Just like people, cats face a risk of developing arthritis as they get older. This painful condition develops when the tendons and ligaments that cushion and connect Fluffy’s bones wear out. Over time, they can get thin and lose elasticity, causing a lot of discomfort and pain. While arthritis isn’t curable, it can be managed. However, if the problem is caught early on, treatments may be more successful. Here are some signs to watch for:

Trouble Getting Up And Down

During Fluffy’s kitten years, she’s quite lithe and active, and easily jumps from the floor to the back of your chair. However, as kitty ages, she’ll become less resilient. If arthritis sets in, you may start to notice your furry buddy having trouble jumping onto your couch or bed.

Stiffness

Your cute pet’s mobility can be seriously impacted by arthritis. Fluffy may seem stiff, especially when she’s first getting up or down. She may also start to limp, especially when she first gets up.

Difficulty Going Up And Down Stairs

Our feline pals can find stairs to be challenging. If you think about it, many stairs are taller than Fluffy! You may notice your cat really starting to struggle to get from one floor to another.

Sensitivity

Sometimes one joint or area is affected more than others with arthritic cats. Fluffy may react if you touch a sensitive area. She may also move away, flinch, withdraw, or even bite or hiss.

Aggression

Joint pain can greatly interfere with Fluffy’s mood, and can turn her from a cuddly, purring, snuggle bug to a hissing ball of rage. She may have arthritis, if your feline buddy is acting unusually aggressive.

Reduced Interest In Play

Fluffy is very playful, which is always a delight to see. However, joint pain can take away from those frisky kitty antics we all love.

Unkempt Fur

Cats with arthritis often have trouble grooming themselves with all the bending and stretching that’s involved. Fluffy may start to look a bit unkempt. (Tip: groom your furry pal gently, using a soft brush.)

Sleeping More Than Usual

This one can be hard to spot, since cats spend so much time sleeping. However, if Fluffy seems drowsier than normal, mention it to your vet.

Keep in mind that many of these symptoms can be related to many other medical issues. Contact your vet in West Greenwich, RI, if you notice any of these red flags in your kitty!