Arthritis in cats is a serious health concern that cat parents need to be aware of, especially in senior felines. Prevention at an early age can reduce the risk of signs appearing later in life. There is no cat arthritis treatment, but preventing and managing symptoms can save your cat’s life. So, let’s dive into arthritis relief for cats.
What is Arthritis in Cats?
Arthritis is a progressive condition that causes swelling and tenderness in your feline’s joints. As it begins to develop, cats may experience pain and discomfort when trying to walk, jump, or move. That aching only worsens over time, unless you work on methods to soothe your cat’s joint pain. It’s often referred to as osteoarthritis when your cat’s joints progressively deteriorate.
Unfortunately, once arthritis develops in cats, it can’t be treated completely. Yet, following preventative methods can stop the cat arthritis symptoms from worsening.
How Long Can a Cat Live with Arthritis?
Arthritis doesn’t have to ruin your cat’s life. If you catch it early and manage it properly, cats with arthritis can have a normal life expectancy.
Signs of Arthritis in Cats
No matter your cat’s age, you should always keep an eye out for symptoms of arthritis in cats. The sooner you spot these signs, the sooner you can talk to your vet about ways to help your furry friend feel better.
Refusing to Jump, Run, or Play
If your cat’s joints are bothering them, they’re less likely to engage in activities that could strain their joints. Even if their favorite spots are high, they may avoid jumping up to them because it hurts too much. They may try to persuade you to lift them.
Sometimes, cats need to climb or jump to get somewhere, so with arthritis, they may find different ways to reach those areas. They might take the stairs one at a time or pull themselves using only the legs that don’t hurt.
Stiffness/Limping
You may not notice stiffness and limping, but it could occur after your cat gets up from a nap. They may walk weird for a few steps after standing up. If your cat seems stiff and is limping frequently, their arthritis could already be severe, so talk to your vet as soon as you can.
Poor Grooming Habits
With arthritis, your cat may avoid grooming themselves because it hurts them to bend that way. Thus, you may notice your cat’s coat becoming dull and matted. There are several health concerns that could lead to an unhealthy coat, so this issue should be addressed even if arthritis isn’t to blame.
Litter Box Issues
Not using the litter box is a sign of many health and behavior problems in cats. It could be related to arthritis if the litter boxes have ledges that are difficult for your cat to climb over. If their joints hurt too much trying to get in and out of the litter box, they might give up and pee on the floor instead.
Avoiding Affection
If your cat normally enjoys being pet but is suddenly resistant to it, something might be hurting them. They may groan in pain or try to escape if you pet them in certain places. This doesn’t mean they don’t want affection. Instead, it just means that it hurts too much to be touched.
Changes in Behavior
Cat arthritis can make your furry friend grumpy. They may behave differently, such as taking naps more often, hiding frequently, or acting aggressively. If these behaviors are unusual for your cat, talk to your vet to see if arthritis or any other health concerns are the root of the problem.
How to Prevent Arthritis in Cats
While you can’t make arthritis go away once it appears, you can slow its progression. Below are some great methods for preventing arthritis in cats. Talk to your vet to determine which methods are best for your cat’s specific needs.
Smaller Cat Trees and Lower Jumping Platforms
If your cat’s joints are causing them pain, they won’t be able to jump or climb as much as usual. Consider swapping out their tall cat trees for shorter ones that are easier for them to reach. If there’s a platform they like to sit on, such as a high shelf or windowsill, consider adding a platform in between that and the floor so your cat can take smaller jumps to get up there.
Litter Box with Easy Access
For some cats with arthritis, even climbing into the litter box can be a struggle. So, make sure you get litter boxes that have a low side so your cat doesn’t have to struggle to step over the edges.
Stairs or Ramps for Furniture
If your cat likes to hang out on the furniture, such as the couch or bed, getting steps or ramps that lead up to those items can be easy on their joints. These products are also great for helping cats reach their favorite window seats or other ledges.
Weight Management
Excess weight on your cat’s body can be hard on their joints. So, help your cat maintain a healthy weight to reduce the strain on their joints. One common method is to feed your cat at specific times instead of free-feeding so you can ensure they’re not eating too much. Encourage them to get some exercise by playing with them too (but don’t overdo it).
Rugs for Traction
Slippery floors can cause damage to your cat’s joints if they fall. So, if you have mostly hardwood floors, add some high-traction rugs to reduce the risk of your furry friend slipping.
Orthopedic Beds
Even though cats normally nap wherever they feel like, make sure they have access to orthopedic cat beds. Beds with special memory foam or an elevated surface can cradle your cat’s joints and prevent them from feeling pain while they sleep.
Supplements and Medications
While all the above can help prevent arthritis symptoms from worsening, it’s always a good idea to ask your vet about what you should do. They may prescribe arthritis meds for cats or suggest hip and joint supplements as arthritis cat treats to keep your feline’s joints healthy.
Help Manage Your Cat’s Arthritis
Arthritis in cats is a common health concern that cat parents need to be aware of. Keep an eye out for symptoms of cat arthritis and talk to your vet if you notice any signs of joint pain in your four-legged family member. Prevention and management can help your cat live a longer, healthier life.