Why do cats develop arthritis?
Just like us, cats are prone to arthritis. They have cartilage between their bones in their joints which helps to soften the impact as they jump and move around. As they grow older, this cartilage can deteriorate, causing pain and inflammation. While age is the most common factor behind arthritis in cats, there are other things that can influence this disease.
Pets who have experienced an infection or injury are more susceptible to arthritis where the damage occurred. Since they’re natural climbers, falling every now and then is inevitable and contrary to popular belief, they don’t always land on their feet. Although these little tumbles seem harmless, they can lead to soft tissue damage and eventually arthritis.
Felines that are packing a few extra pounds are also more prone to arthritis due to the added weight on their joints. A healthy weight should be maintained to not only avert things like joint issues but heart disease and diabetes, too.
It is important to note that certain breeds are known to develop the condition. These include Persians, Himalayan, and Siamese. Luckily, breeders will often rule out any hereditary conditions in their bloodlines before planning a litter. According to PetMD, most cats are diagnosed over the age of 10, but it’s likely that arthritis started much sooner than that.