Arthritis In Cats

Arthritis is extremely common in cats.

Arthritis in cats.

Arthritis is a painful condition that causes joints to become inflamed and stiff. Arthritis causes changes within the affected joints that are painful for the affected pet. It is common in older cats due to natural wear and tear on the joints. The word osteoarthritis is derived from several words in greek.

This inflammation of the joints occurs when there is damage to moveable bones and can be caused by many things including trauma infection or wear and tear. Cats can develop arthritis for a variety of reasons including aging obesity trauma and occasionally genetic or heritable conditions. It can be caused by injury infection the body s own immune system or developmental problems involving the joints. Arthritis occurs when the cartilage between bones deteriorates.

Until recently cats were thought to be unlikely to develop arthritis. Younger cats can develop arthritis if they have an injury or their joints haven t developed properly. Age weight health status and previous injuries play a big role in feline arthritis. The signs of feline arthritis are often subtle and difficult to spot even for the most dedicated of cat owners.

It can affect any joint in the body but is most common in the legs and spine. However the most common form of arthritis in cats is called osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. This makes joints less flexible causing stiffness and pain. This pain is responsible for many of the signs associated with arthritis in cats.

Causes of arthritis in cats arthritis occurs when the cartilage within the joint becomes damaged. More than 80 of cats over 10 years of age will have some degree of arthritis. Even younger cats under the right circumstances can suffer from arthritic changes. Arthritis is a joint problem that can reduce mobility and elicit pain.

An obese cat has a much harder time dealing with aging joints. Does your cat crouch awkwardly as if their joints are stiff. Most cats don t develop obvious signs of arthritis until they are at least 10 years old. Symptoms and pain relief webmd veterinary reference from the aspca arthritis also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease causes pain and inflammation in a cat s.

Arthritis in cats includes inflammation of the joints and sometimes a breakdown of cartilage that usually helps prevent bone on bone wear and tear. Osteo meaning bone arthro meaning joint and itis meaning inflammation cats with oa experience pain and inflammation in various joints that interfere with the activities of daily living.