Does My Cat Have Arthritis?

Did you know that cats get arthritis too? Cats are very good at hiding their pain, which means that painful conditions like arthritis is easily overlooked and left untreated.

This is sad, because there are some very good treatments available for arthritis, but the condition needs to be recognised first!

No one wants their pets to suffer, so here are some signs to look out for that your cat may be in pain. If you notice any of these signs, don't panic! Just make an appointment with one of our vets, and we can help your cat get back to their old happy self in no time.

1) Difficulty rising from rest

Joint pain is often more recognizable when cats have been lying still for some time. Be sure to pay attention to the ease with which your cat rises from sleep.

2) Stiffness

You may notice your cat taking shorter steps while walking, and you may notice that their "Big Stretch" isn't quite as big anymore.

3) Unwilling to climb stairs

You may notice that your cat prefers to stay on the ground floor, all calls to be picked up when faced with stairs.

4) Unwilling to jump

Cats may refuse to jump onto counters, higher placed beds or cat posts due to joint pain.

5) Less playful

You may have noticed that your previously playful cat hasn't played with their toys in a while, or doesn't interact with other pets in the household like they used to.

6) Doesn’t like being touched

Cats may move away from your touch due to pain in their joints. Dental pain can cause the same symptom.

7) Suddenly aggressive towards people and pets

This aggression stems from the pain in their joints - sometimes they are so sore that respond aggressively to prevent anyone from touching them.

8) Hiding away more

The inability to access higher areas and a desire to avoid people touching their sore bodies may prompt cats to hide away.

9) Accidents in the house

Litterboxes may be placed in an area that is difficult for cats with painful joints to access. This symptom may also be related to stress and bladder problems and should prompt an appointment with your vet.

10) Poor coat

Painful and stiff cats will often groom themselves less, leading to poor coat quality

11) Overgrown nails

Stiff and sore cats are less likely to use scratch posts, and walking less will also prevent the natural wearing-down of their nails. Arthritic cats often present to he vet with overgrown nails.

If your cat is showing symptoms of arthritis, your vet will likely do a thorough physical exam and some radiographs to confirm where the pain is coming from, and if it can be attributed to arthritis. An individual treatment plan will then be given to your pet, and may include medication, physical therapy, special diets, surgery or other treatments.

Be sure to book a check up if your cat displays any of these symptoms!

021 2020 572

082 699 0377

 info@duynevet.co.za

Cats with joint pain may refuse to jump onto high surfaces.