Feline arthritis is a painful and debilitating joint condition that affects more than 60% of cats older than 6 years of age, and 90% of cats older than 12 years of age. Identifying arthritis pain signs can be difficult because cats are experts at disguising their discomfort, and many pet owners fail to recognize their cat’s pain until the signs are obvious and the condition is severe. To relieve your cat’s pain and improve their quality of life, learn to recognize the subtle changes that may indicate they are suffering. Our Billings Animal Family Hospital team explains this common feline condition, and how you can help alleviate your arthritic pet’s pain and improve their mobility.

Understanding feline arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammatory disease affecting the joints, most commonly the elbows, hips, knees, and spine. The condition is surprisingly common in cats. Once the cartilage that cushions the joints begins to break down, the bones start rubbing against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, inflammation, and decreased mobility. However, they are masters at hiding pain, and the subtle arthritis signs they exhibit often go unnoticed. While most people assume only senior cats are at risk, arthritis is not solely an age-related condition. The disease can also be triggered by:

  • Broken bones 
  • Torn ligament trauma
  • Genetic disposition
  • Developmental disorders
  • Increased joint wear and tear attributable to obesity or age

Recognizing feline arthritis signs

Because cats are so adept at masking pain, spotting their arthritis signs can be a challenge. Most cats conceal obvious pain indications until the condition has progressed to the point that their pain becomes unbearable, and their behavior changes become obvious. Early detection is essential to slowing the disease’s progression, maintaining your cat’s mobility, and easing their pain. Your cat may have arthritis if they exhibit the following behavior changes:

  • Decreased mobility — Your cat may become reluctant to jump up or down, step over their litter box rim, or use stairs. They may appear stiff when walking or jumping. Arthritic cats will naturally restrict their sore joint’s use, becoming less active and sleeping more. 
  • Grooming changes — Cats are meticulous groomers, but arthritis can make the simple act of cleaning themselves painful and challenging. Look for overgrooming or undergrooming signs, both of which indicate discomfort. 
  • Personality changes — Cats suffering from arthritis pain may become irritable, withdrawn, or aggressive, particularly when touched in certain areas. 

Left untreated, arthritis causes chronic stiffness, range-of-motion loss, reduced mobility, and a poor quality of life. If your whiskered pal exhibits any of these signs, consult our Billings Animal Family Hospital team, so we can properly diagnose your cat’s condition and initiate treatment.

Diagnosing feline arthritis

Many feline conditions cause similar behavioral and personality changes. To rule out other potential causes, and to diagnose arthritis accurately, our Billings Animal Family Hospital team does a thorough physical examination, reviews your cat’s medical history, and performs diagnostic testing. Sometimes, arthritis can be secondary to another condition, such as diabetes, so we may recommend additional tests to make a comprehensive diagnosis. However, for the first-line tests, our team often recommends the following diagnostic screenings:

  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • Blood chemistry panel
  • Urinalysis
  • X-rays

Managing feline arthritis long term

Although arthritis has no cure, our veterinary team can manage your cat’s pain, maintain their mobility, and improve their quality of life. Frequent veterinary visits are essential for monitoring your cat’s condition, so we can adjust their treatment as needed. Nevertheless, our team will tailor a long-term treatment strategy based on your cat’s temperament and disease severity. Your cat’s arthritis treatment may include one or more of the following:

  • Solensia (i.e., frunevetmab) — This new monoclonal antibody treatment is a once-monthly injection that targets a substance in the arthritis pain pathway.
  • Joint supplements — Glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation.
  • Laser therapy — Cold lasers use specific light wavelengths to improve local circulation and tissue healing.
  • Acupuncture — Acupuncture needles inserted into specific body points can provide inflammation and pain relief. Many cats tolerate this therapy well and generally relax comfortably once the needles are placed.
  • Surgery — Surgery may include joint fusion or amputation. However, surgery is a last-resort option.

By learning to recognize subtle changes in your feline friend’s behavior, you can identify discomfort signs and prevent your whiskered pal from suffering in silence. If your cat is exhibiting arthritis signs, schedule an appointment with our Billings Animal Family Hospital team, so we can help ensure your cat enjoys a good quality of life.