain, maintaining mobility, and enhancing the cat’s overall quality of life. Many cats with well-managed arthritis show few outward clinical signs and can enjoy a good quality of life for many years. Diligent monitoring and consistent adherence to the veterinarian-recommended management plan are essential for long-term success.

While arthritis can be diagnosed at any age, most cats are diagnosed when they are over 10 years old. However, research suggests that the arthritic process often begins much earlier in life. Newer studies indicate that as many as 60% of cats as young as 6 years old may already have radiographic evidence of arthritis, even if they aren’t showing obvious symptoms.

As cats age, owners may gradually notice a decline in their cat’s ability to perform activities they once did easily, such as jumping, playing, and grooming. They may also start to eliminate outside the litter box due to pain. Without proper treatment and management, cat arthritis can progress to become a debilitating and painful condition. Therefore, proactive communication with your veterinarian about any concerns regarding your cat’s mobility or behavior is crucial. Early diagnosis and intervention can make a significant difference in managing cat arthritis and ensuring your feline companion enjoys a comfortable and active life for as long as possible.

Prevention of Cat Arthritis: Proactive Steps

While not all cases of cat arthritis are preventable, there are proactive steps owners can take to reduce their cat’s risk and promote joint health:

  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Keeping your cat at a lean body weight throughout their life is one of the most effective ways to prevent or delay the onset of arthritis. If your cat is overweight, work with your veterinarian to implement a safe and effective weight loss plan.
  • Early Joint Health Support: Discuss with your veterinarian the potential benefits of starting cartilage protectant medications or joint supplements early in your cat’s life, especially if they are predisposed to joint problems or as they age. These supplements may help protect existing cartilage and potentially slow down the progression of arthritis. Regular veterinary check-ups, particularly as your cat enters their senior years, are also essential for early detection and management of any developing joint issues.

Cat Arthritis Condition FAQs

What are the early signs of arthritis in a cat?

Early signs of cat arthritis are often subtle and may include decreased activity levels, reluctance to jump, reduced grooming, changes in posture, and litter box avoidance. Cats are adept at hiding pain, so these subtle behavioral changes are key indicators.

At what age does arthritis typically start in cats?

While most cats are diagnosed with arthritis when they are over 10 years of age, the arthritic process often begins much earlier, potentially as young as 6 years old, even if symptoms aren’t immediately apparent.

How can I help my elderly cat with arthritis be more comfortable?

Consult with your veterinarian to develop a comprehensive management plan for your arthritic senior cat. This plan may include weight management, pain medications, joint supplements, supportive therapies like laser therapy or acupuncture, and environmental modifications to make your home more comfortable and accessible for your cat.

References

  1. Tilley L, Smith F. The 5-Minute Veterinary Consult: Canine and Feline. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2005
  2. Harasen G. Veterinary Information Network. Degenerative Joint Disease (Feline). October 2016.
  3. Harari J. Merck Veterinary Manual. Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease). March 2018.

Featured Image: iStock.com/AaronAmat

References

WRITTEN BY

Lauren Jones, VMDVeterinarian

Dr. Lauren Jones graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010, after receiving her bachelor’s degree…

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