Feline arthritis is a painful condition in which your cat suffers joint inflammation. This is usually more of a concern for very athletic cats. However, any type of cat can be affected by arthritis.

Causes

Arthritis in cats is commonly brought on by accidents. Also, the ligaments, bones, and joints are susceptible to damage over time. Other common causes of feline arthritis include infections, developmental disorders, and immune system disorders.

Symptoms

Arthritis is cats usually causes swollen joints. The swollen joint may in turn cause limping or lameness. Your cat may also appear to be stiff, especially after just getting up from rest. Cold and damp weather can also worsen the stiffness caused by feline arthritis. In some cases, cats also experience personality changes such as depression or aggressiveness.

Diagnosis

The veterinarian will go over your cat’s symptoms if he suspects feline arthritis. He will also need to perform an exam while your cat is moving around and while he’s resting. It may also be necessary to remove and analyze fluid taken from one of the affected joints. X-rays may also prove useful in diagnosing arthritis is cats.

Treatment

If feline arthritis is caused by a simple trauma, it can be treated with rest and anti-inflammatory medication. In severe cases, your cat may have to wear supportive dressings until the injury has resolved. Sometimes surgery may be required. Excessive weight can also cause arthritis in cats, but this is solved by switching to an appropriate diet.

As an owner, there are a few things you can do to make your cat more comfortable. You can massage your cat’s sore joints and muscles on a regular basis. You can also provide him with a heated bed or pad to lie on. It’s also a good idea for you to make sure your arthritic cat gets plenty of exercise.