Your veterinarian Rosedale, MD can tell you that all breed types of cats are prone to various joint diseases as they age. For instance, Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) can affect all cat breeds including the American Bobtails. DJD (also known as Osteoarthritis) is a long-term disease that occurs when the cartilage surrounding the muscle joints slowly deteriorates. Symptoms of DJD vary based on the severity and the cause of the deterioration. General symptoms include a stiff-legged gait and decreased range of motion. An increased irritability may also be noticed over time. Senior cats as well as obese cats are at a greater risk of developing DJD. Other more subtle signs of DJD may include your cat’s inability to move around freely, lameness of a limb, or even the inability to go in and out of the litter box. If your cat has any of the symptoms mentioned, please call your vet.