🐾 Arthritis in Cats
❓ What Is Arthritis?
🐾 Arthritis, osteoarthritis, and degenerative joint disease (DJD) all refer to joint inflammation.
🐾 Most cases are related to aging, though injury or infection may also be involved.
🐾 The shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee joints are most often affected—but any joint, including the spine, can be involved.
🐾 Obesity increases the risk by placing additional strain on joints.
🐾 Arthritis is progressive; most geriatric cats will develop some degree of joint discomfort as they age.
🩺 Signs Your Cat May Have Arthritis
🐾 Stiffness, limping, or favoring a limb—especially after rest
🐾 Altered gait (changes in how your cat walks)
🐾 Muscle atrophy (muscle loss) in the affected limb
🐾 Difficulty rising from a lying position
🐾 Reluctance or inability to jump or use stairs
💊 Treatment Recommendations
🐾 While not life threatening, arthritis can impact your cat’s comfort and mobility. Fortunately, there are several treatment options to improve quality of life:
1. Omega-3 fatty acids – Help decrease inflammation in the joints and throughout the body
2. Dasuquin – A joint supplement that helps maintain cartilage health
3. Gabapentin or Galliprant – Medications for pain and inflammation relief
4. Solensia – A monthly injection administered at the veterinary office for managing moderate to severe arthritis
🏠 Helping Your Cat at Home
🐾 You can make small adjustments around your home to help your arthritic cat live more comfortably:
• Keep food and water dishes easily accessible—avoid requiring jumps or stairs
• Use large, low-entry litter boxes in the areas your cat frequents most
• Avoid placing the litter box in hard-to-reach areas like basements
• Add pet ramps or stairs to help your cat reach favorite spots
• Provide cozy, supportive bedding in warm, draft-free locations
Have questions about your cat’s mobility or arthritis treatment options?
We’re here to help—contact our feline-focused team:
📞 610-398-3556