Obese Cats Are More Prone to Arthritis

It’s no secret that people love a chonky kitty, that’s why they’re celebrities on social media.  But the extra pounds lead to health issues, including increased joint pain from arthritis.  

There is no evidence that obesity causes arthritis in cats as you can learn here at ICatCare and here at WebMD, but both resources say that obesity can make the pain and symptoms of arthritis worse.  Then there are claims by DVMs that obesity can play a role in it like this article about arthritis treatments in cats from Today’s Veterinary Practice.

Arthritis seems to be more common at an earlier age in obese cats and it is believed this is because the excess weight adds additional stress to their joints wearing them out faster.  And obese cats have been shown to release inflammatory hormones that further inflame the pain from osteoarthritis according to VCA Animal Hospitals once they have it.  

But don’t panic if your cat has arthritis.  Although it is not curable, you can slow the progression of arthritis in cats and take actions to reduce the pain it causes.  And the pain from obesity and arthritis in cats is more common than you’d think with 60% of house cats being obese according to this article from Northwoods Veterinary clinic and this one from VCA Animal Hospitals.  And an estimated 70% and 90% of adult cats over 12 have arthritis.

Arthritis is difficult to detect in cats because they hide the symptoms of pain, and generally do not like being held or handled during examinations by a veterinarian or assistant. Veterinarians can identify arthritis in cats through x-rays, gait testing, and other simple methods that may annoy your cat, but won't be too intense.

Fun fact: Some breeds of cats are more likely to get fat than others including the sphynx and manx which we don’t normally think of as chonky.

If your obese cat is suffering from arthritis pain, you can help to reduce their symptoms with a few easy treatments.  The first is to try adjusting their sleeping spaces so there is less jumping and climbing. 

If they sleep on your bed, add padded stairs or a ramp and help them learn to use it.  Next you can try reducing the inflammation with products like CBD for joint pain and mobility issues.  The active ingredients in some have been proven to reduce inflammation which is the cause of the pain when the two bones rub together, and ones like ours use the "entourage effect" for relief.  

Another option, and the one you should start doing now, is to try reduce their excess fat.  When you reduce their weight you can reduce the stress on the joints that are hurting them. 

Exercise is likely a great option, just ask their veterinarian first, while also helping them to manage the symptoms of arthritis according to Mission Ridge Animal Hospital.  Simply buy them some chase toys like a feather wand, a laser pointer, or try one of the popular cat running wheels you see on social media.  It all depends on what your cat responds to and meeting their needs.

Obesity in cats and arthritis go "paw-in-paw", but the arthritis is likely naturally occurring or from old age whereas obesity is something you may be able to help your cat get under control.  If you found this guide to cat health helpful, join our newsletter below for more like it.