Common Symptoms and Treatments of Feline Arthritis

by Lisa Selvaggio

Published: January 14th, 2016

common symptoms and treatments of feline arthritis

The onset of feline arthritis as your cat ages is a health concern pet parents need to watch for. Know what the symptoms are what treatments are available.

Feline arthritis is characterized by inflammation and pain in the joints, and it can be the result of an infection, an autoimmune disorder, a dislocation of a joint, or an injury, as well as natural deterioration of joint cartilage as a result of age.

If your kitty suffers from arthritis, his mobility will decrease, so understanding the symptoms and getting him the right treatments will ensure he gets the relief he needs.

We’ve outlined a short guide to the symptoms and treatments of feline arthritis. As always, this information isn’t meant to be a substitute for the advice of an experienced and knowledgeable veterinarian, so if you suspect that your cat may have arthritis, have him examined by your vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms of Feline Arthritis

Felines with arthritis may appear as though they’re in pain, or you may notice that they’re stiff and have trouble getting around. You may also note swollen joints and a loss of muscle mass.

Because of difficulty getting around, your cat may exhibit symptoms that include decreased activity and a hesitation when it comes to climbing stairs, jumping, and running. Your cat may also experience stiffness after he plays and exercises.

Other symptoms include lameness, trouble getting up, lethargy, and decreased flexibility. When you pet or pick up your kitty, he may also show signs of discomfort or wish to be left alone.

Your cat may have difficulty getting into and out of the litter box, too, especially if he has to step up to climb into it because it’s quite high. If this is the case, he may end up eliminating outside of the box in order to avoid the pain of stepping into and out of it. Simply switching to a litter box that’s easier for your kitty to get into could resolve this problem, provided that there aren’t other medical conditions contributing to his poor litter box habits.

Treatments for Feline Arthritis

Even though there is no cure for arthritis, there are a variety of treatments available that will help make your cat more comfortable.

Once your cat has been diagnosed with feline arthritis, your vet will direct you to the best remedies, which include:

Prescription pain medications designed for cats with arthritis. These may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs), and corticosteroids that reduce inflammation but are often only used for short periods of time.
Nutritional supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, may help with replenishing cartilage. Changes in diet may also help provide the right nutrients to reduce pain and inflammation while improving mobility.
A weight loss plan may be necessary if the arthritis is aggravated by excess weight on the joints.
Gentle, short play sessions on soft surfaces can be introduced gradually while avoiding vigorous play sessions.
Massages, provided by the cat owner or a professional pet massage therapist, may increase circulation and flexibility.
Warm compresses on affected joints may provide relief.
Keeping your cat dry and warm and providing a soft and padded cat bed can help, as damp and cold conditions can aggravate arthritis.
Acupuncture is a natural option that may bring relief from pain and improve mobility.
Surgery may be recommended for advanced cases.

Make Life Easier for Your Kitty

If your cat has been diagnosed with arthritis, you can help make things easier for him by placing his litter box, bowls, and cat beds in easy to access areas that don’t require him to walk too far or jump high. You can even purchase pet steps that you can place at the edge of your bed or couch, making it easier for your kitty to climb up without having to jump. And you can also groom any areas of your cat’s body that are difficult for him to reach and clean on his own.

Ultimately, the key is to work with your vet to make your cat as comfortable as possible and improve his joint health as much as possible.

Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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Natural Remedies for Feline Arthritis

