Welcome to Sunday’s Cats.com Newsletter.
Oops! You may have noticed that Friday’s newsletter came early last week! Of course, cats live on their own time, but we humans apologize for any confusion.
In this week’s newsletter, we’ll talk about lameness in cats, including what musculoskeletal signs you should look out for as your cat ages.
And read to the end to learn about Tater, a sweet 5-year-old cat from Florida in need of surgery to correct a painful eye condition. |
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Know What’s Normal and What Isn’t.
There’s no formula to predict exactly how aging will affect your cat. Some cats naturally slow down a little as they get older, but changes in activity level can also be brought on by painful musculoskeletal conditions like degenerative joint disease. It’s important to bring behavioral changes to your vet’s attention—prompt treatment could slow progression of the condition and bring your cat relief from pain.
Here are some signs that it’s time to talk to your vet about your cat’s joint health:
- Your cat is reluctant to jump up onto or down from furniture.
- They have trouble going up and down stairs.
- Your cat is sleeping or hiding more often than usual
- They’re starting to have accidents outside of the litter box.
- Your cat doesn’t groom as much as usual or starts missing spots.
- They’re limping, or their gait appears awkward or painful.
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Degenerative joint disease (DJD), also known as osteoarthritis, is the most common joint disorder seen in cats—especially senior cats..
Osteoarthritis causes the joint cartilage to erode, which makes it increasingly more painful to use the joint. It can develop after an injury or result simply from gradual wear and tear on the joint that happens naturally over time. Left untreated, osteoarthritis can lead to lameness and declining quality of life. Though it’s not always possible to cure degenerative joint disease, medication can help alleviate pain, while lifestyle changes may help improve mobility.
Check below for some products to help you protect your cat’s joints as they age. |
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Support Healthy Joints with a Daily Soft Chew.
Supplements aren’t a substitute for veterinary treatment, and they may not be enough to correct advanced joint disease. When administered consistently, however, many veterinarians agree that supplements can help protect joint health and minimize the need for heavier pain medications later in your cat’s life.
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Cosequin soft chews are one of the most popular joint supplements on the market for cats. They’re enriched with three active ingredients to support healthy cartilage and joints as well as omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation.
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Improve Accessibility with a Low-Entry Litter Box.
Hopping into and out of the litter box often becomes a struggle for senior cats. To prevent discomfort (and potential litter box avoidance), consider switching to a low-entry litter box your cat can access more easily.
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The KittyGoHere litter box features a large, open design with a low 3-inch entry point. Though it may be less effective in controlling litter scatter than high-sided litter boxes, cats with arthritis or other mobility issues are likely to find it much more comfortable to use.
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Here’s a quick summary of the deals we’ve found this week:
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Cats.com receives a commission on purchases made through this product recommendation. This helps us to continue our mission of giving you the best cat information on the web. Thank you for your support! |
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TATER NEEDS CORRECTIVE EYE SURGERY |
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This month we seek to raise $1,600 to help a 5-year-old cat named Tater get corrective eye surgery. Tater suffers from a painful eye condition called entropion, and he needs our help to prevent permanent eye damage. |
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Don’t let Tater’s appearance fool you. He may look sad, but he’s as sweet as can be. Despite his painful eye condition, Tater is eager to make new friends. Can you spare a few dollars to help make his recovery a reality? Donate here. Every dollar counts! |
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A Sneak Peek At Tuesday’s mailer.
If you’re looking for a simple way to keep your cat’s toy collection fresh and exciting, you won’t want to miss Tuesday’s mailer. |
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Meet The Author.
Kate is a pet food nutrition specialist and writer who has been part of the Cats.com family for over three years. She is the doting owner of three cats - Bagel, Munchkin, and Biscuit - and often shares stories about them in weekly mailers like this one! |
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Meet The Author.
Kate is a pet food nutrition specialist and writer who has been part of the Cats.com family for over three years. She is the doting owner of three cats - Bagel, Munchkin, and Biscuit - and often shares stories about them in weekly mailers like this one! |
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