Mary Allen
Rheumatism, a joint disease, is very painful for a cat. A malfunction of the immune system is often one of the causes of the condition. Unfortunately, a cure is not yet possible.
There are a total of 400 different forms of rheumatism. A common one is a rheumatoid arthritis, which cats often suffer from. Joint inflammation can have different causes. In any case, it is very painful for the house cat, which of course it is very difficult for it to tell its people. But how exactly does rheumatism develop in cats?
Immune System Can Contribute to the Development
Precise scientific results on the causes of rheumatoid arthritis are not yet available. However, it is assumed that the immune system plays an important role in its development. Rheumatism in cats is often referred to as an autoimmune disease – this means that the body’s own substances such as joint cartilage are attacked by cells of the immune system. In this case, the vet usually finds so-called rheumatoid factors in the blood of the velvet paw.
Rheumatism in Cats: Painful Joint Inflammation
Cartilage damage clearly favors the development of rheumatoid arthritis. The doctor can demonstrate such damage with X-rays. If the cat’s own immune system also attacks the cartilage, this often leads to the painful inflammation of the joints. This damage to the animal’s joints cannot be reversed.
Anything that puts additional strain on the joints can promote rheumatism in your cat. Risk factors include obesity, for example. Older cats are more likely to suffer from joint problems than younger ones.