Does anyone have a cat with arthritis?

[Tina]

I took my 14 year old cat to the vet this morning. He's shown signs on some arthritis in the past, but it has worsened over the last year. We took x-rays today and my vet described them as "horrible." He has very severe arthritis. He was taking Metacam for about 3 or 4 weeks, but after reading some stuff on the internet, I took him off. Its just too scary. She send him home today with Prednisolone tablets. He gets half a pill per day until she gets the results from a colleague/specialist. She wants the specialist to look at his x-rays for what looked like a possible small fracture.

What do you do for your arthritic cat? I'm open to suggestions.

 

[KatelynnsAuntie]

My oldest cat is 12 and while she hasn't shown any signs yet, I am watching for them.

I just wanted to offer you and your kitty a and bump this up for you. I hope your kitty finds some relief soon.

 

[janette]

Sorry, wish I could give you some good news. My last cat had arthritis but she really wasn't very old. She started dragging one leg and when I took her to the vet they said she had severe arthritis all down her back and her legs. It really explained things and I felt bad because I'd always thought she was lazy, she rarely jumped and other things most cats did. This was about 14 years ago and they said they had no treatment for cats at that time and it was up to me how long I let it go but it would get worse. I tried to do what I could to make her comfortable but when it got so bad she cried when using the litter box I couldn't extend it anymore

My MIL & youngest DD are allergic to cats so I haven't had another cat since. Plenty of dogs but they just aren't the same.

I hope they are able to find something to help, it is hard when they are hurting.

 

[Tina]

Thank you everyone. Luckily, my cat's arthritis is not yet affecting his litter box habits. Mostly, it just causes a limp, some days worse than others, and he sits a little funny, rather than lying down sometimes (sort of down on his side in the rear but up on his haunches in front). I gave him his first dose of Prednisolone last night and this morning he is walking without a limp. His doctor said that surgery may be an option. We'll find out more when he sees the specialist. Its just so sad to see your pets deteriorate. DH and I don't have children (yet), but I've had this cat for 14 years. He's been my best friend for a long, long time. Our other cat is 12, but has no signs of arthritis at all. Hopefully, he will stay that way.