Arthritis can be an uncomfortable experience for anybody, including cats that are starting to experience the degenerative joint disease. If your cat is in pain, they are not able to tell you, leaving you to be the one that notices some of the most common signs. You need to assess whether or not your cat is experiencing pain related to arthritis so that you can get them the help that they need from a veterinarian. Some of the common signs of arthritis in cats are listed below.
Excessive Tiredness
While it is common for senior cats to have a decrease in energy as they get older, you need to understand the difference between slowing down due to age or a decrease in energy related to pain. If your cat has been lying around the house more often and is no longer interested in the same kind of playing, you should bring your cat to the vet for an exam. Even if arthritis is not the cause, excessive tiredness should be addressed so that your senior cat is in the best health possible.
Biting and Licking of Their Paws or Legs
When cats are in pain, especially joint pain, they often react by biting or licking their paws or legs. Even if you do not catch them in the act, you may notice that they are missing fur somewhere on their body—a clear sign that they have been licking or biting there.
Irritability May Have Affected Their Personality
When your cat is in pain, their personality may change greatly. If you have noticed that your cat has started biting when you reach to pet them, this could mean that they are in pain.
Changes in Their Walk Style
If you suspect that your cat is suffering from arthritis, you should spend some time following them as they walk around the house. If you notice that your cat is walking differently or favoring one leg over another, this could be due to some joint pain related to arthritis.
Keeping your cat healthy as it gets older means looking for signs that they may be uncomfortable and bringing them into the veterinarian for treatment as soon as possible. Treatment such as medication, light exercise, and even physical therapy could improve your cat's quality of life. With the above signs of arthritis in mind, you will be better equipped to recognize changes in your cat's behavior. Contact a company like Elizabethton Veterinary Clinic if you notice anything wrong with your cat.
