Cat Arthritis Guide:
Help your cat move comfortably again
Cat Arthritis Guide: Help your cat move comfortably again
What arthritis is
Arthritis (also called osteoarthritis) is a progressive joint disease where the cartilage that cushions your cat’s joints breaks down. This leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced movement over time. It is common in older cats, but can also develop earlier due to injury, weight, or underlying conditions.
Recognise the signs & symptoms:
Diagnosis (what vets do)
A veterinarian will typically:
● Perform a physical examination to assess joints and pain
● Observe movement, posture, and gait
● Use X-rays or imaging to confirm joint changes
● In some cases, assess response to pain relief Diagnosis usually combines clinical signs with imaging.
Treatment overview
Arthritis cannot be cured, but it can be managed to improve quality of life. Treatment should always be guided by a veterinarian. Treatment is usually a combined approach and may include:
- Vet-prescribed anti-inflammatory or pain medication
- Newer therapies such as monoclonal antibody treatments
- Joint support supplements
- Weight management
- Controlled exercise or rehabilitation
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Home management
- Weight management
- Keeping your cat at a healthy weight reduces stress on joints.
- Exercise
- Gentle, regular movement helps maintain mobility.
- Environment
When to see a vet
- Reduced mobility or reluctance to jump
- Changes in behaviour or grooming
- Signs of pain such as hiding, irritability, or vocalising
- Gradual slowing down with age
Frequently asked questions
About osteoarthritis in cats
Osteoarthritis is a condition that leads to pain and progressive degeneration of the joint. It affects many aspects of a cat’s life, including limited mobility, painful joints, and a poor quality of life.1 Cats are naturally good at hiding pain, so it’s important to look out for subtle signs like trouble walking or running, moving slower than normal, appearing stiff when first getting up, reluctance to play, and restlessness at night.
(reference: https://www2.zoetis.co.za/)
Osteoarthritis can affect all cat breeds and ages. While it’s more common in older cats, it can also develop in younger cats due to factors like injury or genetic predisposition. Certain breeds, such as Persians, Himalayans, Scottish Folds, Maine Coons, Devon Rex, and Abyssinians, are particularly prone to osteoarthritis due to specific body structures or genetic predispositions.
Although the disease cannot be cured your veterinarian can recommend treatments and a long-term plan to ensure your cat lives a pain-free life.
While arthritis can’t be cured, we can help your cat live a happier, more active life. By managing pain, we can improve their mobility, reduce stiffness, and boost their overall quality of life. This can help them enjoy playtime, maintain independence, and strengthen their bond with you. Your vet can create a personalised treatment plan to ensure your feline friend lives a pain-free life.
Arthritis Pain Relief Medication is indicated to control pain associated with feline osteoarthritis.
(reference: https://www2.zoetis.co.za/)
Find the
best advice
From Our Trusted Vet
Dr Kenneth
Ask our resident vet Dr Kenneth questions about your cat’s arthritis and get the best advice on how to treat your arthritic cat to ensure that your cat enjoys quality of life pain free
