Does My Cat Have Arthritis? 13 Signs and Symptoms

Arthritis in cats can be generally referred to as osteoarthritis. It is a degenerative situation of the joints that’s usually related with ageing and impacts as much as 90 p.c of cats over 12 years old. In wholesome joints, there’s a layer of tissue referred to as cartilage that cushions the area between the bones in order that they’ll transfer easily throughout one another. When cats have arthritis, the cartilage has damaged down in order that the bones rub collectively. In extreme instances, they even splinter forming sharp projections. Arthritis can happen within the backbone, knees, elbows, and hips – in truth, any joint can develop arthritis. As the illness will get worse, affected the joint turns into swollen, infected, and painful. It’s essential that you’ll be able to acknowledge the indicators and signs of arthritis so that you could get a analysis and acceptable veterinary remedy on your cat.

1. Limping and Stiffness

Cats with arthritis usually begin limping or appear to favor one leg once they walk. There are loads of different causes of limping in cats starting from ligament damage to a overseas object of their paw. Therefore, it’s essential to not leap to conclusions. Also, research have proven that lower than half of cats with arthritis truly limp. However, in case your cat limps most once they rise up from resting however appears to get higher as they transfer round, this could be a signal of arthritis.

2. Difficulty Jumping

Many cats prefer to spend their time perching in excessive locations. It makes them really feel protected and so they can get a very good view of what’s going on beneath. If your cat has stopped making an attempt to access excessive locations in your home or appears to have issue leaping, this could be a signal of joint points. You might spot your cat hesitating earlier than they leap up or down or they might begin to choose vantage factors that aren’t as excessive as earlier than. Studies have proven that three-quarters of cats with arthritis don’t wish to leap in any respect and two-thirds leap shorter distances than earlier than.

3. Changes in Gait and Posture

Gait is the time period used to explain a method of walking. Have you observed that your cat is walking unusually even when they don’t seem to be truly limping? This along with a unique sitting position can point out that your cat is in discomfort once they attempt to transfer their joints. The commonest joints to develop osteoarthritis in cats are the elbows and hips which have an effect on the best way that your cat walks.

4. Changes in Shape

Some cats with arthritis of the backbone undertake a hunched posture. Arthritis adjustments the alignment of the bones within the backbone (vertebrae) which provides it a curved form. It is frequent for the spine and the sternum to be affected by arthritis in cats. You might discover that your cat is hunched over when they’re sitting or walking.

5. Lethargy and Changes in Mood

Cats in ache can react in several methods. You might discover that your cat is resting and sleeping extra (being torpid) and spends much less time enjoying. They might choose to cover away and keep away from contact with you. Some are irritable and keep away from being touched – they might even point out this by growling at you and even making an attempt to chunk you for those who attempt to stroke them. Some cats with arthritis vocalize (meow and growl) greater than earlier than.

6. Reluctance to Go Outdoors

Having painful joints could make your cat really feel much less captivated with going outdoors. The outdoors setting is for exploring, searching, and enjoying and cats with arthritis discover it troublesome to do all of this stuff. Therefore, chances are you’ll discover that your cat prefers to remain indoors far more than earlier than.

7. Lack of Grooming and Matted Fur

Cats are often superb at taking care of their coats. If you may have observed that your cat’s coat is starting to look much less cared for, it might point out arthritis. Most usually, you’ll discover matted hair in your cat’s again, stomach, and base of their tail. This is as a result of these are areas that require flexibility to groom. If your cat can’t rotate their neck, they’ll’t groom these elements of their physique. Even washing their face requires a certain quantity of flexibility.

8. Overgrown Claws

Most of the time, cats maintain their claws quick by scratching. Outside, they might scratch tree bark, and inside they use scratching posts or furnishings. Cats with arthritis might discover this painful and can keep away from doing it. Soon, you’ll discover that their nails have grow to be overgrown and chances are you’ll have to clip them your self.

9. Swollen Joints

Some indicators are associated to the joints themselves. If you’re feeling round their joints, chances are you’ll discover that they’re thickened and swollen. However, it’s best to not palpate them your self as a result of this will trigger your cat plenty of ache. It is greatest achieved by a certified vet. Arthritic joints also can make a clicking sound when they’re shifting. This known as crepitus.

10. Loss of Fur Around Joints

When a specific a part of the physique is hurting, a cat’s response is usually to lick it to attempt to make it really feel higher. Therefore, a cat with painful joints might overgroom that a part of their physique. You might discover hair loss (alopecia) across the joints and the pores and skin might look sore from a lot licking. The fur within the space across the joints can also be stained.

11. Litter Tray Avoidance

For cats with painful joints, climbing out and in of the litter tray could be a problem. Cats which have at all times used the litter tray with no downside might immediately begin pooping and peeing in several areas of the home. All cats can have the odd accident but when that is occurring often it must be investigated. Other cats should still attempt to get into the litter tray however chances are you’ll discover that they wrestle to take action.

12. Weight Loss

Any weight reduction in cats must be investigated by a vet. They can rule out critical well being circumstances and run the required checks to search out out what’s inflicting it. Loss of urge for food and weight reduction might be brought on by arthritis. In common, cats tolerate bone and joint issues higher than dogs as a result of they’re smaller and extra agile. They additionally cover their ache however weight reduction could also be one of many ways in which they present that one thing shouldn’t be proper.

13. Weight Gain

Weight acquire will also be an indication of arthritis in cats. If your cat is consuming an identical quantity as earlier than however is shifting round much less, it’s no shock that they’re placing on weight. Unfortunately, extra weight additionally aggravates arthritis in cats. It places extra pressure on the joints and makes them much more infected and painful. Some cats with arthritis have to be placed on a particular weight loss plan to regulate their weight.

Summary of the 13 Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis in Cats

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