Relieve your cat’s arthritis the natural way with these holistic remedies. Because cats love to jump and run – sometimes even for no apparent reason – years of stress on the joints may cause problems as your kitty gets older. Small injuries that may not have been noticeable when they were sustained at a young age may actually begin to become noticeable over time as these little traumas begin to add up. Cartilage and soft connective tissue within the joints can become damaged, and this will inevitably cause your cat pain, discomfort, stiffness, and an inability to move about like he used to. Because conventional remedies for feline arthritis are limited and corticosteroids that are often prescribed may cause severe side effects in the long run, you can do more by taking an integrative approach. Work under a holistic vet who can provide you with a variety of natural options that may bring about some much-needed relief to your ailing cat, especially when combined with the latest and greatest conventional medications made specifically for felines. Related: Common Symptoms and Treatments of Feline Arthritis Chondroprotective Nutraceuticals Chondroprotective nutraceuticals, also known as nutritional products, are basically compounds that will protect the cartilage in your cat’s body. They may even help to rebuild and repair the cartilage naturally, which is something that harsh corticosteroids cannot do. And, on top of having cartilage-building capabilities, these may also help in reducing inflammation and pain. The most commonly prescribed are glucosamine and chondroitin. Chondroitin sulfate, in particular, may even work to inhibit the enzymes that destroy the joints. Acupuncture In addition to giving your cat remedies that work from the inside, there are also external therapies that you can implement into his treatment plan. Acupuncture is one of the most popular forms of natural healing because it can have profound effects upon a pet’s health and wellbeing, especially when the sessions are scheduled regularly. It may bring greater mobility back to your ailing feline, as well as reduce pain and inflammation. And it may reduce muscle spasms around effected joints and improve circulation to affected areas as well. Related: Feline Health: Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore Ayurvedic Herbs Ayurveda, like Traditional Chinese Medicine, is an ancient healing modality that uses only natural herbs and remedies that are derived from the Earth to help patients heal and to bring the body back into a state of balance. Indian frankincense, also known as boswellia, and winter cherry, also known as ashwaganda, are the best-known Ayurvedic herbs for pets when it comes to providing relief from arthritis. Boswellia provides anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce stiffness and pain. It can increase the blood supply to arthritic joints and restore areas damaged by inflammation. Ashwaganda also provides anti-inflammatory benefits while strengthening muscles around joints and counteracting the negative effects of stress on the body. When given at the appropriate dosage, improvement can be seen within weeks or months, but working under a trained holistic veterinarian is imperative. Sea Cucumber Sea cucumbers are marine animals that are related to urchins. They contain nutrients, such as mucopolysaccharides and chondroitin, as well as vitamins and minerals, that strengthen and maintain healthy cartilage. For cats with arthritis, products containing sea cucumber, like SeaCuMax, can have anti-inflammatory effects that reduce pain and improve mobility. If you notice that your older cat is no longer able to move like he used to, have him examined by a veterinarian to determine if arthritis may be the cause. In the event that your feline friend is suffering with this condition, the key will be to reduce the inflammation and provide relief from the pain and stiffness that is keeping him from being comfortable and enjoying mobility. By combining the best of conventional and holistic medicine, you can find the remedies that will work on your particular pet so that he can have the highest quality of life.

Tell-Tale Signs Your Cat May Be in Pain

Because they don’t speak human, our cats can’t tell us they’re feeling discomfort. That’s why we need to be on the lookout for these signs and symptoms of pain in cats. Cats instinctively try to hide any obvious signs that they’re in pain, so even the most devoted cat owner might miss signals that their pet is uncomfortable or even suffering with a chronic condition like arthritis, until that ailment has advanced to the point that the kitty can’t hide the pain anymore. This is why researchers have been working hard to figure out what the usual signs are that a cat is in pain. If you really know your pet and keep a close eye on him daily, you’ll be more likely to spot these signs as soon as possible, and get your cat the treatment he needs sooner rather than later. Related: Declawing Cats: A Cruel and Unnecessary Procedure Monitor Your Pet’s Behavior Cats are creatures of habit, so if they start changing their routine or they start behaving differently, it could be a sign that they aren’t feeling well. You might notice subtle changes, such as your cat not wanting to jump up onto a high perch anymore. Or there may be more obvious signs that something is wrong, such as a cat who no longer grooms himself (though a cat feeling pain in a particular part of the body may lick it excessively). You may also notice that your cat is no longer able to climb up and down the stairs like he used to, or he may be in pain if he has trouble getting out of or into his litter box, especially if it has high sides. This could even result in your cat going to the bathroom outside of the box in order to avoid the pain. Related: Common Symptoms and Treatments of Feline Arthritis Check for Changes in Personality In addition to behavioral changes, also take note of any personality changes that occur in your feline companion. A kitty who used to be quite friendly but is suddenly acting aggressively for no reason could actually be uncomfortable and in pain. For example, a cat who is in pain may scratch or bite you, especially if you pet an area of his body that hurts. The same can be true of a cat who used to be social but now spends his time hiding, a cat who is more needy than before, or a cat who used to love to snuggle but appears more aloof than normal. Look for Body Language Clues If your cat is sitting or lying down in a hunched position, he may be in pain. And remember that purring is not always an indication that your pet is content, as cats will also purr when they aren’t feeling well. Also, if your cat has any difficulty breathing, you might notice that he doesn’t want to lie on his side; instead, he might be keeping his head raised. And if your cat is suffering from a neurological condition, he might be pressing his head into a wall or against furniture, or he may be acting confused or even having seizures. Consider Eating and Drinking Habits A cat who doesn’t want to eat or drink like he used to may not be feeling well, but just bear in mind that there are some illnesses that could actually increase your pet’s appetite and/or thirst, so changes in eating and drinking behavior shouldn’t be ignored. Also, if your cat is having mouth pain, he may end up only eating and drinking small amounts, and he may even end up dropping some food or water as he attempts to eat and drink. Other Symptoms A recent medical study sheds more light on some other signs that a kitty may be in pain. They include, but are not limited to: Abnormal gaitTail twitching or flickingTrembling, shiveringIncreased vocalizationsAvoidance of bright light or bright areas around the houseAn involuntary spasm or blinking of the eyelidsIncreased breathing rate (the breath could also be shallower, and the cat may pant) Again, these are just some of the many potential indicators of pain in a feline. Knowing your cat and noting changes is the best first step in recognizing a problem before it escalates. Work with your vet to determine if your cat is truly in pain, what the cause of the pain is, and what treatments can help.

