The arrival of winter may mean cosy log fires and snuggling up, but the cold weather can also exacerbate the aches and pains of arthritis, a common condition in people, dogs and even cats.

Cats are notoriously good at masking pain – a survival instinct of a solitary hunter – so it’s unusual to see a cat limping. But this doesn’t mean they don’t suffer. “Feline osteoarthritis is a much bigger problem than many people realize,” said specialist small animal surgeon Dr Greg Irvine-Smith. “Cats might not show obvious symptoms, but more than a quarter suffer from mobility problems, increasing to two-thirds in older cats.”

Dr Irvine-Smith said that owners may not notice that their cat is uncomfortable, even if it is experiencing significant discomfort. Furthermore  they may attribute signs of arthritis to old age and don’t investigate further, making  lifestyle changes, such as feeding the cat at a lower level, without realising treatment can make a difference.”

So what should you be looking out for? Dr Irvine-Smith says that lifestyle and behavioural changes will be the most readily identifiable signs, for example:

• Less willing (or able) to jump up and down from heights
• Sleeping more
• Interacting less
• Problems negotiating a high sided litter tray
• Grooming less, especially around the tail area
• Unexplained aggression towards people and other pets
• Avoiding being handled because it is painful to be touched
• Difficulty getting in or out of the cat flap
• Difficulty going up or down stairs

Diagnosis of feline osteoarthritis can be tricky even for vets. Dr Eithne Comerford, a Senior Lecturer in Orthopaedics at the University of Liverpool Veterinary Teaching Hospital in England, said that because cats are often stressed during veterinary consultations it can be almost impossible for the vet to ascertain the pet’s normal mobility. To assist diagnosis Dr Comerford recommends owners take video footage, with camera or cell phone, to show the vet how the cat moves when it is more relaxed in its own environment.

What causes OA in cats?

According to research there are multiple reasons why a cat may develop arthritis and there isn’t a single clear cause. “It can be a joint injury, a genetic problem such as hip dysplasia, or excess weight,” said Dr Irvine Smith. But in most cases the cause is idiopathic, meaning not known. There is still much work to be done on cats and osteoarthritis.”

Prevention

How can you help prevent your cat from developing osteoarthritis? “The biggest single thing is to manage your cat’s weight. Excess kilos put unnecessary strain on a cat’s joints,” says Dr Irvine-Smith. “And arthritic, overweight cats are far more symptomatic. Sometimes simply losing weight is enough to relieve clinical symptoms”.

Good nutrition from kitten hood is important, “A balanced diet is not only important from a weight management perspective but also for joint and bone health.”

Managing Osteoarthritis

Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis there are several ways to manage the condition and make the cat more comfortable. “The response to treatment is usually very good,” said Dr Irvine-Smith.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) is the mainstay of medical management. Although none of the NSAIDS have been licensed yet in South Africa for long-term use in cats, there are products licensed in the UK and USA that are prescribed in South Africa for pain relief. Surgery for feline osteoarthritis is not commonly available in South Africa, but there have been some successful feline hip replacements in the USA.

Dr Irvine-Smith says he regularly prescribes a therapeutic diet developed for cats with osteoarthritis (Hill’s Prescription Diet Feline j/d), “People are skeptical when I recommend just changing the cat’s food but almost without exception owners see an improvement within a month. The response has been quite startling.”

Hill’s j/d contains high levels of omega 3 fatty acids (fish oils) which have been shown to reduce inflammation in the joint. Added to that is high levels of the omega 3 fatty acid DHA which has a very targeted anti-inflammatory effect on the cat’s joints. Glucosamine and Chondroitin supply building blocks for cartilage and high carnitine and lysine levels help maintain weigh by increasing fat burning.

Changes in the home can go a long way towards improving comfort levels. The cat should have a soft bed and a warm area for sleeping, especially in winter. By placing food bowls within easy reach the cat will not need to jump up. A low-sided litter tray will be easier for the cat to negotiate, and small ramps can be placed that allow access to a favourite resting place or outside toilet area.

Exercise and physical therapy can also help. Keeping the joints moving improves suppleness and is important for the health of the cartilage. Maintaining muscle mass and tone also helps stabilise the joint. “Encourage your cat to walk or play,” recommends Dr Irvine-Smith.

Warmth will comfort sore joints and you can use a beanbag warmer or hot water bottle wrapped in a blanket. Massage can also be effective in improving flexibility and muscle tone, with the added benefit of bonding between you and your cat. Just be aware of the pain points and don’t cross these.

If your cat is showing any of the signs of osteoarthritis, now is the perfect time to seek veterinary advice on how best to give it back its bounce. Early intervention can help prevent further damage to the joints and simple lifestyle changes can make an enormous difference to your beloved cat’s well-being.

Take your cat to your vet for a mobility consultation. On diagnosis of osteoarthritis your vet will contact us to arrange a free bag of Hill's Prescription Diet j/d for you to collect at your veterinary clinic.

Important Terms and Conditions

• To be eligible for this free bag you must not have tried Prescription Diet j/d before.
• Your pet must be positively diagnosed with osteoarthritis by a practicing veterinarian to qualify for a free bag.
• The cost of the veterinarian consultation does not form part of this offer and is for your own account.
• This offer is limited to one per household and on one occasion only.
• This promotion may not be used in conjunction with any other offer.
• This offer is available while stocks last.
• Hill's Prescription Diet j/d is only available from vet clinics.
• Hill's reserves the right to alter, delay or cancel this offer without notice
• This offer is valid until 31 December 2010 or while stocks last.