Every young veterinarian learns this mantra in vet school: “Cats are not small dogs!”
This is certainly the case for cats with arthritis, more appropriately called osteoarthritis (OA) or degenerative joint disease (DJD).
As I mentioned in my last article, most arthritis in dogs is secondary DJD, caused by congenital abnormalities such as hip or elbow dysplasia, joint trauma, or ligament injury.
Primary DJD, caused by wear and tear on joints over time, is much less common in dogs.
However, in cats, this is the most common form of arthritis.
What this means is that most cats will eventually develop arthritis as they age; as many as 90% of cats older than 12 years of age have radiographic (x-ray) evidence of DJD.
The most common locations identified in one study were the spine, followed by elbows and hips.
What are the signs of arthritis in cats?
Cats, like dogs, don’t cry or whimper with pain when they develop arthritis.
You may notice that they are reluctant to jump vertically or as high as they might have when they were younger. They may jump sequentially to achieve vertical height, such as to a chair, then the counter.
When climbing stairs, they will often take stairs one at a time, resting between the steps.
They may groom less, developing more matting in their fur, and an unkempt look. They play and hunt less, preferring to rest or sleep to avoid painful movement.
They may be grumpier during handling, and seek less attention from their owners.
As arthritis progresses, you may even notice changes in litter box habits, such as urinating or defecating outside the box so as not to have to climb into the box itself.
If the box is in a secluded location, or on a second story, the cat may choose to use a carpet or bathmat that is closer.
Like dogs, the clinical symptoms may wax and wane, with some days or weeks being worse than others.
What are the signs of arthritis in cats?
Osteoarthritis may be suspected by your veterinarian during a physical exam. He or she will watch your cat move around the exam room (if they are brave enough to do so!) and palpate their joints and assess the range of motion of their joints.
A definitive diagnosis must be made with x-rays, but the degree of joint disease noted on radiographs does not always correlate with the severity of symptoms in real life.
Treatment
There is no cure for arthritis, but the effects can be mitigated.
Treatment for osteoarthritis in cats is aimed at reducing pain and inflammation, improving mobility and desire to exercise, and slowing the progression of disease.
Lean body condition, as opposed to carrying around extra weight (I’m looking at you, Garfield!), is an important way to reduce the effects of arthritis.
Switching to a lower-calorie diet, increasing wet food and decreasing calorie-rich dry food, and gently increasing exercise are all ways you can get the extra weight off your feline friends.
Pain medications, such as non-steroidal-anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) can be used. Unfortunately, very few NSAIDs are licensed for use in the cat, due to the potential for organ injury in the cat.
Some medications, such as Tylenol, are extremely toxic to cats.
If your veterinarian suspects that your cat will benefit from NSAIDs, they can use one of several that have better safety margins. Never give your cat any medications from your own (or your dog’s) medicine cabinet.
Joint supplements can help promote joint health, just as they do in dogs and humans. Glucosamine and chondroitin are chondroprotective agents that promote joint fluid formation and protect the cartilage.
Omega-3 fatty acids, EPAs and DHAs in the form of cold water fish oils are antioxidants that reduce inflammation in the joints and may allow for reduction of NSAID pain medications.
Studies have shown that cats receiving supplemental EPAs and DHAs have increased movement, less stiffness, and higher jumping ability.
Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan, or Adequan, is also a chondroprotective agent that works by increase the joint fluid viscosity and reduces inflammation. It is given as injection, and can be done by owners at home.
Solensia (Frunevetmab) is an exciting new addition to our arthritis treatment toolkit. It is a monoclonal antibody (more specifically, an antinerve growth factor) given as an injection once monthly at your vet’s office.
It is currently the only FDA approved treatment for OA in cats, and the preliminary results are very promising. In one study, 77% of cat owners reported reduction of pain and improved mobility, even after just one dose.
Alternative treatments can also be considered, including acupuncture, physical therapy, laser therapy, and many other modalities.
The old vet school mantra that cats are not small dogs is true. However, like dogs, they are beloved members of the family and preserving their quality of life is crucial.
Pay close attention to the movement and habits of your cat especially as they age. If you notice any signs of slowing down, talk to your veterinarian whether this might be due to arthritis.
Your kitty will thank you!
For more information, see the following resources:
— Solensia