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Osteoarthritis is a common condition affecting bones and joints in many older cats. It is a disease of management and cannot be cured. Medications, physical therapy, nutrition, and surgery may all be considered to help alleviate the pain. Cats can live a normal life with a tailored care plan.
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Ataxia means incoordination within the nervous system. There are several forms of ataxia, depending upon where in the nervous system the abnormality occurs. The most common sign of ataxia is an abnormal, unsteady gait. Treatment of ataxia will be influenced by the root cause. Pain management, supportive care (such as anti-nausea medication), and creating a safe environment (e.g., preventing access to stairs) are cornerstones of ataxia treatment.
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Open and honest communication with your veterinarian and veterinary healthcare team throughout your cat's life lays the foundation for effective communication when that cat's life begins drawing to a close. Discussion with your veterinarian will clarify any specific medical implications of your cat's disease that can serve as benchmarks to suggest that euthanasia should be considered. Most often, euthanasia is provided at the veterinary practice or in your home. The veterinary healthcare team will be an important partner as you negotiate the difficult days and decisions leading up to your cat's peaceful passing.
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Your older cat requires more care and attention to make sure they have the best quality of life. If they have certain medical conditions, that will factor into what they can do and how often they may need to see your family veterinarian. It's important to spend time with your cat to keep their stress low and monitor for changes.
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Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive, degenerative disease that worsens over time. This handout discusses steps you can take to help your cat deal with osteoarthritis (OA) or degenerative joint disease (DJD). In addition to medications that may be prescribed by your veterinarian, other treatment options such as weight loss, exercise, and complementary therapies such as chiropractic and physiotherapy are outlined.
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Since cats are living longer and longer, they are also experiencing the deterioration and debilitation that goes along with aging. This includes the development of osteoarthritis. No one is in a better position to identify the subtle changes in behavior that may signal pain than human family members. You may observe changes in the following: vocalization, daily activities, daily habits, facial expressions, or posture. Your cat may show uncharacteristic behavior to other pets or family members. If you notice any of these changes, contact your veterinarian.
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Most cats instinctively hide their pain as a survival mechanism which can make detecting pain in cats a challenge. Although the signs may be subtle, careful observation of a cat’s everyday behaviors will often reveal pain when it is present. These signs may include changes in behavior, mobility, elimination, and grooming habits. Common pain medications include NSAIDs and opioids. Your veterinarian will choose the appropriate drugs based on your cat's specific needs.
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Pets may have visible or hidden disabilities that require some adjustments to their care or lifestyle to maximize their quality of life. With some support, these pets can have a fairly normal life and be just as loving as any other pet.
