New Feline Osteoarthritis Checklist Dramatically Improves Detection in Practice

Osteoarthritis (OA) is increasingly recognized as a common but underdiagnosed condition in cats. With an estimated 60 million cats in the U.S., many are silently suffering from OA-related pain without proper recognition or treatment. A new study highlights the power of the Feline Osteoarthritis Checklist, a practical tool designed to help veterinary teams screen cats more effectively.

The study compared two populations of feline patients from general small animal practices. In the retrospective phase, traditional methods—including physical exams and owner history—identified orthopedic issues in only 1% of cats. By contrast, when the prospective population was screened using the Feline OA Checklist, 39% of cats showed at least one behavior consistent with OA.

The research included data from five general practice veterinary clinics, with a total of 502 cat records reviewed retrospectively and 437 completed screening forms in the prospective phase. The dramatic difference between methods underscores how often OA goes unnoticed in routine practice.

Why this matters: Recognizing pain is the first step in effective management. Using tools like the Feline OA Checklistallows veterinary teams to quickly and efficiently identify cats at risk for OA, improving their health, welfare, and quality of life. Implementing routine OA screening in practice can help ensure that aging cats are receiving the care they need to minimize discomfort and maintain mobility.

This study demonstrates that even simple, validated checklists can make a major impact on feline welfare, highlighting the importance of proactive screening in every clinic.

Read full study here: Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery