Like people and dogs, cats experience arthritis as they age.
Sometimes young cats get arthritis symptoms, but this is less common.
As a cat’s joints degenerate from normal wear and tear, arthritis sets in.
With joint stiffness comes lack of flexibility and eventual cartilage loss.
Causes of cat arthritis include injury, infection, joint dislocation, and weight gain.
What Causes Cat Arthritis Symptoms?
Cats typically experience arthritis as a result of common joint wear and tear.
However, the following factors may contribute to cat arthritis:
- Nutrition
- History of orthopedic surgeries
- Injury history (including ligament and muscle damage, joint infection, fractures)
- Obesity
- Abnormal joint development
What Are Cat Arthritis Symptoms?
Cat arthritis symptoms are fairly easy to see.
A cat in pain will exhibit specific behaviors.
If your cat shows signs of joint pain, take them to see a veterinarian for a complete diagnosis.
Here are the most common signs you see in a cat with joint pain.
Limping
Cats with arthritis exhibit symptoms such as limping or stiffness.
Some cats will favor one limb or even multiple limbs when in pain.
Laziness
When a cat has joint pain, they may experience difficulty getting up after sleeping.
This stiffness of joints is common in arthritic cats.
Change In Gait
You may notice your cat has a sudden “swagger” to their walk.
Changes to your cat’s gait are often a sign of joint pain.
Muscle Atrophy
Muscle atrophy refers to the wasting away of muscle tissue.
This happens when muscles aren’t being used, which can happen when an animal is in pain.
The pain causes them to avoid using certain muscles.
Litter Box Accidents
When getting in or out of the litter box causes pain, kitty will have accidents.
Instead of reprimanding your cat, try to find solutions to help them use the litter box pain-free.
Changes in Activity
When your previously active cat stops enjoying the things they love, consult your veterinarian.
Cats who stop running, jumping or climbing stairs may suffer from arthritis.
How To Diagnose Cat Arthritis
If you notice the symptoms mentioned above, bring your cat in to see your veterinarian.
Only a veterinarian can determine if your cat is suffering from an acute injury or a chronic problem like arthritis.
Your veterinarian will conduct a physical exam and possibly take x-rays to make a diagnosis.
Powerful Tools for Overcoming Cat Arthritis Challenges
There are many quick and easy changes you can make at home to help you give your cat an edge on easing cat arthritis pain.
- Learn more about cat arthritis.
- Try cooking for your cat or feeding a high-quality wet cat food. Home-cooked diets and wet food help keep your pet from gaining too much weight. In turn, less weight means less stress on your cat’s bones and joints.
- Provide joint support. PET | TAO Harmonize Joint is a blend of Eastern herbs and Western supplements working together to lubricate and restore your cat’s joints.
- Try Freeze Dried Kidney Treats. According to TCVM, Kidney controls the bones and joints and supports arthritic challenges in a “like treats like” manner.
- Learn more about TCVM Herbal Remedies. Chinese medicine offers many amazing natural solutions for cat arthritis. Some good examples are:
The good news is that treating cats with arthritis is straightforward and provides many years of pain free mobility and cats on the counter top.
