An animal welfare charity has issued an alert to cat owners in a recent social media update. The message applies to anyone with a feline pet aged 12 or older, or to owners of cats who are soon approaching their golden years.
Cats Protection Shares Crucial Advice
Cats Protection shared the message in a Facebook post. The charity said: "Did you know that around 90% of cats aged over 12 years old will have some degree of arthritis detectable on X-rays? The pain of this can go unnoticed as cats are so good at hiding discomfort."
The charity urged owners to 'learn the signs' to support their pet as they age, to avoid as much suffering as possible, directing people to a webpage with vet-approved healthcare advice. On its website, Cats Protection explains that arthritis is a very painful condition that often goes unnoticed when owners assume their cat is slowing down with age.
Understanding Arthritis in Cats
The condition causes pain and inflammation that can make everyday movements more difficult. While there is no cure, the charity says it can often be managed, enabling your pet to live pain-free and remain reasonably active in their final years. Arthritis is more common in older animals, but it can affect young cats, too. Causes include infection, prior injury, or general joint wear and tear.
Cats Protection said: "Cats are very good at hiding the signs of arthritis. Unlike dogs, they’re unlikely to alert their owners to a problem by limping or becoming lame. The changes are often subtle and will gradually get worse with time as the joint deteriorates further. One or more joints may be affected at a time. The most common joints to be affected are elbows, hips, shoulders, and knees."
Recognizing the Symptoms
According to the charity, arthritis can affect mobility and behaviour. Symptoms may include swollen, enlarged or painful joints; difficulty grooming; increased stiffness; reduced mobility; and lameness. Typically, a vet will examine the cat to check how their joints move, and they may take X-rays and blood tests. Blood tests may be used to rule out infections, while X-rays enable vets to look for any changes in the joints.
Treatment and Management Options
Treatment options include medication and pain relief, joint supplements, acupuncture, and, in some cases, surgery. The charity says: "Arthritis itself isn’t life-threatening, and many cats live long, happy lives with the condition. But there may come a time when their pain becomes too severe despite treatment, or they can no longer manage daily activities." In these instances, a vet can help assess your cat’s quality of life.
