This is a sponsored post, written by Rowyn Rose, Director of Research & Science Communications at Basepaws*
Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, affects not only humans, but also our beloved furry feline companions. Just as in humans, feline osteoarthritis can cause pain, discomfort, and mobility issues that significantly impact a cat’s quality of life. Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment play a crucial role in treating and managing this condition effectively.
Basepaws is a Zoetis company, and the creator of the world’s first at-home Breed + Health Cat DNA test. They collaborate with cat parents like you and me on feline health research, called citizen science, to envision a better future for all cats through the earlier detection of disease.
Early diagnosis of osteoarthritis is critical
A non-invasive oral swab that is easy to use for cat parents and painless for cats helps Basepaws collect DNA and the organisms in a kitty’s mouth (aka the oral microbiome). Both have an important story to tell about a cat’s predisposition to disease and the current state of their health. This combined data is the foundation of Basepaws’ research on diseases like osteoarthritis, supporting our work to develop new at-home oral swab tests that detect diseases in cats earlier, even before symptoms may appear, to streamline diagnosis and treatment by veterinarians sooner.
Early diagnosis of osteoarthritis in cats is critical to supporting timely intervention and improved health outcomes. Detecting osteoarthritis at an earlier stage can allow for more opportunities to slow disease progression, manage pain and discomfort, protect mobility, and improve an affected cat’s overall quality of life.
Join Basepaws today and get a free DNA test
Do you have a cat with an osteoarthritis diagnosis, or know someone who does? Their DNA can help Basepaws create a new at-home test to detect this painful condition earlier, so that cats can get the treatment and support they need sooner.
Participation in Basepaws’ citizen science program for cats is 100% free, and even comes with bonuses! If you’re not already a Basepaws customer, you’ll get a free Basepaws Cat DNA test for collecting your kitty’s oral swab sample—along with a free digital Basepaws report to get to know them even better—both inside and out. Learn about their unique breed profile, the genetic traits responsible for their fabulous appearance, and their genetic predisposition to 43 diseases. Shipping of the DNA test is free both ways if you reside in the U.S.
Nearly 40% of all cats have clinical signs of osteoarthritis, and 90% of cats over age 12 have radiographic evidence of the disease. I just enrolled my cat Loki in the Basepaws feline osteoarthritis (OA) program, and I’m happy knowing that his DNA will support efforts to create an early OA detection test. He’s 13 years old, and while he’s undergoing successful treatment for OA, I can only hope that his suffering was minimal before his treatments started. An early screening test that could be performed in the comfort and convenience of the home could help ensure that other cats don’t suffer silently from a disease without our knowing—beloved cats just like Loki and the ones that are near and dear to your own heart.
By recognizing the importance of early detection, diagnosis, and treatment, we can make a significant difference in the lives of cats affected by OA (and other common diseases). Regular wellness visits to your veterinarian, knowing the signs and symptoms of OA to look out for, and seeking timely intervention can help our furry family members lead more comfortable, active, and pain-free lives.
If you or someone you know has a cat with an osteoarthritis diagnosis, or a diagnosis for any of the other diseases in Basepaws’ feline citizen science programs such as the diabetes research program that my cat Jupiter is enrolled in, you can join an amazing community of cats and cat parents today and help usher in a happier, healthier future for kitties everywhere. Together with Basepaws, we can create a world where all cats have more opportunities to live their best lives, even longer.
Apply to the Basepaws Feline Osteoarthritis Program
*This post is sponsored by Basepaws. We only spread the word about products and services we’ve either used or would use ourselves.
Photos provided by Basepaws, Photo of Loki ©Rowyn Rose, used with permission
I am always amazing by new research when it comes to cat health.