Understanding Feline Arthritis and Lifespan Expectations
Arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, is a common condition affecting older cats. This progressive disorder causes the breakdown of joint cartilage, leading to pain, inflammation, stiffness, and reduced mobility. While arthritis is not curable, with proper management, cats diagnosed with this condition can enjoy a good quality of life and live out their expected lifespan.
What Is Arthritis in Cats?
Osteoarthritis in cats occurs when the cushioning cartilage within joints wears away over time. This allows bones to rub together, resulting in discomfort and chronic pain. The condition tends to develop gradually, often going unnoticed until visible mobility issues arise.
Common signs of arthritis in cats include:
- Reluctance to jump or climb stairs
- Stiffness, especially after rest
- Lameness or limping
- Reduced grooming habits
- Changes in behavior or reluctance to be touched
- Lethargy and decreased playfulness
How Long Can Cats Live With Arthritis?
Arthritis does not directly reduce a cat's lifespan. With appropriate treatment and careful monitoring, cats with arthritis can live a normal life expectancy. Many cats begin showing signs of joint pain later in life, typically around age ten or older. These cats can live several more years—often well past age 15—if their discomfort is effectively managed.
However, the quality of a cat’s life is highly dependent on pain control. Without treatment, arthritic cats may suffer from chronic pain that significantly affects their well-being and mobility.
Treatment Options for Cat Arthritis
Historically, managing feline arthritis has been challenging. Unlike dogs, cats are more sensitive to long-term medications like NSAIDs, which can cause serious side effects such as kidney damage. Due to these risks, veterinarians have been cautious in prescribing long-term drug therapies for cats.
Some medications used off-label for feline arthritis include:
- Gabapentin
- Tramadol
- Amantadine
While these may offer some relief, they are not specifically approved for this use and may only provide limited benefits.
Solensia: A New Option for Feline Arthritis
In 2022, the FDA approved a breakthrough treatment called Solensia (frunevetmab). This monthly injectable medication is a monoclonal antibody specifically designed for cats with osteoarthritis. Solensia works by targeting nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein that plays a key role in pain perception in arthritic joints.
By neutralizing NGF, Solensia helps reduce pain and may improve flexibility and comfort. This therapy is administered by a veterinarian once a month and is tailored based on the cat’s weight.
In clinical trials, over 75% of cats treated with Solensia showed noticeable improvement in pain levels and mobility within three months. Many cat owners observed enhanced activity and interaction within just a few weeks of starting treatment.
Safety and Side Effects
Solensia is generally well tolerated, with common side effects being mild and including:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Injection site swelling or scabbing
- Irritated or itchy skin
Rarely, cats may experience serious allergic reactions like anaphylaxis. In such cases, emergency veterinary help is needed. Solensia is not suitable for cats that are pregnant, breeding, nursing, or under 12 months of age. Its safety has not been established for cats weighing less than 5.5 pounds.
Comprehensive Support for Arthritic Cats
While Solensia can offer significant pain relief, it should be combined with supportive home care to maximize a cat’s comfort and mobility. These measures include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Reduces joint stress
- Using supplements: Joint-supportive compounds like glucosamine
- Adapting the home: Ramps, padded bedding, and easily accessible litter boxes
- Regular veterinary checkups: Monitor progress and make adjustments as needed
Pet owners should also ensure that missed Solensia injections are rescheduled promptly, as consistent monthly dosing is important for sustained pain relief.
Cost and Accessibility
The cost of Solensia varies based on your location, the cat's weight, and individual veterinary pricing. In general, it ranges from $60 to $115 per injection. Pet insurance may help cover part of the cost in some plans. After being approved in the EU in 2021 and the US in 2022, Solensia is now becoming more widely accessible through veterinarians.
Conclusion: Improving Quality of Life
Although arthritis is a chronic condition, it does not have to shorten a cat’s life. With effective pain management options like Solensia and thoughtful supportive care at home, cats suffering from arthritis can remain active, comfortable, and happy for many more years. Early detection and consistent treatment are key in preserving not just lifespan but also quality of life for aging feline companions.
