What Should I do if I Think My Cat Has Arthritis?
Does your cat suffer from arthritis? The signs are not as easy to find as you might think. Here how to spots arthritis in yours cats and whats to do.
It is estimated that about 90 percent of cats over the age of twelve have some form of arthritis, but the signs are not as obvious as many people might think.
1..How to Tell if your Cat hasArthritis
Arthritis can be difficult to diagnose because cats hide pain and change their behavior to hide the condition. Instead of cats clearly showing that they have arthritis, they may simply stop doing things they used to do. You may find that they groom themselves, sleep more, or sleep in low places because they can no longer go to high places.
You may also notice that your older cat tends to get angry, especially when being picked up or handled. An arthritic cat hesitates when jumping up and down. Sometimes cats with arthritis will cast, but most cats don't. Therefore, lameness is a negative sign of arthritis in cats. If you have an older cat, it is very important to pay attention to any small changes in behavior that may indicate that your cat has arthritis. Many owners confuse these signs as an indication that their cat is "slowing down,"
when in fact they may be suffering from arthritis that can be painful but it is treated. Your veterinarian can help you diagnose arthritis by palpating the joints and the muscles that cover them, as well as what you see at home. X-rays can be repeated if necessary. Another way to diagnose arthritis is to simply treat the cat as if it has arthritis with painkillers. If the cat suddenly gets bigger and starts to play and groom itself more, it is reasonable to think that it has arthritis.
2..What you can do at home to help cats
There are many things you can do at home to make your arthritic cat's environment easier to navigate and their daily tasks easier to complete. Elevating food and water bowls can help cats with back or neck arthritis by allowing them to bend their head and neck less when eating and drinking. There are many great pet food dishes available, but you can only add them
- paper or brick under the bowl to raise it a few inches.
3..Can arthritis in cats come on suddenly?
Help your cat reach the top by providing a routine. You can make them at home or there are many types of cat steps for sale online. Place them near your cat's favorite bed, couch, or window, so instead of jumping up, he can climb the stairs. If you have an outdoor cat, steps can also be placed outside so your
Cat can easily climb over the fence or get a high perch in your garden. The best advice for buying a system is to use a tape measure. You want to make sure that you buy the perfect high-quality systems. The steps must be non-slip. Try to buy a stepladder with a wide leg so that when your cat goes down, the step is not too narrow.
If you have an older cat, I recommend placing a litter box at every level of your home so your cat doesn't have to climb the stairs to go to the bathroom. The litter box should have a low rim so that your cat does not have to step over the top when entering the box. An inaccessible litter box is a common cause of adult cats urinating indoors, simply because it's better to urinate on the floor than up the stairs.
Please continue playing your big cat. This will increase bonding, reduce fatigue and contribute to your cat's well-being. Due to arthritis, your older cat may want to play for a while and rest. You should encourage them to play over and over again for short periods of time.
If you feel that the changes you are making at home are not enough to manage your cat's arthritis and you are concerned that your cat is suffering, please contact your vet. There are various treatments, such as pain relievers and acupuncture, that can be used to help your cat feel better.
Formulated with a feline-specific blend of glucosamine, antioxidants and vitamins, Welly Tails Senior Cat Vitality supplement supports joint, immune and urinary tract health.
Provides continuous and secure access to your cat's favorite space. Bowsers Pet Products Pet Steps help your cat avoid injury when climbing or jumping.
0 Comments