Joint & Bone Disease
Joint cartilage wears down faster with age or obesity; signs are subtler and more easily overlooked in cats than in dogs.
What Is Degenerative Joint Disease
Joint cartilage wears down and becomes inflamed over time, causing pain during movement. It's common in senior cats and dogs; large-breed dogs have higher risk due to hip dysplasia, and overweight cats and dogs are also notably more at risk.
Signs in Dogs
Limping, hesitating before climbing stairs or jumping into the car, noticeable stiffness after exercise, and reluctance to walk for long.
Signs in Cats Are Easy to Miss
Cats are naturally good at hiding pain, so signs tend to be very subtle: no longer jumping onto familiar furniture, hesitating before jumping or climbing up instead, grooming less (because bending and stretching become harder, leading to matted fur on the back), and becoming more irritable or reclusive. These changes are often mistaken for "just getting lazy with age."
Key Care Points
Weight management is the most important and effective at-home care measure, significantly reducing joint strain. Your vet may recommend joint supplements, pain medication, or physical therapy. Never give cats or dogs human pain relievers (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) on your own — they can cause serious poisoning or even death.
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A chronic-care app for cats and dogs: daily logs, trend charts, blood test OCR, and medication reminders — all your pet's health data in one place.
Sources:
- AAHA
- Cornell Feline Health Center
This site is for general reference only and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis. If your cat shows unusual signs, please see a vet promptly.