The Silent Ache: Osteoarthritis

By Dr. Jessica Vogelsang

Did you know cats can be affected by the symptoms of arthritis? Several studies put the incidence of arthritic changes in cats over 10 years of age at a staggering 90 percent.

While any cat can be affected, older cats and those that are obese are the ones most commonly diagnosed. The signs are often subtle and easy to miss if you aren’t looking for them:

• Changes in activity level
• Changes in behavior (e.g., cat seems more irritable or more needy)
• Reluctance to jump onto counters and ledges
• Difficulty getting into the litter box, leading to accidents in the house

Once diagnosed by a veterinarian, there are many ways to help your cat feel better. Weight loss, prescription diets, nutritional supplements, acupuncture and prescription medications can all be used as part of a multipronged approach to managing the symptoms.