An animal welfare organisation has issued a warning to cat owners about the hidden risks of arthritis in older felines. Cats Protection, via a Facebook post, highlighted that around 90% of cats aged 12 and over show signs of arthritis on X-rays, yet the condition often goes unnoticed due to cats' ability to hide discomfort.
The charity urged owners to 'learn the signs' to support their pets through ageing and minimise suffering. Arthritis, a painful condition causing inflammation and mobility challenges, can be managed but not cured. While common in older cats, it can also affect younger ones due to infection, injury, or joint deterioration.
Cats Protection noted that unlike dogs, cats rarely limp or show obvious lameness. Symptoms include swollen joints, difficulty grooming, stiffness, reduced mobility, and lameness. Diagnosis typically involves a vet examining joint movement, X-rays, and blood tests to rule out infections.
Treatment options include anti-inflammatory medication, joint supplements, acupuncture, and sometimes surgery. Owners are warned never to give human medicine, which can be fatal. The charity advises that while arthritis is not life-threatening, severe pain may require assessing quality of life with a vet.
