A Home-First Guide to Feline Arthritis Management

The Silent Ache: Redefining "Normal" Aging

Cats are pretty amazing at hiding their pain. Unlike dogs that might limp around or whine, an arthritic cat just tends to slow down. Many owners think these changes are just part of getting older, but they often point to chronic joint inflammation instead.

Keep an eye out for the "Subtle Shift":

The "Double Jump": Instead of jumping straight from the floor to the counter, they might pause on a nearby chair first.

The Grooming Gap: You might notice some matted fur on their lower back or tail areas they can’t reach anymore.

The Litter Box "Miss": If they start having accidents just outside the litter box, it could be because climbing into high-sided boxes is too painful for them now.

Why the "Home Sanctuary" Approach Matters

For a cat dealing with sore joints, the stress of being shoved into a carrier, the bumpiness of a car ride, and those slippery tables at the vet can really ramp up their discomfort.

That’s where Pawssum’s mobile service makes such a big difference. When a vet comes to your home, they can watch your cat move naturally on their own floors. They’ll notice the way your cat walks slowly across hallway tiles or hesitates at the stairs things that get lost in a sterile clinic setting.

4 Pillars of At-Home Arthritis Management

1. Environmental "Easy Wins"

Your home should feel like a comfy sanctuary. Small tweaks can really help reduce the daily struggle your cat faces when trying to get around.

The Low-Entry Throne: Ditch those high-walled litter boxes in favor of shallow trays or even heavy-duty potting trays that have low edges.

Nonslip Navigation: If you’ve got floorboards or tiles, throw down some yoga mats or runners in areas your cat frequents to help prevent any painful slips.

Heat Therapy: Cats with arthritis love warmth. Consider investing in a self-heating pet bed or a low-voltage heating pad to keep their joints nice and cozy.

2. Bringing the "Clinic" to the Couch

These days, feline medicine goes way beyond just pills. Pawssum vets can bring cutting-edge treatments right to your living room, which helps keep things consistent for your furry friend.

Monoclonal Antibody Therapy (Solensia): This monthly injection zeroes in on Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) to cut down on pain. Having a Pawssum vet handle this at home means no more stressful trips to the clinic every month.

Disease-Modifying Injections (Zydax/Cartrophen): These injections help lubricate joints and protect any remaining cartilage.

3. Weight Management: The 10% Rule

Extra weight can be tough on arthritic joints. But getting a cat to lose weight isn’t always easy! A mobile vet can help figure out their exact caloric needs and do weigh-ins right in your living room. Even shedding just 5% to 10% of their body weight can make a huge difference in easing stress on their hips and elbows.

4. Targeted Supplementation

Don’t just grab any old “cat vitamins” from the store. Focus on ingredients backed by research that Pawssum vets recommend:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: High-quality fish oils (EPA/DHA) work as natural anti-inflammatories.

Green-Lipped Mussel: Packed with glycosaminoglycans that help cushion joints.

4-Cyte or Joint Guard: These specialized formulas mix easily into wet food, perfect for those picky eaters!

A Quality of Life Partnership

Managing arthritis isn’t something you fix once and forget about; it’s an ongoing journey. With a service like Pawssum, vets get to see life from your cat’s perspective. This insight leads to better advice on where to place ramps, how high to set food bowls, and adjustments for pain management things you just don’t get at a regular clinic.

The Goal? We’re not only adding years to your cat’s life; we’re making those years count by keeping them active, groomed, and cozy in their favorite spot your home.

Author

Dr James D BVSc (Hons)
Registered Veterinarian
End-of-Life & In-Home Care
Pawssum Mobile Vets