What is feline arthritis and how does it affect cats?
Arthritis is a degenerative disease of the joints. Frequently seen in middle aged to older cats, arthritis can cause a great deal of pain. However, often cats do not show overt signs of pain. While it is possible to see an arthritic dog limping, this is not the typical presentation of arthritis in cats. In this, cats differ from their canine counterparts. Cats often attempt to mask the signs of arthritis. Symptoms associated with arthritis in cats may be: * lower level of activity * sleeping more often * interacting less often with human family members or other pets * reluctance to jump onto surfaces at heights which were once readily accessible * urinating and/or defecating outside of the litter box, particularly if the litter box has high sides which the cat may have difficulty climbing over * reluctance to cover feces or urine in the litter box * lack of appetite * muscle wasting which may result in legs which appear thinner and smaller than previously How is feline arthritis diagno
