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Does Weather Affect arthritis in cats?

Does Weather Affect arthritis in cats?

Rainy days and cold weather cause flare ups in arthritic symptoms in animals just like in people. It is important to ask your veterinarian what type of supportive care they would recommend. There are other signs that your cat may be suffering from arthritis.

Does humidity affect arthritis in cats?

Some cat owners swear even the relative humidity levels can increase or decrease their cat’s symptoms! The good news is, there are treatments for feline arthritis. Talk to your local cat specialist about your options for pain medication, joint health supplements, or even a diet plan designed to take off extra weight.

Does rain make arthritis worse in dogs?

The same is true for dogs as cold weather can make a dog’s arthritis symptoms worse. Theories about why this happens include changes in barometric pressure, increased nerve sensitivity, and decreased activity levels, but no clear cause is known.

What does arthritis do to an older cat?

Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease. It’s characterized by inflammation and deterioration of the joints, which can make movement painful, slow, and more difficult. Arthritis is mostly seen in older cats, although it can potentially affect cats of all ages.

Can a cat with arthritis use the litter box?

If an older cat is more hesitant to climb stairs or jump onto a bed or table, it may be suffering from feline arthritis. A cat with arthritis also may stop using the litter box, as climbing in and out causes pain.

How to take care of an arthritic cat?

Maintaining your cat at a healthy weight is essential. 3  If an arthritic cat becomes overweight this places additional strain on already painful joints. If your arthritic cat is already overweight, talk with your veterinarian about how to safely encourage weight loss.

How can you tell if your cat has arthritis?

Symptoms of Arthritis in Cats. A cat with arthritis also may stop using the litter box, as climbing in and out of the box may cause pain. If you notice your cat reduces or limits its grooming this may also be a sign of arthritic joints; movements that were once routine will become more difficult and painful.

How old does a cat have to be to have arthritis?

If your cat is hesitating to jump, or is looking at his favorite chair and then just walking away, maybe old George is in considerable arthritic pain. Age, weight, health status and previous injuries play a big role in feline arthritis. Most cats don’t develop obvious signs of arthritis until they are at least 10 years old.

How does an arthritic cat hide its pain?

Many of our cats hide their pain very effectively. While we may sometimes see our older cat limping or favoring one leg or another, more often than not our arthritic cats simply become less active. They spend more time sleeping and resting. They may be reluctant to jump onto surfaces that were easily accessible previously.

What to do with a senior cat with arthritis?

Provide your cat with soft bedding in the form of a pet bed or blanket on which to sleep and/or rest. Make sure your cat’s litter box is in an easily accessible location and is easy for your cat to enter and exit. Do not place your cat’s only litter box in a basement or attic far from where your cat spends most of his time.

Unfortunately, recognizing arthritis in cats is challenging at best. Many of our cats hide their pain very effectively. While we may sometimes see our older cat limping or favoring one leg or another, more often than not our arthritic cats simply become less active. They spend more time sleeping and resting.