Your cat may have a problem with his joints if he is having a hard time jumping, running, or climbing.Feline degenerative joint disease is a term used to describe diseases that can make it hard for cats to move their joints.The diseases limit a cat's movement and can cause pain and distress.If your cat is having a hard time moving, you should have him looked at by a vet.Your cat's joint health can be assessed by your vet and if they find that your cat has a disease, they can treat it.
Step 1: Take your cat to the doctor.
If you suspect that your cat is having joint problems, you should take him to the vet.Call your veterinary office, tell them what you think the problem is, and make an appointment for the cat to be assessed.When you bring the cat in, you should tell the vet what your cat's symptoms are and why you think he is having joint trouble.
Step 2: Allow testing to be done.
The general assessment of your cat's health will be done by the vet when you bring it in.They will take a close look at the cat's joints after that.If the vet suspects that your cat has a disease, they will need to do more testing.There are two diseases that are included in the definition of feline degenerative joint disease.Inflammation between the bones can be caused by these diseases.The general term may be used by your vet.Inflammation or abnormal growths can be seen with an x-ray of the joint.The vet might want to take a sample of the fluid in the joint to look for other signs of inflammation.
Step 3: Begin treatment.
Degenerative joint disease can be treated with medication to ease pain.NSAIDs and Opioids are likely to be prescribed by your vet to ease your cat's pain.Your vet may recommend checking your cat's kidney function before starting any long term medication because of the possible effects of NSAIDS.If your cat is on these medications, you should have his health monitored by a vet.Cats with degenerative joint disease don't usually need surgery.The advanced age of most cats that suffer from this condition doesn't make surgery a good risk to take.
Step 4: Consider other treatments.
Some alternative treatments may be helpful for a cat with a disease.The use of supplements that promote joint health is one of them.Joint health is promoted by increasing key enzymes and fluids in the joints.There isn't much research on the effectiveness of supplement use in cats for degenerative joint disease, but there is a lot of promising research in humans and dogs.If you want to improve your cat's mobility and comfort, you can get some exercises and therapies at home.It may be possible to use heat therapy or even hydrotherapy.
Step 5: Continue to treat pain.
It is your job as a cat owner to make sure that your cat's pain is managed as much as possible, because there can be a lot of pain associated with degenerative joint disease.There are several types of medication that can be used to manage pain.Both should be prescribed by your doctor.Since cats are notorious for hiding their pain, you will need to assess its pain medication needs as best as you can.If you don't know if your cat has chronic pain or needs medication regularly, talk to your vet.
Step 6: Your cat's daily routine should be easier.
If your cat has been diagnosed with a disease, it will make it more difficult to walk.Changing the cat's environment to accommodate its limited mobility is something you should do.In close proximity to where your cat spends his time, keep essential items such as food dishes and litter boxes.The cat shouldn't have to climb stairs to get to a water dish.The sides of the litter box need to be low enough for the cat to get in and out of it.It's possible that you need to install ramps or stairs in your home.If your cat sleeps on your bed at night, you might need to install stairs or a ramp.
Step 7: Your cat's environment should be enriched.
Your cat may not be able to complete all of the activities he used to.In order to keep your cat's mind active, you should enrich his environment.Give him areas to watch the outdoors and work on puzzles that don't require much strength.Even though your cat is losing mobility, you can enrich his environment to keep him happy.
Step 8: Help your cat lose weight.
If your cat is overweight, it may be possible to lose some weight.Less weight on the cat's body can mean less pressure on his joints, which can decrease his pain.Discuss weight-loss plans with your vet in order to make sure that your cat gets a balanced diet while still losing weight.
Step 9: Give love and affection.
If your cat has been diagnosed with a disease, he will need veterinary care, but he also needs your love and affection.A cat in pain and unable to enjoy life will require more attention from you.When the ability to move is reduced, love and affection can fill the void.Every day, spend time with your cat.Show your cat that you care by petting him and playing with him.
Step 10: There are problems with movement.
If you have problems with movement, look at the joints in the elbow and hips.Make sure that your cat is walking normally.The problem with your cat's joints is advanced if he is having difficulty using them.If your cat is having this type of problem, get it seen by a vet.
Step 11: There are signs that your cat is in pain.
Cats are good at hiding pain, so it can be hard to know when your cat is in pain.Cats keep their pain to themselves because of the weakness shown by showing outward signs of pain.Try to assess your cat's pain level.When trying to move your cat's joints, look for changes in routine, avoidance of normal movement, and reactions.There can be a change in routine or behavior if you hide pain.If your cat is trying to mask pain, he will have to change his way of life.If your cat is too stiff and sore to groom herself regularly, her fur may become unkempt and matted, especially around her rump.
Step 12: There are changes on the joints.
Cats with severe joint disease can have swollen joints due to inflammation.If you notice that your cat's joints are different than usual, take the time to inspect them closely.A swollen joint can be a sign of health problems.If your cat's joints are swollen, you should have him checked out by a doctor.
Step 13: The areas that have experienced trauma should be assessed.
Degenerative joint disease can occur with no specific cause, but it is more likely to occur in a joint that has been subjected to trauma or excessive wear and tear.If your cat has had an injury to one of his joints, it's a good idea to keep an eye on it.
Step 14: There are problems in older cats.
Degenerative joint disease is a problem for older cats.In most cases, it is connected to long-term wear and tear on joints, and so it rarely happens in young cats.Do an annual assessment of your cat's ability to move his joints without pain.If you see signs of pain, it's a good idea to take the cat to the vet.