I noticed when he was cleaning that one of his toes didn't bend so I was a bit worried as he has other problems too. He has hardly any teeth (8 out at vets 4mths ago and last fang loose!) and he has a flea allergy too. I am taking him to the vet on Thursday but I wanted to know if there's anything I can do at home for him.
2006-06-20 11:30:39 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
It's time to take him out by the tool shed.
2006-06-20 11:33:08 · answer #1 · answered by Federico 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If you want a specific diagnosis the vet may recommend X rays so they can see bony changes and confirm your diagnosis.
Treatment for arthritis is best coming from your vet and depends on what you prefer. There are many joint supplements on the market these days which will help (the equivalent of glucosamine for humans) and there are also various pain relief medications available. Metacam, as someone else suggested, tends to be the better, long-term medication but it isn't actually licensed in cats (although it is really quite safe to use providing your cat is healthy in all other repsects). You can use either or both.
I wouldn't recommend trying to medicate your cat at home, they are not good at metabolizing drugs, so would consult your vet before giving anything. However, maybe IF he is arthritic, you could expect a little less of him. Don't expect him to chase round like a kitten anymore and maybe help him upstairs and jumping up to the bed/settee. Make comfortable areas on the floor so he doesn't have to jump up and if he seems to be affected by cold weather, keep a warm spot for him.
2006-06-22 17:35:10 · answer #2 · answered by midge 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have a 1 1/2 year old boy kitty that was given to me with a broken pelvis.(he was kicked by a horried little child when he was 4 months old!) anyway the pelvis mended but he has a very wobbly gate with his hind legs when he walks. i recently asked the vet what i could do to help as i'm sure as he ages he will have arthritis especially in that area. he suggested a pediatric does of condroiton(sp?) and glucosamin(sp?) for his joints. i haven't started him on it yet, but i did find a liquid mix of both of these at my pharmacy and i have to call the vet to ask just exactly how much is a pediatric dose. you might ask your vet if this will help your oldster at this point. i know they have an arthritic medication for dogs, but not sure about cats, although the dog medication cost a fortune and if you can't afford it then it cant help. ask your vet if there is maybe an over the counter pain med that is compatible with cats as most can be deadly. your poor old nearly toothless guy has a great mom taking care of him, just try and make him comfortable as you can, sounds like he's had agood life with you.
2006-06-20 19:20:24 · answer #3 · answered by kaylamay64 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats react very very differently to drugs compared to humans and dogs. Never assume that a drug safe for you or your dog is safe for a cat.
Aspirin is lethal to cats and causes blood clots on the spinal cord.
Valium and valerian do not sedate cats, instead they make cats manic.
Let your vet deal with the meds.
At home, make sure your cat has a really comfy bed, something like a sheepskin coat from a charity shop or a flokati rug. Try a lager plastic dog bed so he can stretch out, put a roof over it to keep out the draughts.
He won't want to climb or jump so much so make him ramps. A seat so he can pull faces out the window at his deadly rivals and the birds will keep him amused. And you may have to comb him evry day if he stops grooming himself or there are bits he can't reach.
2006-06-21 11:03:46 · answer #4 · answered by sarah c 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We had 2 130lb plus dogs who were both over 9 years old. Due to their size and age they were suffering from arthritus. The vets prescribed a medicine called Metacam. It was a pain reliever for arthritis just like they would prescribe for people. I'm sure that or a similar medication is available for your cat. After your vet prescribes it get it online at Dr Fosters & Smith. Do a Google search to get the exact site address. Our vet wanted $100 per bottle and F & S sold them for under $60 delivered.
2006-06-20 18:38:50 · answer #5 · answered by eg_jim 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just make sure that he has somewhere comfy to sit if he wants - so that he can reach - some old cats can't jump very well. (Perhaps give him a box to get up onto if he can't get up to his usual favourite chair!) This will make it a bit easier on his joints. An old soft blanket - or if you have an old fleece top cats usually love them, (especially if you still wear them and they can sit on you! XD) Perfect for old cats who just want warmth and comfort.
Also - if they want to sleep, then let them sleep. Old things don't do a great deal - all mine wanted at age 16 was to sit by my side and sleep, or follow me out in the garden.
If they have wet cat food just make sure you mash the food up a lot. Old cat's tend to swallow the cat biscuits whole as they can't chew them, and then sometimes sick them up again.
Hope the vet visit went okay - maybe they might be able to help with medication for arthritis but I'll bet it's expensive.
Good luck with your old friend!
2006-06-23 19:54:28 · answer #6 · answered by badgerbadger 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aww, poor baby!
People have spoken of making little stairs so their old arthritic cats can continue to use their favorite perches. Another thing you might do is get some kind of nice, soft, warm cushion for them to lay on. In fact, Mother got one of those nice warming heating pads that hunters can use to sit on while watching for their prey.
Meanwhile, try to make sure no fleas get at your cat. That shouldn't be too hard if he stays indoors.
Good luck!
2006-06-20 18:36:17 · answer #7 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
rub his joints to help ease the pain. i do it for my dog and it seems to relax him a little. make him comfortable. see if you can get a softer food. my mother puts gravey on my dogs food and he loves it. that may not work with your cats stomach though. buy stairs for your cat(can be found at any pet store) that way it easier for him/her to get on the sofa. see if you can't get a pain killer from the vet. those are some of the things you can do at home. i hate to say it but your cat may not have much longer to live... im sorry
2006-06-20 18:34:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep him warm and comfortable and avoid cat fighting, and running. Try making him a cosy bed to sleep on and when hes hungry put his food bowl on a box so he can reach it and help him clean by using an old brush that you don't use and gently stroke him with it.
2006-06-26 09:22:15 · answer #9 · answered by Chesh » 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure the cat has a warm place to sleap and try adding cod liver oil to the food.
Good luck.
2006-06-20 19:01:39 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe the vet will suggest some vitamins. I'm not sure though?
2006-06-20 18:35:09 · answer #11 · answered by wwooaahhnneellllyy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