*Dr Login wrote this blog for EveryCat Health Foundation shortly before her unexpected death in the fall of 2024. She was committed to educating her colleagues, and also pet owners about best practices in veterinary medicine. Dr. Login carried her love of teaching into her retirement, and became an outreach and education volunteer for EveryCat. We greatly miss her warmth, wisdom, generosity and unending devotion to cats and the people who cherish them. ~Georgia Arvanitis, PhD, EveryCat Volunteer Program “Chief Cat Herder”.
We all love to pamper our cats, but did you know that only a few extra treats and a couple of extra pounds can lead to serious joint issues like osteoarthritis?
Meet Lily, my full-figured girl, who in addition to being about 1-2 lbs. overweight, also suffers from OA. Obesity is a major health concern for cats, impacting not just their overall well-being but also their joint health. Let’s look at how extra weight can hurt your cat’s joints and what you can do to help.
Many think the only impact of extra fat is the mechanical stress it puts on your cat’s joints, especially in their legs and spine. Over time, this added pressure can wear down the cartilage that cushions their bones, leading to osteoarthritis. But it does more than that. Fat tissue (adipose) isn’t just about storing extra calories. It is also highly inflammatory and acts like an endocrine organ, releasing hormones and other molecules called adipokines and cytokines. In overweight cats, these molecules can cause chronic inflammation in the joints, worsening the damage and leading to a state of chronic pain.
Cats have an uncanny ability to hide their pain which makes it hard for us to know what is going on in their mysterious brains. Why do they do this? Cats play two roles: they are predators, but also prey. If they show weakness, they may end up as lunch. However, they DO tell us they hurt, we just need to learn the language. They will show up as a change in their behavior. I’ve heard many cat parents say how happy they are now that the cat stopped jumping up on the counter. No, I’m sorry to say they stopped jumping up on the counter because they are in a great deal of pain. I’m embarrassed to admit that as a veterinarian, I completely missed her symptoms until I learned more about the signs that I was missing.
Here are some excellent resources to help you understand what your cat is not saying, and to recognize the signs of pain:
● Behavioral changes and clinical signs commonly observed in cats with chronic pain
● Feline OA checklist – this is a quick and easy screening tool to find out if your cat may be suffering from OA pain
● Arthritis and obesity in cats
If your cat is showing signs of weight gain or joint issues, don’t hesitate to consult your vet. They can provide invaluable guidance on managing obesity and preventing arthritis, ensuring your furry friend enjoys a long, active life by your side. Trust me, taking these steps early can make all the difference in your kitty’s well-being.
Joyce Login, DVM is a seasoned veterinarian with expertise in veterinary pain management and parasitology. As the founder of Dragonfly Strategic Solutions, she enhances veterinary care through practical education and clear communication. A devoted feline enthusiast with a cat-friendly certification, she shares her home with her “foster fail,” Marie, who came to her through the infamous cat distribution system.