It is well recognised that dogs commonly suffer from arthritis and affected dogs usually show signs of stiffness and lameness.
Arthritis in cats is not so commonly diagnosed or treated. Osteoarthritis is actually very common in cats but can be more difficult to detect.
This is because:
- Cats’ survival instincts mean that they tend to hide pain. They are ‘masters of disguise’ and often do not show obvious outward signs of having a problem.
- Cats often show behavioural changes rather than physical changes which can be subtle and more difficult to detect. Cats with arthritis do not usually limp.
- Behavioural changes that are observed are often put down to being ‘normal’ ageing changes.
- Cats often act very differently at the vets than they do at home so this lowers the opportunity for the vet to pick up on signs.
We don’t really know what causes arthritis in cats. Cats don’t usually suffer from the same developmental joint diseases as dogs. They don’t get hip dysplasia (apart from Maine coons). The way the disease develops is not really understood but it is highly prevalent. The joints most affected in cats are the hip, stifle, hock and elbow. Cats also suffer with a form of arthritis of the spine (‘spondylosis’) where bony hooks develop on the vertebrae.
In an earlier post we looked at the behavioural changes to watch out for in cats. This is usually the best way to recognise that a cat may be in pain.
To re-cap, these changes may include:
- Less likely to climb or jump onto high surfaces
- Staying in one spot
- Altered body position when resting or sleeping
- Changes in grooming habits
- Changes in toileting habits
- Changes in food or water intake
- More irritable
- Less playing or hunting
- Withdrawal from owners
- Jumping/starting/attacking areas of body
Because some of these signs are so subtle, the extent to which a cat is affected is often only apparent once the pain is being treated. People often comment that their cat has a new lease of life.
Some people are put off from going to the vet as they are concerned about the treatment they may be asked to give to their cat. These concerns may be about the cost of the treatment, the administering of the treatment, or safety concerns about the treatment.
These are all valid concerns! In terms of the cost, yes medication can be costly but we really do have an ethical obligation to make sure our pets are free from pain.
In terms of administering medication, cats can be very difficult to give medication to, and no-one wants a daily battle! Until recently the only licensed drug available for long-term use in cats was a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) called meloxicam (‘Metacam’). This is available as a liquid which most cats will accept in their food. It is a highly effective treatment but side effects may be a concern. There are also a range of off-license treatments available which may be used instead of or as well as NSAIDs.
In a previous post we talked about a new anti-nerve growth factor (anti-NGF) drug available for dogs (‘Librela’) as an alternative to the more traditional NSAID drugs. We now have a licensed form of this for cats. This is called ‘Solensia’. It is very effective, easy to give (an injection once a month) and has very few side effects.
Acupuncture is also available for cats with arthritis. Many people are surprised that cats can receive acupuncture treatment. One cat that I have treated used to fall asleep as soon as the first needle went in! They actually tolerate the treatment surprisingly well and it can be a useful part of the treatment plan.
The best treatment plan varies from cat to cat and as always, a combination of different treatments is likely to be most effective.
Contact us to discuss the signs of arthritis in cats and see if we can help your cat live a more comfortable life!
KS Veterinary Acupuncture 