Arthritis (Osteoarthritis, Degenerative Joint Disease): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Simply put, arthritis explains the inflammation of the joints. Most common among older pets, the condition can be mildly uncomfortable or painfully debilitating.

The most common type of arthritis is degenerative joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis. It affects roughly 20% of adult dogs in the US, and a whopping 90% of cats over the age of 12.

What Causes Arthritis in Cats?

Certain breeds are more prone to developing arthritis because of underlying joint problems.

For example, main coons, Persians and Siamese cats are known to develop hip dysplasia, which is an abnormal development of the hip joints.

Abyssinians and Devon Rex cats have been known to develop patella luxation, which is the dislocation of the kneecap.

And Scottish folds often experience severe arthritis because of a common cartilage (the squishy stuff that cushions the bones of the joint) abnormality.

Injuries and trauma can also cause arthritis. If your feline friend breaks a bone, dislocates a hip or shoulder, or suffers any other type of joint injury, the healing process may cause abnormal joint conformation, which can lead to osteoarthritis.