[Veterinarian Explains] Feline Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatment Guide

Arthritis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the joints, and among the various forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis is particularly common in cats. While osteoarthritis is frequently seen in senior cats aged 12 and older, it is also a condition that is easily overlooked and dismissed as simply "slowing down due to old age."

In this article, we will provide a detailed explanation of osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis in cats.

What is Feline Arthritis?

Most cases of feline arthritis are actually osteoarthritis. Joints, located between bones, contain cartilage and synovial fluid that act as cushions. When this protective cartilage is subjected to excessive stress, it can become deformed, leading to osteoarthritis.

Although osteoarthritis is considered common in senior cats over 12, 90% of cats over the age of one are affected by osteoarthritis, and even one-year-old cats can sometimes show symptoms of arthritis.

Causes of arthritis include aging, obesity, excessive exercise, trauma, genetics, and recurring joint dislocations or subluxations.

In terms of hereditary osteoarthritis, Scottish Folds can develop arthritis as a result of osteochondrodysplasia. Osteochondrodysplasia in Scottish Folds is an abnormality in the proteins that form joints and is seen in the folded-ear variety of the breed.

It is caused by a genetic mutation, and any cat possessing this gene will inevitably develop the condition. If either parent carries this genetic anomaly, there is a 50% chance that any kittens born will be affected. Bony growths called exostoses form on the joints, causing pain and restricted mobility. Because the cartilage is constantly irritated by the abnormal joint structure, these cats are more prone to developing osteoarthritis.

Symptoms of Arthritis

Behavioral Changes Due to Arthritis

Cats with osteoarthritis tend to move less because their joints are painful. It is common to see them stop playing, stop climbing cat trees, or hesitate before jumping. Because the pain prevents them from scratching, their nails can grow thick and long, eventually piercing their paw pads. They may also struggle to groom themselves, leading to a poorer coat quality. Additionally, because it is painful to lower their neck to eat or drink, they may experience a decrease in appetite or water intake. They may also have accidents outside the litter box because they cannot manage the step into the box.

Currently, many owners dismiss these symptoms as an inevitable part of aging, which often results in them not seeking veterinary care.

Tips for Not Missing Signs of Pain

Osteoarthritis usually does not cause a noticeable limp unless the condition is severe. The first symptoms you might notice include a vague sense of slowed movement, a lack of playfulness, hesitation when jumping, or difficulty climbing down from high places. Some cases are diagnosed after owners report that the cat has started sleeping for longer periods. If your cat can no longer do things they used to do easily, it might be a symptom of osteoarthritis.

Changes in nails and coat luster are also symptoms of osteoarthritis. Pay attention to subtle changes, such as difficulty trimming their nails, nails that are harder to cut, or a coarse, unkempt coat.

Causes and Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis

Causes of Osteoarthritis

The causes of osteoarthritis can be broadly divided into hereditary factors, lifestyle habits, and injuries.

Hereditary causes include arthritis triggered by osteochondrodysplasia, commonly seen in Scottish Folds.

Arthritis caused by lifestyle habits includes obesity, aging, and excessive exercise; this is likely the most common category.

Causes related to trauma include chronic inflammation resulting from past injuries or dislocations, which lead to osteoarthritis.

Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis

If osteoarthritis is suspected, a veterinarian will conduct a medical interview, a physical examination, and an assessment of the cat's gait. Since many cats move very little in a hospital setting, we often ask owners to bring videos of their cat moving or jumping at home.

Osteoarthritis is diagnosed via X-rays. We look for joint deformities and bone spurs, known as osteophytes, on the radiographs. Osteoarthritis can affect not only the joints of the limbs but also the spine (spondylosis deformans), in which case we look for bone spurs between the vertebrae.

In cases of hereditary osteochondrodysplasia, genetic testing may also be performed.

Treatment for Osteoarthritis

Treatment for osteoarthritis is built on three pillars: medication, environmental management, and weight control.

Medication

Because osteoarthritis causes pain, anti-inflammatory analgesics are used to manage it. These can be administered via injection or oral medication; some injections are effective for a full month. Although these injections are expensive, they are highly effective for osteoarthritis, and an increasing number of owners are opting for them. While traditional oral anti-inflammatory drugs are still commonly used, they may cause kidney issues and are not suitable for long-term use. Other treatments may include the use of supplements with analgesic properties.

Environmental Management

Cats with osteoarthritis have limited mobility due to pain, and forcing them to move can worsen their condition. You need to adapt your home environment to their needs.

Use non-slip mats on the floors where your cat spends time. Providing ramps can also be helpful, as climbing over obstacles becomes difficult. If they find it hard to get into the litter box, change to one with a lower entrance.

Because lowering their neck to eat or drink can become painful, try using an elevated feeding station. There are commercially available food stands with adjustable height and angle.

High places like cat trees become difficult to climb, and there is a risk of injury if they fall. We recommend removing them beforehand.

Because they may be reluctant to move, their food and water intake might decrease. Keep their food, water, and litter box within their primary living space.

Weight Control

Obesity places significant stress on a cat's joints and triggers osteoarthritis. If your cat is over their ideal weight, they need to lose weight. Start by reviewing their food intake. If they are consuming more calories than they burn, they will gain weight. You must reduce their food intake slightly. However, never put a cat on a strict fast, as this puts immense stress on the liver. A good goal for weight loss is about 2% body weight loss per week, which is gentle on their system.

Cats with osteoarthritis have trouble moving due to pain, and forced exercise might worsen their condition, so please do not try to induce weight loss by forcing them to play.

Preventing Osteoarthritis

Manage Weight from a Young Age

Obesity causes osteoarthritis. Trying to diet after significant weight gain is time-consuming and can be disheartening for both the owner and the cat. Cats often gain weight after spaying or neutering. In some cases, osteoarthritis can appear as early as one year of age. After surgery, switch to a food specifically for spayed/neutered cats and manage portions to prevent weight gain. If they do become overweight, a prescription diet for weight loss may be necessary.

Extreme diets not only lead to rebounding but are also physically taxing. We recommend working on a weight loss program under the guidance of a veterinarian.

Consider Supplements

There are various supplements on the market, some with analgesic effects and others with antioxidant properties. Veterinary hospitals carry supplements that are proven to be effective for arthritis. These are useful not only for cats with joint injuries or osteochondrodysplasia but for others as well. Some supplements are also known to provide anti-aging benefits and protect kidney function.

Unlike those prescribed at a clinic, some over-the-counter supplements may lack efficacy. We recommend seeking advice from your veterinarian before making a purchase. Please note that not all clinics carry these supplements, so it is important to discuss your options with your vet.

Get Regular Health Screenings

Osteoarthritis is a common disease in senior cats. They aren't just moving less because they are old; they may be immobile due to pain. Many veterinary hospitals offer health screening courses specifically for senior cats. Some even include X-rays of the joints in addition to the chest and abdomen to check for osteoarthritis.

For cats over 7 years old, we recommend receiving health screenings twice a year to facilitate early detection of disease.

Summary

Unless symptoms are very severe, it can be difficult for owners to notice feline osteoarthritis. Your cat moving less might be due to joint pain. Instead of dismissing it as just "old age," please have your veterinarian check the condition of your cat's joints.