80 percent of cats are affected by this painful disease: these are the first 3 symptoms

In many cases, it seems as if they are invulnerable and should not have to face the same difficulties as we do.

It affects about 0.3-0.6% of the human population in Hungary, rheumatoid arthritis. This does not seem like a very high number, especially when compared to the 80% of cats who will experience symptoms of the disease in their lifetime. If you spot the early signs, you can save your pet a lot of pain.

What is arthritis?

Very briefly, this condition occurs when the bones rub together as a result of wear and tear of the articular cartilage, i.e. the destruction of the soft, spongy lining of the joints. It’s painful to even think about, and anyone affected knows fully well that it’s a hellish pain. In addition to pain, swelling and lameness can also be observed. However, before the onset of lameness, there are some warning signs to look out for. If you spot these, there are several steps you can take to prevent your pet from slipping into a crippled state if left untreated without help and treatment.

Cats also show early signs of arthritis

The first sign:

When, after a more strenuous, intense game or fun, the next day it seems as if your pet is not their agile self. They may seem a little stiff, and reluctant to get up or move around. The precursor to arthritis is inflammation in the joints.

The second sign:

Running up the stairs, and jumping onto a sofa or a wardrobe all have in common that they use the pet’s hind legs. This means that the hips and knees, the areas where arthritis most often occurs, must be loaded. So, if your kitten used to hop, jump and crawl without a problem, but is now reluctant to do so, this is a good reason to be suspicious.

The third sign:

The next time your cat gets up after a good night’s sleep, watch how they walk. If they move with a stiff, heavy gait when they first walk the first few metres, start paying more attention. This happens when the main joints, such as the elbows, shoulders, hips and knees, are stiff because they have swollen as a result of the disease. It takes time for the swollen joints to regain their shape.

If you notice any of these early warning signs, we recommend taking your pet to the vet first! Many methods are now available to relieve and delay the symptoms. Your cat deserves a pain-free life!