Arthritis In Cats

An obese cat has a much harder time dealing with aging joints.

Arthritis in cats.

It can be caused by injury infection the body s own immune system or developmental problems involving the joints. The word osteoarthritis is derived from several words in greek. Arthritis is a painful condition that causes joints to become inflamed and stiff. Arthritis in cats includes inflammation of the joints and sometimes a breakdown of cartilage that usually helps prevent bone on bone wear and tear.

Causes of arthritis in cats arthritis occurs when the cartilage within the joint becomes damaged. Arthritis is extremely common in cats. Just as in humans cats develop arthritis as they age. This pain is responsible for many of the signs associated with arthritis in cats.

More than 80 of cats over 10 years of age will have some degree of arthritis. Arthritis is a joint problem that can reduce mobility and elicit pain. However the most common form of arthritis in cats is called osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. Most cats don t develop obvious signs of arthritis until they are at least 10 years old.

Does your cat crouch awkwardly as if their joints are 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. Until recently cats were thought to be unlikely to develop arthritis.

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 is one of the most common ailments seen in middle aged to older pets. It can affect any joint in the body but is most common in the legs and spine. Cats can develop arthritis for a variety of reasons including aging obesity trauma and occasionally genetic or heritable conditions.

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. The signs of feline arthritis are often subtle and difficult to spot even for the most dedicated of cat owners. Age weight health status and previous injuries play a big role in feline arthritis. Even younger cats under the right circumstances can suffer from arthritic changes.

Younger cats can develop arthritis if they have an injury or their joints haven t developed properly. This makes joints less flexible causing stiffness and pain.