Is your cat over the age of seven? If so, you’ll want to have Fluffy checked for arthritis. This is a very common condition in older kitties, affecting as many as nine out of ten furballs over age ten. Osteoarthritis can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet, weight, medical history, and body composition. While it cannot be cured, there are ways to manage it. An Ellicott City, MD veterinarian discusses feline arthritis below.

Symptoms

Arthritis can be difficult to spot in cats, especially given that Fluffy spends roughly 99 percent of her time snoozing. Pay close attention to your furball, and watch for subtle warnings, such as trouble jumping. Kitties with arthritis may also limp, move stiffly, and/or have trouble getting up and down. Crankiness, understandably, can also be a factor. These things may be more pronounced in cold, damp weather.

Treatments

Arthritis can’t be cured, but there are options that can reduce your furry pal’s pain and make her feel better. Your vet may recommend non-steroid anti-inflammatory medications, or NSAIDS. There are also medications available that can help reduce your pet’s pain and increase her range of motion. Injectable joint protectants are one option. With these, your furry friend would be given injections of glycosaminoglycans regularly, probably about once a month. Cold laser therapy can also be very helpful. This may be particularly appealing for those whose kitties are sensitive to or unable to take certain medications, as it is non-invasive and does not require drugs or surgery. Ask your vet for more information.

Home Care

Good home care will go a long way here. Make sure your feline friend has lots of warm, comfy spots to snuggle up in. Fluffy may appreciate a thermal bed in cold weather. Another thing that can help is having pet ramps or stairs to help her get onto beds and couches or to reach her favorite squirrel-watching perch. If you have a multi-story home, set things up so your kitty doesn’t have to use the stairs much. Put Fluffy’s food, water, and litterbox on the main floor, and keep extra litterboxes and water bowls on the other levels. Your kitty may also appreciate being gently groomed and/or even massaged. Ask your vet for specific care tips.

Do you know or suspect that your pet has arthritis? Contact us, your Ellicott City, MD animal clinic, today!