Feline immune-mediated polyarthritis causes chronic joint inflammation and pain in multiple joints, often requiring lifelong management to maintain acceptable quality of life.
Cats with immune-mediated polyarthritis experience chronic pain in multiple joints simultaneously, severely compromising mobility and quality of life. As stoic animals, cats often mask pain through behavioral changes - reduced activity, altered gait, and avoidance of formerly enjoyed activities - rather than obvious vocalization. This stoicism means the condition is often advanced before recognition. The chronic nature of the disease means ongoing management challenges including medication side effects, regular monitoring, and the difficulty of assessing pain levels in cats. Effective pain control through appropriate immunosuppression dramatically improves welfare, enabling cats to groom, play, and engage in normal activities.