Manage your pet’s pain with Osteoarthritis
Manage your pet’s pain with Osteoarthritis
Pain is a multi-dimensional and uniquely individual experience for animals, so learn about what works best for them with this arthritis guide.
The impact of chronic pain
Arthritis is one of the most common causes of pain in cats. It’s a degenerative condition that leads to inflammation and painful joints. If left untreated, arthritis progressively worsens over time and can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues. Pain from the condition can also negatively impact your cat’s quality of life, affecting their mood, social interactions, sleep, and more.
How do cats show pain?
- Reduced activity
- Decreased mobility
- Changes in grooming habits
- Behavioural changes
Recognise the signs & symptoms:
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Vet Consultation
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The steps to proactive management
Consultation with your veterinarian is crucial for a tailored approach to managing your cat’s arthritis. They may recommend pain relief medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or monoclonal antibody injections, discussing the associated risks and benefits. Holistic approaches, such as joint supplements, physiotherapy, acupuncture, and laser therapy, can also be beneficial. Weight management is essential to reduce joint stress, and simple home adjustments, like ramps and accessible litter trays, can significantly improve your cat’s quality of life.
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.
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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
