Joint stiffness in cats is a common occurrence, however cats have an instinct to hide pain so it’s often hard to spot and see the tell-tale signs.  It is more common in older cats but is also seen in young felines as they can develop it through injury.

Joint stiffness can be more prominent in winter months, as the cold weather can aggravate the joint. However, it is still important to care for and look after your cat’s joints in warm weather to ensure they can remain mobile and enjoy time outside. In the UK summer months can also be wet and damp which can impact their joints.

Some common signs of joint stiffness in cats include:

• Limping and stiffness
• Lethargy (low energy)
• Weight loss, muscle wastage and prominent bones
• Difficulty jumping up to high places
• Difficulty using the stairs, cat flap or litter tray
• Less time spent outdoors
• Less time spent hunting or playing
• Sleeping and resting more
• Matted fur due to difficulty
• Overgrown claws due to using the scratching post less
• Swollen, painful joints – they might show their pain by being irritable or avoid being stroked.

Maintaining the health of your cat’s joints can make everyday tasks such jumping onto surfaces or having a comfy night’s sleep easier to perform.

Ask your vet about the Nutraquin range, which offers joint support for cats, dogs and horses.

Nutraquin+ is recommended by vets and contains the necessary high strength ingredients that help maintain healthy joint function, whilst supporting the natural systems that control inflammation. Nutraquin+ uses sprinkle capsules that can be opened and easily sprinkled over or mixed into your cat’s food.

If you think your cat may need support for their joints or you’re just generally concerned about their health, contact your vet who is best placed to monitor your cat’s health needs.