What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis, commonly known as arthritis, is a form of joint inflammation caused by the deterioration of joint cartilage. The disease can impact both humans and animals. 

What causes osteoarthritis?

Various implicating factors can increase the risk of Osteoarthritis in cats, including genetics, poor diet, weight gain, old age and cartilage abnormalities. During the cooler months of the year, arthritis can become more prevalent, and pain may increase.    

Signs your cat may be suffering from osteoarthritis

Cats often hide signs of pain from their owners, making it difficult to detect signs of Osteoarthritis. Common signs to look out for may be reduced activity, stiffness in legs, increased irritability and reduced mobility. These behaviours can be aligned with old age, making them difficult to recognise. 

How to best support your cat?

Osteoarthritis can be managed to help your cat feel comfortable, and frequent check ups with your vet are recommended.

Simple changes to your cat's lifestyle can help to ease mobility pain. Keeping your cat's needs on one level in the house or adding steps to higher surfaces can help to decrease the strain on your cat's joints.  

Our FlexJoint meal topper is a spray-on supplement formulated by veterinarians and is suitable for both cats and dogs. The finely-milled formula can be added daily to your pet's wet or dry food. FlexJoint contains a combination of New Zealand green-lipped mussel and glucosamine, which helps to provide advanced relief from debilitating arthritis symptoms.