Feline Osteoarthritis
Resources
This page is lovingly dedicated to my dear furry companion of over nineteen years, Penelope Aikida. In her senior years, she bravely lived with osteoarthritis and kidney disease until her peaceful passing in 2018. May the resources shared here assist you in helping your own cat live a life in comfort and free of pain!
What is Feline Osteoarthritis?
Feline osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex and progressive degenerative joint disease that affects the synovial joints, such as the elbows, knees (stifles), and hips. Although these joints are most commonly impacted, osteoarthritis can affect other joints as well.
The condition starts within the joint but eventually leads to widespread pain. Initially, the discomfort extends to surrounding soft tissues and muscles. Over time, the entire body can become involved. Your cat may adapt and change her posture and gait to avoid pain, shifting weight to muscles and joints not designed to bear this load, which can lead to further discomfort and damage.
Since osteoarthritis causes significant pain, your cat will bear less weight on the affected joints and avoid using them, leading to muscle wasting and weakness. As the muscles that support the joint weaken, they can no longer provide adequate support, making the joint unstable. This instability can cause the joint to move in unnatural directions, which worsens the condition, creating a vicious cycle of pain, muscle wasting, and reduced mobility.
Research shows that osteoarthritis is quite common in cats. A study by Hardie et al. (2002) found that 90% of cats aged 12 and older show X-ray evidence of osteoarthritis. However, OA is not limited to senior cats. According to a 2021 study by the International Society of Feline Medicine, 30% of cats aged 6 years showed signs of mobility issues. Major risk factors include obesity, outdoor access, and a history of trauma.
What are the symptoms of Feline Osteoarthritis?
Recognizing osteoarthritis in cats can be challenging for pet parents and even for experienced veterinarians. Cats are both predators and prey animals. As prey animals, cats instinctively hide signs of pain or weakness. They may also dislike being handled during exams or become so stressed at the vet that they freeze up, making it difficult for your veterinarian to identify affected joints and assess their discomfort accurately.
This is why your observations of your cat’s activity and behavior are invaluable in helping your vet understand your cat’s overall health. Your veterinarian may also ask you to complete a specialized questionnaire about your cat’s behavior and potential pain.
The signs of osteoarthritis in cats are often more subtle than in dogs. Early signs may include changes in activity level, hesitation or difficulty jumping up or down, or opting for shorter jumps. Other signs include stiffness, reduced grooming, inappropriate urination or defecation outside the litterbox, changes in attitude or behavior (such as becoming quieter or grumpier), and reluctance to be touched in specific areas. In more advanced stages, you may notice lameness or limping.
It’s a good idea to begin monitoring your cat’s mobility and behavior from the moment you adopt her. Since changes tend to occur slowly and gradually, taking regular videos of your cat performing activities like jumping can provide an objective way to compare mobility over time.
Helpful Monitoring Tools
Here are some helpful tools for regularly monitoring your cat's habits, mobility, and behavior. Depending on your cat’s age and health, complete a form every six months for younger, symptom-free cats, or as frequently as once a month or even weekly for older cats or those showing symptoms. These tools can also help you evaluate whether the interventions you and your vet have implemented are effective.
Below are six key questions you should periodically ask yourself when observing your cat's behavior:
Here are some simple graphics that can guide your observations. Make it a habit to track any changes in your cat’s activities. Consider recording videos occasionally to compare their movements over time.
For a more in-depth assessment, use the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index (FMPI). I recommend using it regularly—every four to six months for younger cats, and monthly for older ones. Bring a completed form to your vet appointments Your vet will highly appreciate it!
Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index
While the tools above are designed to detect chronic pain in your cat, this tool is excellent for detecting acute pain.
https://www.felinegrimacescale.com/
How can I help my arthritic cat?
Although there is currently no cure for osteoarthritis, an integrative, multi-modal approach can help manage symptoms, improve mobility, and enhance your cat's quality of life.
If you suspect your cat may have osteoarthritis and may experience discomfort, please, first and foremost, consult your veterinarian! Given the challenges in assessing osteoarthritis in cats, your vet will likely appreciate if you bring a completed pain screening questionnaire (see “Helpful Monitoring Tools”) and/or videos of your cat performing everyday activities.
Here are the most important adjustments you can make to help manage your cat's osteoarthritis (OA) and improve her quality of life:
Pain Management
No living being should suffer in pain!
If your vet diagnoses your cat with osteoarthritis, it’s likely she may also experience discomfort or pain. Your vet will recommend appropriate pain management medications tailored to your cat’s specific health, age, and needs. In some cases, it may not be clear if your cat is in pain, and in these instances, a pain trial can be very helpful.
