Osteoarthritis (OA) in cats is far more common than many people realize, particularly as cats are living longer thanks to advances in veterinary medicine. OA is a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage that cushions the joint gradually breaks down, causing inflammation, pain, decreased mobility, and permanent joint changes over time. While osteoarthritis is commonly recognized in dogs, it has historically been underdiagnosed in cats because felines are incredibly skilled at hiding discomfort. Unlike dogs, cats are naturally agile and lightweight, allowing them to compensate for joint pain more easily.

Recognizing OA in cats can be challenging because the signs are often subtle and very different from what owners expect. While limping is a hallmark sign of arthritis in dogs, many arthritic cats do not limp at all. Instead, they may become less active, hesitate to jump, groom themselves less, lose weight, act grumpier or quieter than usual, or begin urinating or defecating outside the litter box because climbing into the box becomes uncomfortable. In one study of cats with osteoarthritis, less than half of affected cats limped, while the majority showed reluctance to jump. Because these changes are often mistaken for “normal aging,” many cats suffer silently for years before receiving treatment.

Treatment options for feline osteoarthritis are also somewhat limited. Management often involves a multimodal approach that may include weight management, environmental modifications such as ramps or low-sided litter boxes, and rehabilitation therapies. However, unlike dogs, there are currently no FDA-approved veterinary NSAIDs for safe long-term control of osteoarthritis pain in cats, as cats are particularly sensitive to potential side effects from these medications.

For some feline patients, regenerative medicine may offer another option for osteoarthritis management. VetStem Cell Therapy utilizes a cat’s own stem cells to help reduce inflammation and pain and support joint health and mobility. The process involves collecting and processing a small sample of fat tissue, from which stem cells are extracted and prepared for treatment. Veterinarians may incorporate VetStem Cell Therapy into a multimodal OA management plan tailored to the individual cat. While every patient responds differently, many owners report improvements in mobility, activity level, and overall quality of life following treatment.

If you think our cat (or dog!) may benefit from VetStem Cell Therapy for arthritis, speak with your veterinarian or contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.