Just like us, cats can get arthritis and slow down as they get older. Arthritis seems to afflict more male cats than females and cats that are overweight. Feeding your cat a balanced diet is important for general health, as is making sure it has the opportunity to exercise. Schedule some games and play times as well as outdoor exercise.
If you notice you older cat having difficulty jumping onto your bed or chair or other favorite place, check to see if you can feel any hot spots around the joints or unusual swelling. If your cat is limping, that could also be an indicator of arthritis. Awkward gait is another sign as your cat might be trying to compensate for pain.
A trip to the vet is needed so an accurate diagnosis can be made. Your cat might be in pain without you being aware of it. And as the signs of arthritis don't normally appear until the disease has already damaged the joints, it is vitally important to keep a fairly close eye on your older cat and be aware of any changes in behavior. Any unusual behavior such as hissing or scratching while being stroked or unusual lethargy need investigation.
Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints, caused when the cartilage between the bones wears away. This allows the bones to rub against each other, causing pain from the nerves in the bones. Small pieces of bone can also chip off, causing further pain.
Your vet will undertake an examination of your cat, take blood for analysis and probably have an x-ray taken to assess any damage to the joints. The sooner an accurate diagnosis can be made, the earlier you can start on treatment and help alleviate any pain your cat may be in as well as help prevent further damage. Your vet will prescribe medication and pain relief suitable for your cat. Remember, your cat can't tell you when it is in more pain than normal, you have to be aware and take measures to help it. Make sure there are no side effects to the treatment, or if there are, how to treat them.
Try to keep your cat warm. Cold or wet weather aggravates the symptoms of arthritis. A small electrical heating pad left on low and placed under the bed will help ease the symptoms. A hot water bottle will do the same. Make sure your cat gets enough exercise by playing with it as much as is possible. Make sure your cat's diet is suitable for its age and condition.
While not curable, arthritis can be managed in older cats. Some extra help from you will be necessary. Make sure your cat can still easily get into the litter box, and perhaps place a few more around the house as your cat slows down. Place your cat in its favorite place such as the bed or couch and give it some extra love and care. Arthritis is not fun for anyone.
Kathy is the author of numerous articles on cat problems and the care of cats. Visit her website at http://www.CatProblemsResolved.com today to find answers to problems you might be having with your cat or kitten.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathy_Robinson
If you notice you older cat having difficulty jumping onto your bed or chair or other favorite place, check to see if you can feel any hot spots around the joints or unusual swelling. If your cat is limping, that could also be an indicator of arthritis. Awkward gait is another sign as your cat might be trying to compensate for pain.
A trip to the vet is needed so an accurate diagnosis can be made. Your cat might be in pain without you being aware of it. And as the signs of arthritis don't normally appear until the disease has already damaged the joints, it is vitally important to keep a fairly close eye on your older cat and be aware of any changes in behavior. Any unusual behavior such as hissing or scratching while being stroked or unusual lethargy need investigation.
Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints, caused when the cartilage between the bones wears away. This allows the bones to rub against each other, causing pain from the nerves in the bones. Small pieces of bone can also chip off, causing further pain.
Your vet will undertake an examination of your cat, take blood for analysis and probably have an x-ray taken to assess any damage to the joints. The sooner an accurate diagnosis can be made, the earlier you can start on treatment and help alleviate any pain your cat may be in as well as help prevent further damage. Your vet will prescribe medication and pain relief suitable for your cat. Remember, your cat can't tell you when it is in more pain than normal, you have to be aware and take measures to help it. Make sure there are no side effects to the treatment, or if there are, how to treat them.
Try to keep your cat warm. Cold or wet weather aggravates the symptoms of arthritis. A small electrical heating pad left on low and placed under the bed will help ease the symptoms. A hot water bottle will do the same. Make sure your cat gets enough exercise by playing with it as much as is possible. Make sure your cat's diet is suitable for its age and condition.
While not curable, arthritis can be managed in older cats. Some extra help from you will be necessary. Make sure your cat can still easily get into the litter box, and perhaps place a few more around the house as your cat slows down. Place your cat in its favorite place such as the bed or couch and give it some extra love and care. Arthritis is not fun for anyone.
Kathy is the author of numerous articles on cat problems and the care of cats. Visit her website at http://www.CatProblemsResolved.com today to find answers to problems you might be having with your cat or kitten.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathy_Robinson
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