What is Arthritis in Cats?

Introduction

Lucy, a once-agile Bengal cat, had recently become less active and struggled with her usual jumps and strolls around the house. Her owner, Maria, grew concerned as she observed Lucy’s reluctance to climb the stairs and her stiff movements. Seeking answers, Maria took Lucy to the veterinarian for a thorough assessment. After a comprehensive examination, the vet diagnosed Lucy with arthritis, a condition affecting the joints in cats.

Arthritis is an inflammation of joints. This condition affects cats’ hips, elbows, shoulders, knees, and ankles. It usually occurs in senior cats, although younger ones may develop arthritis too.

Cats are notorious for arthritis because they don’t have bones like dogs. Instead, they have cartilage. This makes their joints more flexible and allows them to move quickly. As in cats, this condition affects most older cats. It usually occurs when they’re over years old. However, this means that they are more susceptible to arthritis.

There are two types of arthritis in cats: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis affects older cats, especially those over ten years old. Studies show up to 90 percent of older cats show signs of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation of the joints. Both conditions cause pain and stiffness in the affected joint.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is evidence of degenerative joint disease characterized by loss of articular cartilage in cats and changes in the subchondral bone. It affects all joints in cats, including hips, knees, ankles, elbows, wrists, paws, and spinal vertebrae. Approximately 90 percent of cats suffer from osteoarthritis (OA) in at least one joint by the time they reach ten years old. The most common symptoms include pain associated with arthritis, stiffness, swelling, and decreased range of motion.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of joints. It affects the joint capsule’s synovial membrane and destroys cartilage and bone erosion. There are many types of RA, including classic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), adult-onset Still’s disease, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren’s syndrome, polymyositis/dermatomyositis, and undifferentiated connective tissue diseases.
• Septic arthritis is an inflammation of the joints caused by bacteria. It usually occurs after trauma, such as when a kitten falls from its mother’s teat or if there is a fracture of the bones around the joint. Cats most commonly affected sites are the elbow, knee, shoulder, hip, and stifle (the hock). In kittens, the chronic disease often affects the tarsal joints at the base of the toes.

Causes of Feline Arthritis

The most common cause of arthritis is obesity. Obesity causes arthritis in cats, which puts stress on the joints. If a cat is already overweight, cats tend to be inactive, leading to decreased muscle mass and strength and the progression of arthritis, leading to joint loss of flexibility and stability.

Obese cats also suffer from joint inflammation because fat cells produce chemicals called cytokines that trigger inflammation. This inflammation damages cartilage and bone tissue, causing joint pain and stiffness.

Another major factor contributing to feline arthritis is genetics. Some breeds of cats are predisposed to develop arthritis, especially those with long legs and large paws. Arthritic conditions may run in families, so it’s essential to keep track of family history when diagnosing arthritis.

If your cat is overweight, try reducing caloric intake through diet modification. Also, exercise regularly to maintain muscle tone and strengthen muscles. Finally, make sure they get plenty of fresh water daily.

Finally, if your cat exhibits signs of arthritis, consult your veterinarian. They may recommend medications or surgery to help alleviate symptoms.

Signs of Arthritis in Cats

Most cats diagnosed with arthritis don’t cause symptoms until the cat ages. However, some cats suffer from arthritis for years without showing obvious signs of pain and discomfort. Many cats with arthritis often become stiff and sore after exercise. Your cat strolls and may rub against objects and walls, causing scratches.

They may stroll, and most cats with arthritis refuse to jump onto beds or couches. However, some cats with arthritis generally may have difficulty walking. Others may limp or drag one leg or, for most cats, hides signs of pain.

One of the common signs of osteoarthritis in cats is lameness. Lameness means that the cat has trouble moving its legs. This problem can occur due to bone damage or muscle weakness. If the cat cannot stand up straight, it may fall over easily. Other issues include poor vision and hearing.

These conditions can affect the ability of the cat to see and hear. For example, a cat with arthritis may appear listless and depressed. He may sleep longer than usual and eat less. He may also show signs of depression, such as excessive grooming, pacing, and hiding under furniture.

Diagnosing Arthritis in Cats

When diagnosing arthritis in cats, there are several ways to determine whether the cat has arthritis. One method is to examine physically. Another method is to take X-rays of the affected joint(s). Yet another method is to perform a blood test called a CBC (complete blood count) to detect inflammation and infection. 

Here are some other ways to diagnose whether your cat has arthritis:

• A physical exam for arthritis in cats is performed to determine if there is any painful joint inflammation or pain. In addition, it is done to rule out other causes of lameness, such as injury, infection, cancer, heart disease, kidney problems, liver disease, neurological diseases, orthopedic conditions, skin disorders, thyroid gland problems, urinary tract infections, etc.

• X-ray imaging is used in cats to detect joint breaks and bone deterioration. In addition, Bloodwork can provide insight into the pet health of your pet’s immune system and liver function. Finally, a physical exam can indicate your pet is experiencing discomfort-related pain. The CBC measures red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts, platelet counts, hemoglobin levels, hematocrit values, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, reticulocyte counts, and total protein levels. The results help to detect inflammation and infection.

How to Treat Arthritis in Cats?

Cats are compassionate creatures, and arthritis is excruciating and affects them just like humans. Fortunately, treatments are available for managing arthritis in cats, including medications and physical therapy. Also, it is essential to note that treatment has many options that vary depending on the type of cat arthritis present. Some medicines can help ease symptoms and prevent further damage.

Other treatments focus on pain and inflammation and improving mobility.

For example, glucosamine supplements are commonly used to treat osteoarthritis. These supplements contain natural ingredients that support joint health and are pain relief. Glucosamine is believed to provide relief by increasing the production of glycosaminoglycans, which lubricate and cushion the joints.

Other standard treatment options include NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), typically prescribed to control pain and swelling associated with arthritis. Anti-inflammatories are usually effective in arthritis pain management options and swelling but can cause stomach upset and other side effects.

Physical therapy is another option for treating arthritis in cats. Physical therapists evaluate each patient individually to develop a customized exercise program based on the cat’s specific needs. Exercise programs can range from gentle stretching exercises to weight training.

In addition to medication and physical therapy, surgery may be necessary if arthritis causes severe discomfort or prevents normal movement. Surgery involves replacing damaged tissue with healthy material. For example, knee replacement surgery replaces worn-out knee parts with artificial materials.

Prevention of Cat Arthritis

Cats are born with a genetic predisposition to arthritis, making prevention an absolute necessity. Cats who suffer from arthritis usually experience stiffness and joint pain. Common symptoms in cats include limping, difficulty walking and losing appetite.

Pet owners can do several things to prevent arthritis in their cats.

1. They should feed their cat with omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are found in fish oil supplements and flaxseed oil. These oils contain anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve arthritis symptoms.
2. Pet owners should provide plenty of exercise for their cats. Exercise keeps muscles strong and healthy and can help alleviate arthritis symptoms. Make sure that your cat gets enough playtime every day.
3. Pet owners should monitor their cat’s weight closely. Obesity increases the risk of arthritis development, so watching your cat’s weight is essential. Also, overweight cats are more likely to become obese adults, which puts them at greater risk of developing arthritis later in life.
4. Cat owners should pay attention to their cat’s environment. Environmental factors, including cold temperatures, drafts, and humidity, can trigger arthritis. Keep your home clean and free of allergens to avoid triggering inflammation.

Frequently Asked Questions