The Importance of Routine Vet Visits for Cats with Arthritis

But for cats with arthritis - a painful joint condition - regular health checks may be just what the doctor ordered. Making sure your cat gets the pain relief and care they need from the vet will make all the difference to their quality of life.  

Arthritis and cats

You may be shocked to learn that nearly 40% of all cats show signs of arthritis^1,2,3 and that the condition affects over 90% of cats over the age of twelve⁴. Many cats suffer in silence, as cats are so good at hiding their pain. The sad fact is that arthritic cats often go undiagnosed, meaning they must learn to live with constant pain and a diminished quality of life.

Your cat does not need to be one of them! Routine vet visits are an essential way to ensure your cat stays comfortable and happy as they begin to enter their senior years - from 7 years of age onwards.

How do vets diagnose arthritis?

Cats are masters at hiding pain, especially in the vet’s consulting room. Since your cat can’t tell the vet how they have been feeling, you will need to mention any changes in their personality and behaviour.

Take note of the following signs of arthritis, so you can share these with your vet: 

• Gradually becoming less active
• Difficulty jumping up or down
• Difficulty climbing up or down stairs
• Less willing to play
• Hiding more

Find out if your cat might need to see your vet by taking our online-assessment.

Your vet will observe the way your cat moves around, and they may gently handle their joints to check for any discomfort. X-rays, if needed, will usually confirm that your cat has arthritis. In many cases, your vet will prescribe a short course of pain relief medication. If your cat becomes more active and playful while receiving pain medication, it's another useful sign in diagnosing arthritis pain.

My cat has arthritis – now what?

Finding out that your cat has arthritis can be upsetting, but you should feel proud that you have taken this first step. Your cat is on the right track towards getting the care they need.

You and your vet will want to make a plan for your cat’s treatment. Arthritis cannot be cured, but it can be managed. It’s important to remember that arthritis will get worse over time, and that your cat’s needs may change, and so might yours. That’s why it’s so important to stay in regular contact with your vet. It may be necessary to change the plan and adjust the treatment as time goes on.

Pain management is key to improving your arthritic cat's quality of life. It’s about finding the right type of pain relief to help your cat, as well as finding medication that is easy for you to give them. Making your cat miserable by forcing them to take their daily dose of pain medicine is not what we’re after! Fortunately, there are different types of pain relief to consider - from liquid medication that can be easily disguised in food, to long-lasting injections given by your vet.

If your cat is overweight, your vet will recommend a weight management plan to help reduce their weight. This will help their joints by giving them less weight to carry. Planning and monitoring your cat’s weight loss is another reason why regular vet visits can help cats with arthritis. Food puzzles are a great way to make your cat’s feeding time more interesting and can help with weight control and improving satiety.

How often should arthritic cats see a vet?

A cat with arthritis should see the vet at least twice a year for check-ups. If the arthritis is especially painful, the vet may want to see them more often to adjust their medication or treatment plan.

For an arthritic cat, vet visits are essential for monitoring pain, adjusting treatment and improving mobility. All this will ultimately improve their health and quality of life. And you’ll be happy you made those vet visits when you see how your cat’s life changes for the better.