Johannesburg, 7 October 2024 – In households across the globe, millions of cats are silently living with a painful condition called osteoarthritis (OA) that often goes unnoticed by even the most loving of owners. OA, a degenerative joint disease, is far more prevalent in our feline friends than most people realise. The good news is that cat owners empowered with the knowledge to recognise signs of pain can access appropriate care for their furry companions.
More than 60% of cats over age 6 years of age, and 90% of cats over 12 years old are affected by feline OA.1 Unfortunately, while feline OA is both painful and debilitating, only between 8% and 10% of cats with OA are treated for their pain.2
“One of the primary reasons feline OA often goes undiagnosed is the natural ability of cats to mask their pain,” says Dr Tarryn Dent, Business Unit Lead: Companion Animals at Zoetis South Africa (Zoetis), a global animal health company. “Unlike dogs, who may limp or whine when in discomfort, cats tend to hide their suffering, making it challenging for owners to spot the signs.”
The signs of OA are often subtle. For example, your once playful kitty may become less interested in toys or interactive games, or a usually friendly cat is suddenly much more irritable or withdrawn when touched in certain areas.
“Cats with OA may have difficulty reaching certain areas to groom, leading to an unkempt appearance, and watch for hesitation when jumping up or down from furniture, or trouble using the litter box,” says Dent.
Other symptoms to keep an eye out for include cats sleeping more or choosing different places to sleep with easier access, weight gain due to reduced activity, or stiff movements.
“These changes can be gradual and easily mistaken for normal aging. However, they could be your cat’s way of communicating discomfort,” says Dent. “Don’t dismiss. They could be important indicators of underlying pain that needs addressing.”
Ensuring quality of life for cats with OA
Undiagnosed and untreated OA can significantly impact a cat’s quality of life. Chronic pain can lead to decreased mobility, social withdrawal, and a general decline in well-being. However, with early diagnosis and proper management, cats with OA can lead comfortable, active lives.
“The key is early intervention,” says Dent. “When a veterinarian diagnoses OA early, they can help pet owners implement appropriate pain management strategies. This can result in remarkable improvement in the cat’s activity levels, social interactions, and overall happiness.”
If you suspect your cat might be suffering from OA, Dent advises that the first step is to consult with your veterinarian. A comprehensive examination, which may include physical assessments and imaging studies, can confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential causes of pain or behaviour changes.
Veterinarians have a range of tools at their disposal to diagnose and manage feline OA, including a thorough hands-on assessment to check for joint swelling, muscle atrophy, and pain responses, X-rays or more advanced imaging techniques to visualise joint changes, and observing how your cat moves.
“The great news for cat owners is that there have been significant advancements in feline OA treatment options in recent years,” says Dent. “While traditional options like weight management, environmental modifications, and certain medications have been the mainstay of treatment, new developments are offering fresh hope for cats suffering from this condition, including a once-monthly injection that targets nerve growth factor and has been recently launched in South Africa.”
Get ahead of OA by recognising the signs
Pet owners shouldn’t wait for obvious signs of distress. Early intervention can make a significant difference. “Learn more about feline OA and share your knowledge with other cat owners,” advises Dent. “Schedule regular veterinary visits, even if your cat appears healthy. The treatments available today offer long-lasting pain relief with minimal side effects. Your observant eye and quick action can be the key to your cat’s comfort and longevity.”