Osteoarthritis in cats
Due to increasing knowledge and tools of modern veterinary medicine, our pets are living longer and hence we are seeing more cases of osteoarthritis. Pain from osteoarthritis is well documented in human beings and dogs. Cats do not show pain as cats are masters at hiding illnesses and/or pain. Cats do not limp or cry like some dogs do when they are in pain.
The following symptoms may be all you will see in a cat that is suffering from arthritic pain:
- Reluctance to jump – you may see your cat looking at his/her favourite perch but then just walks away
- Reluctance to go up and down stairs, they may just sit at foot of stairs and vocalize
- Not playing as much
- Hiding – in an older cat, this could be mistaken for “slowing down” due to age
- Getting grumpy when being picked up or groomed – vocalizing (loud meowing), growling, hissing or biting
- Appearing more unkempt as it is painful for them to turn around and groom themselves – this can manifest as knots in hair coat, lack of lustre in coat
- Decrease in appetite
If you see one or more of the above in your feline companion, he/she may be suffering from osteoarthritis. There are multiple ways we can try and help your cats live through their old age comfortably so please do not hesitate to book a consultation with one of our vets if you are unsure.
