Cats are generally very good at hiding signs of pain, discomfort or illness. This can make it difficult to recognise conditions such as arthritis meaning that it often goes undiagnosed, especially in the early stages. Some signs that your cat may be suffering from arthritis or joint pain include;
- Reduced movement
- Moving slower
- Difficulty when first moving or waking up
- Walking stiffly
- Lameness (limping) in one or more legs
- Swollen, stiff or painful joints
- Muscle atrophy
- Reluctance to jump up or down off furniture
- Reluctance to walk up or down stairs
- Not wanting to be patted or picked up
- Changes in grooming behaviour, either excessively grooming a certain place or reduced/no grooming
- Toileting accidents due to discomfort or not being able to get in and out litter tray
- Increased aggression towards people and other pets
If you notice any of the signs in your cat or any other changes in behaviour please contact your veterinarian.
To find out more about what products are available to support and maintain good joint health in cats visit our YouTube Channel, vetnpetDIRECT, for a video with resident vet Dr Glenn as he explains the options.
Shop for all your cat’s needs in our online pet store here.