Research studies provide significant evidence that marine-based Omega-3 essential fatty acid supplements can support joint health. If your cat is finicky in taking medications, Hill's conveniently offers a prescription diet for joint health that includes a balanced ratio of Omega-3 fatty acids.
Weight Management
Obesity in cats has become increasingly common both in the U.S. and worldwide. Studies, including those by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, show that 61% of cats in the U.S. and 63% globally are overweight or obese. For overweight cats, a weight loss program is of immense value! Maintaining a healthy weight helps reduce the strain on inflamed joints and decreases the fatty tissues that exacerbate inflammatory processes. Please note that any weight loss plan should always be guided by your veterinarian.
Below is a body condition score chart. Print it out. Take an honest look! Discuss it with your vet!
If your cat is at a healthy weight, weigh her monthly. If she is overweight and you’re starting a weight management program with your vet, weigh her weekly.
Modifications in Your Home Environment
There are many low- to no-cost adjustments you can make in and around your home to improve your arthritic cat's comfort.
One of the most critical adjustments is providing non-slip flooring. The importance of this simple modification cannot be overstated! Slippery surfaces like wood, laminate, or tile are hazardous for any cat, and particularly for an arthritic cat with weak, painful limbs. Repeated slips, no matter how small, will worsen arthritis symptoms over time. Laying down rugs or using non-slip mats, such as yoga mats, will greatly improve your cat's stability and safety.
Raising your cat’s water and food bowls to a comfortable height, so that she can eat and drink without needing to bend down or sit uncomfortably, will make mealtime much more enjoyable for your cat. Experiment with different heights to find what your cat likes most.
For easy access to litter boxes, choose ones with low rims or at least one low side. This will make it easier for your cat to enter and exit without strain.
Steps or ramps can help your cat reach her favorite spots, such as window sills, sofas, or your bed.
Comfortable blankets and heated beds placed in quiet areas of your home will also enhance your cat’s comfort.
If your home has multiple levels, ensure that water, food, litter boxes, and cozy resting spots are available on each floor.
If your cat uses a cat flap, make sure it’s easy to open so she doesn’t have to strain or push hard with a sore neck or body.
If your cat has difficulty grooming herself, make sure to help her with regular brushing and cleaning. This will help her maintain hygiene and comfort.
It is also important to keep claws trimmed short from early age on. Long toenails can change the biomechanics in the digits and can lead to or worsen painful arthritis in the toes. They also prevent cats from getting traction on slippery floors., and trimming overgrown claws.
Cats with long hair between their pads need to have this hair trimmed regularly to improve foot traction.
Even if your cat isn’t as playful as before, daily positive interactions are still essential! Whether your cat enjoys enrichment activities like playing with her favorite toy or solving a treat puzzle, or simply relaxes in your lap, these special times help alleviate potential stress, anxiety, and depression associated with osteoarthritis discomfort. They also deepen the bond between you and your cat.
If you would like guidance on making adjustments in your home, I would be happy to visit and offer suggestions specific to your and your cat’s unique circumstances and needs.
Additional Therapies
Veterinary Acupuncture: Many cats not only tolerate acupuncture but seem to enjoy its calming effects. While studies in humans and dogs have shown that acupuncture can be effective in treating osteoarthritis (OA) pain, its effectiveness in cats with OA remains under debate and has not been conclusively proven in controlled studies. However, anecdotal reports suggest it may be a helpful complementary therapy for some cats. It’s important that acupuncture is performed by a veterinarian with specialized training and should not replace prescribed medications.
Physical Rehabilitation: Research into physical rehabilitation for cats is still in its early stages. Available therapies include exercises and treatments such as underwater treadmill therapy, low-level laser therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, and massage therapy.
Complementary Manual Therapies: Cat guardians who want to be more actively involved in their cat’s well-being can explore gentle, hands-on approaches. For more information, visit Gentle Touch for Arthritic Cats.
Good Reads:
Arthritis & Degenerative Joint Disease in Cats
https://icatcare.org/advice/arthritis-and-degenerative-joint-disease-in-cats/
Osteoarthritis in Cats: More Common Than You Think
Journal of Feine Medicine and Surgery: Chronic Pain in Cats – A Feline Health and Welfare Issue
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1098612X19856179
Othe Helpful Resources:
Canine Arthritis Management (CAM) primarily focuses on osteoarthritis in dogs, but much of the information is also applicable to cats. The website has an abundance of resources, especially if you join as a member.
https://caninearthritis.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritis
Canine Arthritis Resources and Education (CARE) Just like CAM, CARE offers valuable information about arthritis in dogs that, in part, can also be applied to cats.
Association for Pet Obesity Prevention
https://www.petobesityprevention.org/
Dr. Duncan Lascelles: Does Your Cat show Signs of Chronic Pain?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adFxr5-qQwc
Body Condition Scoring