Common Treatments for Cat Arthritis

​Arthritis occurs when the cartilage between bones gets worn away.  Cats with arthritis might have trouble doing everyday activities like grooming their coat or getting in and out of the litter box.  Treating arthritis usually involves a combination of methods, such as medication, supplements, physical therapy, and weight loss.  Certain injuries might need surgery to be corrected.  You can also modify your home to make life easier for your cat.

Common Treatments for Cat Arthritis
By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces

Like dogs and humans, cats can develop arthritis in their joints.  It happens when the cartilage between bones is worn away.  Arthritis often causes pain, but cats with this condition can usually live normal life spans with good management and pain relief.
 
Treatment and remedies for cats with arthritis
Arthritis in cats is typically addressed with a combination of treatments to slow the disease.  The following are some things your vet might recommend:
Solensia - long-term use of medications in cats is controversial because their livers process them slowly.  But, the FDA approved a new monoclonal antibody treatment called Solensia (frunevetmab) in 2022.  It is a monthly injection specifically for long-term use in cats with arthritis.  It defends against a substance in the body that causes chronic pain.  A veterinarian must give the injections.  Cats with an allergy to frunevetmab should not be given Solensia.  Ask your vet if your cat would benefit from this kind of treatment.
 
Other medications - may also be used to control pain related to arthritis.  Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are sometimes prescribed for cats.  These medications quickly reduce inflammation in the body.
The two NSAIDs commonly used for cats are:

• Meloxicam (Metacam)
• Robenacoxib (Onsior)

Only one NSAID medication can be used at a time.  They are generally used for only a short time in cats.  Other types of pain relievers can be used for cats with arthritis.  They can usually be given in combination with NSAIDs.
These pain relievers include:

• Amantadine (Symmetrel)
• Gabapentin

Your veterinarian will use their judgment to decide how long your cat should take any of these medications.
 
Supplements - may be recommended to manage arthritis pain in cats.  Results can take several weeks to be noticeable.  Supplements often provide only mild relief from arthritis.  Supplements that may help include:

• Chondroitin sulfate
• Creatine
• Glucosamine
• Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

They mainly work by supporting your cat’s body’s ability to repair cartilage.  Creatine is a little different in that it generally supports muscle strength and general endurance.
There are other supplements with anti-inflammatory abilities.  They are also typically mild and vary in how fast they act.
They include:

• Avocado and soybean
• Cannabinoids
• Dried milk proteins
• Green-lipped mussel extract
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Polyphenols like green tea extracts and turmeric

The FDA does not regulate supplements, so it is vital to shop for high-quality brands.  Your veterinarian will help you pick the best fit for your cat’s needs.
 
Weight management - overweight cats experience arthritis more often than cats of average weight.  The extra weight puts more pressure on their joints.  You can help your cat lose weight through diet and exercise.  There are therapeutic diets specifically for weight loss.  Some are also formulated to provide support for arthritis.  Your veterinarian will help you decide which diet your cat should follow and the proper portion sizes to give them.
You can also help your cat lose weight by encouraging your cat to exercise through play.  Some things you can do to keep your cat active include:

• Give them interactive toys to play with
• Hide their meals around the home
• Install a “catio” if you have a backyard
• Make an obstacle course
• Play chase with a laser light
• Provide them with cat trees to climb on
• Train them to walk on a leash
• Use puzzle feeders for meals

It might take time to figure out which activities your cat enjoys most.
 
Physical therapy - can be part of a long-term plan to manage your cat’s pain.  It has multiple goals:

• Improve balance
• Increase the ability to move
• Rebuild function and strength in muscles and joints

There are several therapy options for cats.  They include:
Manual therapy - a therapist uses their hands to take your cat through exercises, such as passive range of motion (PROM). It helps improve stiff muscles, circulation, and retained fluid.
Exercise therapy - different exercises can be used for different issues, such as lack of endurance or poor balance.  These exercises include walking on slopes, through obstacles, or uneven ground.
Hydrotherapy - exercises in water, such as an underwater treadmill or swimming, are used to improve a cat’s range of motion, strength, and mobility.  The water helps reduce the impact on the joints.
Laser therapy - a non-invasive laser light is used to penetrate tissue, promote healing and circulation, and decrease inflammation and pain.
tPEMF therapy - this stands for the targeted pulsed electromagnetic field.  It reduces inflammation and pain by sending a signal into the tissue to trigger it to repair itself.
Not all cats will tolerate every form of therapy, especially hydrotherapy.  Work with your veterinarian to determine the best for your cat.
 
Environmental modifications - as arthritis progresses, your cat might have difficulty getting around the home.  You can make some modifications to give them more comfort.  These include:

• Carpeted ramps or steps to get to their favorite spots
• Litter boxes with low walls
• Orthopedic beds
• Raised dishes for meals and water
• Rugs or mats to cover slippery flooring

If you have stairs, keeping resources for your cat, such as water and litter boxes on every floor, can be beneficial.
 
Surgery - there might be an underlying cause for your cat’s arthritis, such as a knee injury or hip dysplasia.  Your veterinarian might suggest surgery to correct the issue and improve stability.  Surgeries could include hip replacement for hip dysplasia or joint fusion for arthritis in the ankles.
 
What causes arthritis in cats?
When the cartilage in joints is worn away, the bones grind against each other, causing pain.  Different things can cause arthritis, including:

• Hip dysplasia
• Increasing age
• Injury
• Weight

Arthritis can develop at any age.  But it is more common in cats at least ten years old.
 
Signs of arthritis in cats
It is hard to tell when a cat is in pain.  But they may show some signs, such as:

• Becoming reclusive
• Being unable to groom their coat
• Irritability
• Slowing down
• Struggling to get in and out of the litter box
• Struggling to go up and down stairs

If your cat has any of these symptoms, it might be best to take them to your veterinarian.  A prompt diagnosis will help your cat feel better quicker.
 
How is arthritis in cats diagnosed?
Arthritis in cats is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical exams, and diagnostic images if needed.  During an exam, your veterinarian will likely feel for:

• Fluid within the joints
• Lack of range of motion
• Swelling in their joints

Diagnostic imaging might include X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans.  These images might show:

• Bone spurs
• Elbow dysplasia
• Hip dysplasia
• Joint disorders

Your veterinarian will determine if your cat needs further testing to diagnose their arthritis.