Could Your Cat Be Suffering From Arthritis?
You may well be familiar with osteoarthritis, a troubling condition affecting many people as they age. Yet, did you know that your cat can also get this degenerative joint disease? How does this happen, what are the symptoms, and what should you do if you suspect your furry friend has such an issue?
Understanding Feline Osteoarthritis
Just as in humans, osteoarthritis attacks the cartilage surrounding each knee joint. It slowly wears away this cartilage, leading to inflammation and a lot of pain. This condition can affect your cat's ability to move and significantly impact its quality of life. Nevertheless, cats have an inbuilt ability to mask any pain since this would place them at a significant disadvantage if they were in the wild. Therefore, it may make it difficult for you to recognise the presence of arthritis in its early stages.
Looking for Signs
If your cat is getting older, you should look for any potential signs of trouble. Become aware of their general habits and how they sit, lie or sleep. Some cats fold their legs beneath them and simply rest in that position. If you notice that your feline is now lying on its side instead, it could indicate that they are feeling pain in those joints. An animal that is badly affected may also sleep much more than usual. They may avoid jumping or climbing and even start turning their nose up at food.
As the condition gets a lot worse, they may start to withdraw, stop preening themselves or even use the toilet outside the litter box. Wherever possible, you should avoid getting to this stage as it will probably mean that your cat is now in significant pain.
Turning to the Expert
Early action is best, and even if you're not sure, you should schedule a visit to your veterinarian as soon as possible. They will give your cat a comprehensive examination and will undoubtedly be able to tell if it has this disease.
Dealing With the Condition
If this turns out to be the case, your vet may prescribe certain medications, such as anti-inflammatories. You may need to modify their environment by placing the litter tray in a more accessible location or swapping out the bedding for something softer or more manageable. Don't expect them to jump or climb to do anything, making life much easier.
Taking Action
Remember, turn to your vet as soon as possible for further advice about feline osteoarthritis.