Alberts’s tips for spotting feline arthritis
January 14, 2018
If your cat is getting older, it’s important that you know the signs of cat arthritis, which is a common complaint among mature moggies.
Feline arthritis is also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. It happens when the cartilage between a cat’s joints wear away with use and age, resulting in the bones rubbing together directly. This inflames joints and causes pain and stiffness.
If you suspect that your senior cat may be struggling with arthritis, give us a call on 020 8368 9798 to book an appointment – and while you’re here, we can check for other issues related to old age in cats.
What are the symptoms of cat arthritis?
Our vet Albert and other members of our team can quickly identify the signs of arthritis, which can include:
- A stiff appearance in your cat’s movements, or decreased flexibility
- Reluctance to move, or generally decreased activity
- Hesitancy to run and jump
- Litter tray mishaps, as they struggle to climb in and out
If you spot any of these yourself, it’s time to give us a call so we can examine your cat and recommend treatment.
Make life more comfortable for your cat
If your cat has been used to strolling confidently around Whetstone or other areas nearby, it’s a frustrating change for them to become less mobile.
But at the very least, there are ways to minimise their pain and discomfort, giving them a better quality of life.
We recommend making sure their food and water bowls are within easy reach; and thinking about how you could improve access to their litter tray.
But above all, please consult us so we can prescribe pain medication and offer advice about other issues, such as diet. It’s easy to book an appointment with our friendly staff.