Osteoarthritis in Cats-UPDATE!

 

Does your back hurt when you bend over to pick something up?
Does your shoulder hurt when you brush your hair or reach for something on a high shelf?
Do your hips hurt? Do your fingers hurt? Does a wrist hurt?
I could go on, but you get the picture.

As a sufferer of osteoarthritis myself, I know that it can be painful.  What's worse is that others may not understand the pain you are in because it is not visible to them.

It's not like you can show someone a cast to let them know you have a broken bone.  You can't show them a scar that lets them know you just had a surgery.

But let's talk about osteoarthritis in felines.  It's even more tricky for people to know when cats have it.

First, what is it?  It's a type of condition where normal cartilage that cushions a joint wears away. This could be caused by inflammation, injury or simply "wear and tear" due to the aging process.  This can create pain by producing a bone on bone situation.  Not cool.

It's common to hear that a dog has arthritis but you don't hear it that often regarding cats.  There's a reason for that.  Cats are amazingly good at hiding their discomfort. This comes from their natural survival skills.  They can't appear weak in case they are being stalked by a predator.

 

I have been watching Fanny for a while now and I think she may have arthritis.  I can't be certain but as I gather more observations I will be certain to convey my suspicions to our Vet.  Fanny is going to be 17 years old soon so I would not be surprised if she is having some age related pain.

My observations:  

1) She is not as active as she used to be.
2) She does not liked to be picked up.
3) She doesn't jump up on things.
4) She "asks" to be lifted up onto the bed
5) She looks for an easy way to get down from the bed. (I leave a chair nearby if I leave the bedroom)
6) She walks stiffly (her hips) when waking up from naps.

Things that she still does well:

1) She is still grooming herself. 
2) She has not lost weight.
3) Appetite is good.
4) She is able to get in and out of litter box.

I know this is a gross photo but it's important to note that osteoarthritis may also affect a cat's ability to clean themselves after using the litter box.  It can be hard for them to reach.  This is especially important since licking their butt helps prevent urinary tract infections, etc.

Now the troubling part.  There are minimal drug treatments for cats.  So talk to your Vet for options.  

BUT... in the meantime...there are things that you can do to make your furry friend more comfortable.
>soft bedding
>weight loss, if needed
>raised dishes for food and water
>litter pans with low sides for easy entering and exiting
>gentle exercise
>steps or other means for them to get on/off that high bed

So be sure to observe your cat. Tell your Vet if you feel something is off.  Your cat may not let on that anything is wrong while at the Vet's office.  I read an article once that mentioned taking a video of your cat's behavior that concerns you because you may never be able to replicate that behavior at the office.  Good tip!

Thanks for checking in with us.  Please take time to comment and share.  Would love to hear about your experiences.

UPDATE:

Here is an easy way to provide your cat or small dog with steps to get up on a high bed.  I filled old boxes with old grocery bags (you can use anything as long as you make the box sturdy). One larger than the other to create steps.  I then covered each box with stretchy shelf liner to keep them from slipping on the floor and also provide good footing for the animal.
I still have to cover the ugly boxes but it still saved me a lot of money on "pet stairs".....even at Amazon prices

* https://icatcare.org/advice/arthritis-and-degenerative-joint-disease-in-cats/

*https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/osteoarthritis-cats-more-common-you-think