Normal vs Not Normal
You know your cat better than anyone. But if they’ve been acting differently, it could be from OA pain.
Is Your Cat SAYING “OW” SAYING “OW” SAYING “OW” in Different Ways?
SAYING “OW”
SAYING “OW” SAYING “OW”
The red flags are everywhere. You just need to know where to look.
Red Flags
My cat has stopped acting like “my cat”
That might be a red flag for osteoarthritis (OA) pain.
Cats hide almost everything, especially pain. A good way to tell if your cat might be dealing with OA pain is to see whether they’re having trouble or slowing down with certain behaviors.
*Based on the Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Checklist (MiPSC). © 2019 North Carolina State University.
Checklist
Have you noticed any red flags with your cat?
Take a moment to complete this checklist—your cat will thank you!
What is Cat OA Pain?
But What Exactly Is Cat OA Pain?
Good question! It’s serious. And it can affect your cat’s health and well-being.
Cat OA is a type of arthritis that happens when protective tissue in the joints (cartilage) is worn down, causing bones to rub up against one another. Cat OA pain is chronic pain: pain that doesn’t go away. Without treatment, cat OA pain will continue to get worse. This can affect your cat’s quality of life and the antics that make your cat, “your cat.”
Did You Know?
OA can happen to cats at any age, not just older cats.
Mission Meow
Play Mission meOW
Welcome to Mission meOW, a game where you can learn about the signs of cat OA pain. Collect yummy treats and get all the red flags! Press the START button to play!
Talk To Your Vet
Alright, but Do I Need to Talk to My Vet?
A red flag is more than a symptom. It’s a cry for help.
Cat OA pain makes moving harder. It also worsens without the right treatment. While cat OA isn’t curable, OA pain can be effectively managed.
If you’ve noticed any red flags of OA pain, share them with your vet. Your vet has treatment options that can control OA pain and improve the parts of your cat’s life impacted by it.
My Cat HATES the Vet
Don't worry, vet visits don't have to be scary.
The idea of a visit to the vet might stress you out. But trust us, it can be a good experience for you and your cat. Here are some tips and tricks to help make it easier.
BEFORE YOUR VISIT
DURING YOUR VISIT
Learn more about steps to a stress-free vet visit.
Educational Videos
What is OA pain?
Learn what osteoarthritis is, how it causes pain in your cat, and whether you should be concerned
Is It Time for a Vet Visit?
The physical and emotional signs of OA pain and when you should schedule an OA screening.
Getting Your Cat to the Vet
Tips and tricks you can use to make your trip to the vet easier for you and your cat.
What Does a Diagnosis Mean?
Find answers to some questions you might have if your cat has been diagnosed with OA pain.