As cats age, the tissues that line their joints deteriorate and degenerate. Degenerative joint disease (DJD), also known as arthritis or, more specifically, osteoarthritis, is the result of gradual, irreversible deterioration of articular cartilage in one or more joints.
Cats are not small dogs and degenerative joint disease is an excellent example of this, with feline clinical signs being more subtle and frequently interpreted as 'normal ageing' by owners. Studies suggest that 1791% of cats have DJD.
Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a checklist with adequate accuracy that could be completed by cat owners and used to identify cats likely to have DJD-associated pain. first step in managing chronic pain in cats is to recognize that it exists. Cats display very subtle sign. Pain in cats with DJD occurs most commonly in the lower back, elbows, knees, hips, shoulders, and hocks (the equivalent of our ankles). Studies indicate that as many as 92% of cats may have DJD. Even young cats can get DJD, but it may not be as noticeable until it worsens with age. Degenerative joint disease (DJD) is a very common but often unrecognized painful condition in cats. In addition to debilitation from pain, the inability of the cat to perform its normal behaviors (e.g., jumping and climbing) impacts quality of life.
first step in managing chronic pain in cats is to recognize that it exists. Cats display very subtle sign.
Pain in cats with DJD occurs most commonly in the lower back, elbows, knees, hips, shoulders, and hocks (the equivalent of our ankles). Studies indicate that as many as 92% of cats may have DJD. Even young cats can get DJD, but it may not be as noticeable until it worsens with age.
![Picture of Cat Lover's Guide To Common Feline Diseases [Infographic]](https://i2.wp.com/felineliving.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Most-common-cat-diseases.png "Cat Lover's Guide To Common Feline Diseases [Infographic]")
