What Every Pet Parent Needs to Know About Cat Arthritis

image of old cat with arthritis

Is Your Cat Hiding Their Pain?

Did you know that arthritis is the number one cause of chronic pain in cats? Research shows that nearly 90% of cats show signs of arthritis on X-rays, and almost half of these cats experience pain and trouble moving around. Yet, fewer than 10% are actually receiving treatment.

At Dunedin Animal Medical Center (DAMC), we’re dedicated to enhancing the health and comfort of every pet. If your cat seems less active or is showing signs of discomfort, we want to help you get to the root of the problem.

Not Just an Old Cat Problem

Many people think arthritis only affects senior cats, but it can start as early as two years old. The pain your cat feels isn’t just “slowing down with age” – it’s a manageable medical condition.

How Arthritis Pain Works

There are different kinds of pain caused by arthritis:

  • Inflammatory Pain: Caused by swelling in the joints.
  • Neuropathic Pain: Triggered by nerve damage.
  • Functional Pain: When the nervous system isn’t working properly.

Cats are experts at hiding pain, so symptoms can go unnoticed. Early screening is essential.

Signs Your Cat Might Be in Pain

Watch for these signs:

  • Avoiding or hesitating when jumping
  • Difficulty with stairs
  • Less interest in play
  • Trouble with the litter box
  • Changes in grooming
  • Increased hiding or changes in mood

What You Can Do

Use a simple arthritis checklist before your next visit to DAMC. This helps us catch problems early and offer the best care for your cat.

We may also recommend:

  • A full physical exam
  • Imaging like X-rays
  • Home video observations
  • Questionnaires about your cat’s daily behavior

High-tech tools like pet activity trackers can also help us monitor changes in your cat’s movement.

Why Early Detection Matters

Getting ahead of arthritis means more comfort, better mobility, and a happier life for your cat. Our customized treatment plans at DAMC are designed to reduce pain and improve quality of life.

If your cat shows any signs of discomfort, don’t wait. Contact Dunedin Animal Medical Center today. We’re here to ensure every purr comes from a place of comfort.

Let’s keep your cat thriving, together.