Did you know that 60% of cats over the age of 6 suffer from mobility issues, particularly osteoarthritis? And that this figure rises to 90% for felines over 12? These statistics may come as a surprise—this is because cats show very few signs of osteoarthritis-related pain. So how can you tell if your cat is suffering from joint problems?
A Cat, a Small Dog?
As you might guess, the answer is no! Cats are quite different from our canine friends, and they show it once again in how they express pain related to osteoarthritis. In cats, joint pain doesn’t necessarily mean a change in gait: a study of 100 cats over 12 years old found that only 4% of them limped! Instead, they tend to show this pain by being less active, avoiding petting, or even becoming outright aggressive. In some cases—and at an advanced stage—grooming becomes too difficult, which can lead to skin issues.
Soothing Your Cat
Managing osteoarthritis in cats is generally similar to that in dogs. It is based on the same 4 pillars:
- Weight Management
Beyond just stepping on the scale, it’s worth assessing your cat’s Body Condition Score. You can easily do this at home. Find all the details in our e-mag dedicated to overweight issues. If needed, your vet can help rebalance your four-legged friend’s diet—by adjusting their food and even changing how they eat! It’s important to split meals and slow down eating speed. They may even recommend a device that turns mealtime into playtime for your cat.
- Managing Your Workout
To preserve muscle mass and maintain good mobility, it’s essential to ensure your cat gets regular physical activity—even during arthritis flare-ups. Does this seem challenging? Small steps can make a difference: encourage them to forage for food (by scattering small amounts of kibble in different spots or using a puzzle feeder), or place their food and litter areas farther from their resting spot. Once the pain subsides, you can play together again and gradually increase their activity.
- Medication Management
The options are the same as for dogs: in case of a flare-up, your vet will prescribe anti-inflammatories and pain relief. Chondroprotective agents and supplements, such as essential fatty acids EPA and DHA or herbal-based products, support joint health. Ask your vet for advice.
- Non-Pharmacological Management:
Contrary to popular belief, physiotherapy—or any other method—can help relieve your cat! Some even enjoy a good hydrotherapy session. So don’t rule out these practices—you might be pleasantly surprised.
Ask your vet for advice—they can guide you and give you the best tips to help your cat feel better!
Sources:
Radiographic Evidence of Degenerative Joint Disease in Geriatric Cats: 100 Cases: This study published in the *Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association* aimed to determine the prevalence of radiographic signs of degenerative joint disease in cats over 12 years of age.
