Symptoms of Arthritis in Cats

Cats are born agile and not just agile, the word is 'extremely agile'. They are listed among the animals who have an athletic sense of lifestyle. However, cats, as agile they are, they are also prone to develop several ailments of the joints, ligaments and bones. These may result from accidental damage, and wear and tear of everyday life. However, these do not bother them much, thanks to their sense of using their limbs, and lightness. Also, cats' forelegs have no connection with the rest of their skeleton with bone ergo, they act as in-built shock absorbers. Because of these features, cats' health is not affected by most orthopedic problems.

What May Cause Cats to Contract Arthritis?

There are two common types of cat arthritis. They include one that is caused by an injury to a joint, and the other, osteoarthritis. The former type, as the name suggests, may be caused due to a fight with another cat, an awkward fall, accident, and the like. The later one, according to what experts comment, is the eventual result of a joint failure.

A case of arthritis that is caused due to an injury, is not considered to be a serious problem, as the symptoms begin to subside as the injury heals over time. However, if something like a car accident is behind the development of the condition, then surgery may be required to fix the problem, as there are chances of fractures to the bones within the joint.

As far as the condition of osteoarthritis is concerned, it is an issue far greater than an injury. However, it does depend upon the underlying cause of the condition and its severity. An important point to take a note of is that, obese cats are more vulnerable to suffer from severe symptoms, than those who aren't.

How to Identify Symptoms of Arthritis in Felines?

As I said, cats are born agile and when your cat stops displaying its agility, that means something is bothering it. Reduced motion is one of the most important indications of feline arthritis. You may notice that your pet may begin to avoid taking the stairs and take short hops, and move more slowly than before. To put it differently, your pet may stop doing all its jumping, climbing, running, scratching stuffs, when it is affected by arthritis.

Another pronounced symptoms of the condition is limping. Initially, it may get ignored, as it is not so prominent. However, with time, the limping may get worse. Try to notice your cat's walk after it has rested, especially in the morning. It may limp more during these times. However, after it has moved about for a few minutes or so, the limping would wear off, as activity reduces the stiffness in the limbs. During colder months, the limping may get worse than ever.

It may sound strange but arthritis may also manifest itself into certain psychological changes in your cat's behavior. Your pet may avoid getting petted, touched, stroked or brushed, and may exhibit an irritable behavior than normal. Mood changes such as these, are common indications of cats showing that they are not feeling well.

Sleeping more than usual and being lethargic all the time are some more symptoms to be watched out for. Poor feeding, decreased activity, and lacking interest in their favorite toy, are also some good indications of arthritis in felines.

Treatment involves anti-inflammatory medications, some healthy changes in the diet, and attention to exercise. When all these conservative treatment plan fail, surgery comes in handy, especially for osteoarthritis. Note that this article does not serve to be a replacement for a visit to a veterinarian. It is only for making you aware of the symptoms, which may bother your pet when it is ill, so that you take the right measures.