7 ways to spot if your cat’s arthritis is progressing

This is one of the most common cat arthritis symptoms. Try to observe your cat when they’re first getting up after sleeping, as the stiffness and limping typically become less noticeable once they start to move around and warm up.

If you’ve noticed your cat struggling to jump onto furniture or windowsills that they used to reach easily, stiffness and pain from arthritis might be to blame.

Cats spend a lot of time grooming, but if your cat has arthritis, they might find certain areas harder to reach.
Look out for patches of matted hair on their back or belly, as these spots need a lot of flexibility to reach. You might also notice dirty or scruffy patches on your cat’s face, since cleaning this area is also harder if your cat’s joints are sore or inflamed.

Pay attention to your cat’s typical silhouette and body condition, and try to notice if this changes. Arthritis can affect the joints in the spine which changes their alignment. This can lead to a hunched back shape.

If your cat seems irritable, hisses or tries to bite you when they’re being picked up or examined at the vet, this can be a sign of persistent joint pain.

There’s no cure for arthritis, but there are plenty of ways to make your cat more comfortable.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are typically the most effective and safest option. It is important not to use human products on pets, as paracetamol is incredibly toxic to cats. While some veterinary prescribed NSAIDs can be used long-term, your vet will need to monitor your cat’s kidney function to make sure they’re working normally.

Other arthritis relief for cats includes high-quality glucosamine and chondroitin supplements, which help protect cartilage: the flexible, connective tissue in joints.

Other options include pain-relieving injections that down-regulate the arthritic pain pathways in the body.

If you think your cat’s arthritis is getting worse but you’re not sure what to do next, ask your vet for advice. They’ll be able to check for signs of pain and recommend the best treatment plan. If you have cat insurance with Petplan, you can also use our Pet Expert Chat feature to discuss your concerns with vet professionals – simply log into your My Petplan account to access.

There are also practical steps you can take to keep your arthritic cat comfortable, including adapting your home by:

● Using non-slip rugs on tiled or laminate floors
● Raising your cat’s food and water bowls for easier access
● Switching to a senior cat food containing extra vitamins and minerals
● Providing litter trays with low sides, which are easier for your cat to climb into
● Brushing your cat regularly, paying attention to areas they find hard to reach
● Placing pet steps next to your cat’s favourite spots, such as windowsills and sofas
● Offering your cat lots of warm, soft places to sleep, such as a heated cat bed to help ease their discomfort

As arthritic cats typically move less than normal, it’s harder for them to burn off extra calories. However, it’s important to help your cat maintain a healthy weight, as any extra pounds will increase the strain on their joints.

If your arthritic cat is overweight, speak to your vet or an animal nutritionist for advice on how to change their diet, keep them active and help them stay as comfortable as possible.