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 veterinarian 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 poor quality of life.

Your cat does not need to be one of them, however! Routine veterinarian visits are an essential way to ensure your cat stays comfortable and happy as they begin to enter their senior years.

How do veterinarians diagnose arthritis?

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

If you know your cat well, you may be able spot the subtle signs of arthritis:

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

You might dismiss these changes as a normal part of aging. But your veterinarian will understand that these behaviours may point towards hidden arthritis and pain. Find out if your cat might need to see your veterinarian by taking our online-assessment.

The veterinarian 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. Sometimes your veterinarian may simply give your cat a course of pain relief. If the pain relief causes them to return to their old, energetic self, it’s likely that arthritis was holding them back before.

My cat has arthritis – now what?

Finding out 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 veterinarian 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, 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 veterinarian. It may be necessary to change the plan and adjust the treatment as time goes on.

Pain management is key to making your arthritic cat’s life better. 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 to 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 veterinarian.

If your cat is overweight, your veterinarian will probably recommend that they shed some of the excess. 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 veterinarian 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 veterinarian?

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

For an arthritic cat, veterinarian 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 veterinarian visits when you see how your cat’s life changes for the better.