Arthritis in Cats - Symptoms

This article titled 'Arthritis in cats symptoms' would provide you with brief insight on the different indicators which serve to alarm the development of arthritis in felines.

Cats are born agile and not just agile, the word is 'extremely agile'. They are listed among the animals who have an athletic sense of lifestyle. However, cats, as agile they are, they are also prone to develop several ailments of the joints, ligaments and bones. These may result from accidental damage, and wear and tear of everyday life. However, these do not bother them much, thanks to their sense of using their limbs, and lightness. Also, cats' forelegs have no connection with the rest of their skeleton with bone ergo, they act as in-built shock absorbers. Because of these features, cats' health is not affected by most orthopedic problems. This article on 'Arthritis in cats symptoms' has its continuation in the following segment, wherein, you would come to know about the classic symptoms of arthritis, causes and a few bit of information on what would be the arthritis treatment for cats.

Feline Arthritis Causes

There are two most common types of cat arthritis. They include a form of arthritis that is caused by an injury to a joint and osteoarthritis. The former type, as the name suggests, may be caused due to a fight with another cat, an awkward fall, accident, and the like. The later one, according to what experts comment, is the eventual result of a joint failure.

What is to be known in this write-up on 'Arthritis in cats symptoms', is that an arthritis that is caused due to an injury, is not considered to be a serious problem, as the symptoms begin to subside as the injury heals over time. However, if something like a car accident is behind the development of the condition, then surgery may be required to fix the problem, as there are chances of fractures to the bones within the joint.

As far as the condition of osteoarthritis is concerned, it is an issue far more greater than an injury. However, it does depend upon the underlying cause of the condition and its severity. An important point to take a note, that obese cats are more vulnerable to suffer from severe symptoms, than those who aren't.

Feline Arthritis Symptoms

Now coming to the main segment of 'Arthritis in cats symptoms', it is the classic symptoms we would have a quick discussion on. As I said, cats are born agile and when your cat stops displaying its agility, that means something is bothering it. Reduced motion is one of the most important indications of the development of arthritis in cats. You may notice that your pet may begin to avoid taking the stairs and take short hops, and move more slowly than before. To put it differently, your pet may stop doing all its jumping, climbing, running, scratching stuffs, when it is hit by arthritis.

Another pronounced arthritis in cats symptoms is limping. Initially, it may get ignored, as it is not so prominent. However, with time, the limping may get worse. Try to notice your cat's walk after it has rested, especially in the morning. It may limp more during these times. However, after it has moved about for a few minutes or so, the limping would wear off, as activity reduces the stiffness in the limbs. During colder months, the limping may get worse than ever.

It may sound strange but, there may even be psychological changes in your cat's behavior, which I would like to mention in this session on 'Arthritis in cats symptoms'. Your pet may avoid getting petted, touched, stroked or brushed, and may exhibit an irritable behavior than normal. Mood changes such as these, are common indications of cats showing that they are not feeling well.

Sleeping more than usual and being lethargic all the time are some more symptoms to be watched out for. Poor feeding, decreased activity, and lacking interest in their favorite toy, are also some good indications of arthritis in felines.

Arthritis in cats treatment involve anti-inflammatory medications, some healthy changes in the diet and attention to exercise. When all these conservative treatment plan fail, surgery comes in handy, especially for osteoarthritis. So that's it, for my quick presentation on 'Arthritis in cats symptoms', for all you cat owners. Remember, that this article does not serve to be a replacement for a veterinarian visit. It is only for making you aware of the symptoms, which may bother your pet, when it is ill. So, once you notice any such symptoms, you know what to do.