But maybe you’ve noticed that your cat has become less adventurous lately.
Are they spending more time resting or sleeping, not quite jumping or playing like they used to, or do they seem a bit more grumpy?
This change in behaviour may have you questioning why – and rightly so, as it could be signs of arthritis pain.
Arthritis affects up to 40% of cats globally1, but it can be hard to spot the signs as cats are naturally good at hiding pain.
It’s not just older cats that are at risk - 61% of cats 6 years and older show signs of arthritis in at least one joint2.
You know your cat better than anyone and can recognise when things have changed. The signs of arthritis pain can be both physical and behavioural and our simple online assessment will help you determine whether your cat might benefit from a vet visit for diagnosis and treatment. All you need to do is answer a few questions and then we'll send you a checklist that can help you have an informed chat with your vet.
Many cat owners aren't aware that arthritis pain could be a problem in their cat. The symptoms can be quite subtle at first or attributed to old age and can be caused by other factors such as diet or environment. If you haven't already had the condition diagnosed by your vet, here are the things you should be looking out for:
If your cat has already been diagnosed with arthritis then you should continue to monitor their progress. Pain management is advancing all the time and your vet will be able to recommend the best course of action available.
1. Enomoto M, Mantyh PW, Murrell J, Innes JF, Lascelles BDX. Anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibodies for the control of pain in dogs and cats. Vet Rec. 2019 Jan 5;184(1):23. doi: 10.1136/vr.104590. Epub 2018 Oct 27.
2. Slingerland LI et al, Cross-sectional study of the prevalence and clinical features of osteoarthritis in 100 cats, Vet J. 2011 Mar;187(3):304-9