Joint Problems in a 15-Year-Old Cat

Types of Joint Problems

• Arthritis is the most widely known joint problem for aging pets. Osteoporosis and calcium deficits that affect bone health are common in humans but are in fact exceedingly rare in animals. Hypothyroidism, also common in humans and familiar to many cat owners, is also a possible source of joint pain and weakness in a cat. For a proper diagnosis of an older cat's joint pain, tests including X-rays from a veterinarian are required.

Common Areas of Pain

• Cats experience joint pain all over their bodies. The most common joint pain sets in around the shoulders, and the joints of the front legs. Some particular breeds of cat are considered more susceptible to different areas of joint pain. Persian cats, for example, are known to develop age-related arthritis in their hips or hind legs.

Signs of Joint Problems

• Cats are typically not expressive of their physical pain, as other house pets can be. Arthritis, as opposed to other conditions, often experiences some relief after a rest, and some variation from day to day in the amount of pain and range of motion. Unlike dogs and humans, arthritic cats do not typically have visibly enlarged joints. Cats' joint pain is expressed in a reluctance to move or jump as they have in the past, and irritation with other pets that they used to get along with. If there is a step up to a litter box, cats may avoid making the step and relieve themselves next to the box. Some nipping or expression of pain may be present if their legs are forced to extend or stretch.

Preventative Care

• Many of the joint problems that cats experience in their later years stem from activity and nutrition when they were kittens. Some preventative care early in life can help a cat avoid major joint pain later in life. Avoid overfeeding cats, or feeding them very rich food when they are young. Obesity and fast growth may not appear to affect a young cat or kitten, but the stress put on their developing bones will lead them to deteriorate much sooner than they may have otherwise. Pet arthritis is considered primarily genetic, so learning about a kitten's parents' histories may indicate what trouble may come down the line.

Keeping Cats Comfortable

• Older cats that are experiencing joint pain have special needs to stay comfortable. Unfortunately, cats cannot take the over the counter or prescription pain killers that humans and even dogs can. Many pain medications are fatal to a cat, and are to be used only to keep the cat comfortable as the end of life approaches. Cats living with joint pain need a moist diet, canned or fresh proteins and fats. Additional warmth is also very helpful. Consider a heated blanket to keep the cat's bedding warmed to about 100° F. For getting around, use low-angle ramps up to favorite spots so the cat can access them easily. Keep bowls low and with shallow, low sides so the cat can easily eat and drink without straining the neck or shoulders. Consider a small ramp up to the litter box, if this is a problem.