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Being in a shelter is extremely stressful for dogs. In most shelters, dogs spend a better part of their day alone, with little to do. The lives of shelter dogs are more stressful and frustrating than is normal and these pooches are often afraid, anxious, and sad.That’s exactly what happened to one Indiana shelter dog. After spending more than 260 days in the shelter, Major, who was once a jolly-ball-loving boy, started to sit in his kennel and cry endlessly. Major, a four-year-old pitbull mix, was brought to the Humane Society for Hamilton County as a stray. Although Major was brought as a stray, the shelter staff discovered he had a microchip. They promptly contacted the pup’s family, who said they would come to pick up their dog ASAP, but they never showed. According to a Facebook post shared by the Humane Society for Hamilton County, Major has become filled with stress and anxiety after spending night after night alone in his room. Although lonely, Major evenings were never quiet as he cried himself to sleep every night.In an attempt to find Major a loving home, the shelter shared a video of a sorrowful Major lying in his bed. The post went viral, giving the staff hope that Major would find a loving, forever home. And that’s exactly what happened! In an updated Facebook post, the shelter shared that Major has finally found a loving family and a forever home.“Today, we are overjoyed to share some MAJOR news with you: After capturing the hearts of people worldwide, Major has found his forever home! As he walked out the door with his new family, we couldn’t help but feel a major-sized hole in our hearts, but it’s quickly filled with happiness knowing that he’s found his perfect match.”The wonderful news reached hundreds of thousands of animal lovers worldwide who have been following Major’s story since the beginning.“To everyone who shared Major’s story, your support and kindness made all the difference. Because of you, Major’s tale reached far and wide, leading him straight to the loving arms of his new family. Thank you for being a part of Major’s journey and for helping us make miracles happen.” The shelter also reminded its followers that many other dogs are patiently waiting for their person and a forever home. The surge in unwanted cats and dogs and low adoption rates are fueling the nationwide shelter crisis. Many shelters, including the Humane Society for Hamilton County, are overflowing with pets and operating at maxed-out capacity. “Every single dog here has their own story,” the shelter added. “They might not all have gone viral, but they are all just as deserving of love, care and a safe space to call home. The shelter is a stressful environment for them and every day they wait for their turn. They have so much affection to give and are waiting for someone like you to change their world.” The shelter’s staff encourages anyone who applied to adopt Major to visit them and meet other adoptable dogs who are just as deserving of love and a place to call their own.“Major, we’ll miss your playful antics and wagging tail, but we know that your new family will cherish you just as much as we have. Farewell, sweet boy, and may your days be filled with endless love and happiness,” the shelter wrote.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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