You love your cat, but you don't want them to suffer from the pain of arthritis. Arthritis is a common disease in cats that can cause a lot of pain and inflammation in the joints. There are treatment options available for cats with arthritis, which can help reduce inflammation and pain. The safest and most effective treatment options are joint supplements and omega fatty acids. Talk to your veterinarian about which treatment option will work best for your individual needs!

Arthritis in cats is a common disease that can affect cats of any age but is most commonly seen in middle-aged to older cats. Arthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease. Symptoms can be difficult to spot as cats hide pain very well. If your cat is diagnosed with arthritis, there are safe and effective treatment options available to help them live a happy and healthy life. When it comes to treatment for cats with arthritis, we need to explore all the options available. In this article, we will discuss all the different treatment options for cats with arthritis and how you can help your cat feel better!

What is arthritis and what are the symptoms in cats?

Cats get arthritis just as humans do, and it is particularly prevalent among older cats. In one research study, 90% of cats >12 years old had radiographic evidence of arthritis.

Arthritis is a disease that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. Arthritis is very common in middle-aged to older cats and can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Many cats with arthritis hide their symptoms very well and are asymptomatic. Symptoms of arthritis vary depending on the severity of the condition but can include:

  • Stiffness after resting
  • Reluctance to jump, climb or play
  • Difficulty grooming themselves
  • Sleeping more and less interactive
  • Irritability, especially when handled
  • Defecating and urinating outside the litter box

What are the treatment options for cats with arthritis?

There are a variety of treatment options available for cats with arthritis, and the best treatment plan will be tailored to your individual cat's needs.

Treatment options include:

Monoclonal antibody therapy: This is a very new therapy that has excellent potential! It is a once-monthly injection designed to control pain and symptoms of arthritis in cats. Solensia™ is a new FDA-approved injectable medication that is very safe and effective. This medication functions like naturally occurring antibodies, seeking out the mediators that are causing your cat's pain from arthritis. There are published studies available and Zoetis™ (the pharmaceutical company that makes Solensia™) claims two in three cat owners claims that their pet's pain has improved after using the product.

Veterinarians are excited about using monoclonal antibodies for pain management in cats as we are limited in treating inflammation and pain with typical NSAID medications that are safely used in other species. More on NSAID therapies for cats is below.

Chondroprotective Agents: These agents help to improve the health of the cartilage, as, with arthritis, the cartilage becomes damaged. They are administered by subcutaneous injection, typically once monthly.

Joint supplements: Joint supplements contain glucosamine and chondroitin, which help to rebuild cartilage and reduce inflammation. Supplementation is most effective when started early on in the course of arthritis. Joint supplements are very safe and cost-effective so should be considered when designing a treatment strategy for cats with arthritis.

Omega fatty acids: Omega fatty acids (EPA and DHA) in the form of fish oil can be beneficial in reducing inflammation. The effects may not be noticed for many weeks, but it is completely safe to be used long-term. Target doses of 50-75mg/kg daily seem to have the best effect. When starting fish oil supplementation, it is recommended to start at a lower dose and gradually increase over a few weeks.

Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help cats with arthritis stretch and strengthen their muscles, which can help to improve joint function. Physical therapy may include warm compresses and massage exercises. Many cats with sore joints enjoy resting on a heated blanket but make sure your cat does not lay for more than 20 minutes at a time.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs are medications that help reduce inflammation and pain. There are no licensed long-term NSAIDs approved for use in cats. They are approved for use for up to 3 days but beyond this time frame, there are increased risks of kidney damage. The newer generation of NSAIDs that are available for cats is safer and better tolerated. For cats that absolutely require this form of treatment, talk to your veterinarian about using a very low dose with frequent blood work to monitor kidney values. Common NSAIDs include Metacam® and Onsior®.

Analgesics (Pain medication): As part of multi-modal treatment, additional analgesics may be used as an adjunct to pain management, or in cases where NSAIDs are contraindicated. The following are some options to consider:

  1. Gabapentin: Gabapentin is used in cats for the management of chronic pain, especially for nerve pain.
  2. Buprenorphine: Buprenorphine is a semi-synthetic codeine analogue. Depending on the dose used, buprenorphine can be administered anywhere from 8-24 hours.
  3. Amantadine: Amantadine has been used with success in the treatment for cats with arthritis. In a single study, amantadine improved owners' ratings of mobility and quality of life in cats with arthritis.
  4. Corticosteroids: The use of corticosteroids for the treatment of arthritis in cats is debatable, and their efficacy as pain relievers has not been investigated. Most veterinarians recommend against using corticosteroids for cats with arthritis.

Frequently asked questions about treatment for cats with arthritis

What is the treatment for cats with arthritis?

There are a variety of treatment options available for cats with arthritis. Treatment may include joint supplements, omega fatty acids, physical therapy, NSAIDs, and analgesics. Veterinarians recommend starting treatment as early as possible to help reduce inflammation and pain.

Are there any safe and effective treatment options available?

The safest and most effective treatment options that you can use for the treatment of arthritis in cats, and without a prescription, are joint supplements and omega-fatty acids (fish oil).

What are the benefits of joint supplements in treating cats with arthritis?

Arthritis is a disease of the cartilage inside the joints. Joint supplements help to preserve and maintain the health of the cartilage.

How long should omega fatty acids be given to cats for maximum benefit?

The benefit of giving omega fatty acids is that it can be helpful in reducing inflammation resulting from arthritis. Omega fatty acids should ideally be given long-term, typically once or twice daily or as instructed by your veterinarian. Clinical results are typically seen within 10 weeks of starting the omega fatty acids.

Can NSAIDs be given to cats long-term?

The short answer is no, they cannot. While certain NSAIDs are approved for short-term use in cats (days), longer use (months) can result in damage to a cat's kidneys. If your cat requires NSAID therapy long-term to maintain quality of life, talk with your veterinarian about using a very low dose with frequent blood work to monitor the kidney parameters.

How is arthritis diagnosed?

Arthritis is usually diagnosed after a veterinarian has conducted a physical examination and ruled out other causes of pain, such as injury or systemic disease. Typically, arthritis can be diagnosed with radiology (x-rays), physical examination and detailed history taking.

What are monoclonal antibodies and how can they help with the treatment of cats with arthritis?

Monoclonal antibiotics are the newest treatment option for cats with arthritis. Monoclonal antibodies are designed to attach selectively to a specific target, in this case, NGF (nerve growth factor). In arthritic joints, NGF (nerve growth factor) is elevated and has a role in pain modulation.

Arthritis in cats is a disease that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. Arthritis is very common in middle-aged to older cats and can be difficult to spot as cats hide symptoms of pain very well. If your cat has been diagnosed with feline arthritis, there are treatment options available for keeping them happy and healthy. Some treatment options include joint supplements, omega fatty acids, physical therapy, NSAIDs, or analgesics. Talk to your veterinarian about which treatment option will work best for you based on your individual needs so you can keep your pet feeling their best!