How to Care for a Cat Suffering from Arthritis

Arthritis is a painful joint condition caused by the breakdown of cartilage, leading to bones rubbing together. This causes pain, stiffness, and reduced movement. In cats, arthritis often manifests as difficulty jumping on furniture or moving around as usual, with older cats being more commonly affected.

Diagnosing Arthritis in Cats

Your cat will need veterinary attention to confirm arthritis. Diagnosis usually requires X-rays of the joints under anaesthetic to assess damage and detect any bony changes like spurs. Up to 20% of cats develop arthritis during their lives, including younger cats, so monitoring for early signs is essential.

Recognising Symptoms Early

Arthritic cats often hide pain, so look for subtle behaviour changes such as reluctance to jump, hiding, aggression when touched, or vocalising pain when lifted. Swelling around joints or noticeable stiffness can also be clues. These signs indicate discomfort that needs attention.

Environmental Changes to Support Your Cat

• Place food, water, and litter trays in easily accessible areas to reduce strain.
• Use ramps or steps to help your cat reach favourite resting spots like sofas or beds.
• Provide non-slip rugs or mats on slippery floors to improve traction and prevent falls.
• Offer a warm, soft, draft-free bed, ideally an orthopaedic one for joint support.

Diet, Weight and Exercise Management

Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on joints; obesity worsens arthritis symptoms. Feed a balanced, high-quality diet and monitor portion sizes. Encourage gentle, short play sessions to keep joints moving without causing over-exertion. Help with grooming tasks like nail trimming if your cat struggles.

Medical Treatments and Supplements

Veterinarians may prescribe pain relief medications specific to cats, such as the NSAID meloxicam (marketed as Metacam for Cats). Proper dosing is critical to avoid side effects. Newer treatments include injectable joint protectants and monoclonal antibody therapy.

Supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate can aid cartilage repair and reduce inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils and green-lipped mussel extract also have benefits. Long-term administration is needed for best results.

Complementary Therapies

Some cats benefit from acupuncture and low-level laser therapy, both shown to ease pain and improve mobility safely. Gentle massage and providing warmth, such as using a heated bed during cold days, can soothe sore joints at home.

Monitoring and Veterinary Follow-Up

Regular veterinary check-ups are important to monitor progression and adjust treatments. Watch for worsening symptoms, changes in appetite, or behaviour and seek prompt vet advice.

Top Tips to Help Your Arthritic Cat

• Use ramps and accessible feeding areas to ease movement.
• Maintain ideal weight to reduce joint strain.
• Provide joint supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin.
• Administer pain medications precisely as prescribed.
• Consider complementary therapies like acupuncture or laser therapy.
• Keep your home warm and comfortable.
• Encourage gentle, consistent exercise without overdoing it.
• Help with grooming if your cat struggles.

By embracing a holistic approach combining veterinary care, environmental adjustments, and loving home management, you can greatly improve your cat's comfort and quality of life living with arthritis.