Cat Illnesses - Feline Arthritis

Feline arthritis is one of a number of extremely painful cat illnesses that occurs when a joint becomes inflammed or cartilage wears away. Like a lot of cat illnesses, feline arthritis can be caused by a number of factors. The most common are trauma and inheritance, with a number of cat breeds being more susceptible than others. Mixed breed cats are generally less prone to feline arthritis. Other less common causes are bacterial infection, immune system disorders, vaccinations, antibiotics, cancer or calicivirus.

A cat suffering from feline arthritis will lose its nimbleness, being reluctant to jump, run and play like before. However the symptoms of slowly progressing cat illnesses can often be mistaken for getting old, and may not be noticed at all for a while. The symptoms are usually particularly noticeable after rest or sleep.

Treatment varies depending on what has caused the feline arthritis. In the case of degenerative osteoarthritis there is no cure, and treatment will involve pain relief and anti-inflammatory drugs. Cats suffering from arthritis caused by bacterial infection can make a full recovery if veterinary intervention starts early enough, and arthritis caused by calicivirus usually disappears without any treatment apart from pain relief.