Cystitis is not only a painful condition, it can also be dangerous. Cats that struggle to urinate or have blood in their urine need immediate veterinary attention. An acute case of cystitis will likely require antibiotics, and long-term chronic cases can often be managed with a special diet.
What Is Cystitis?
Cystitis refers to inflammation of the urinary tract. It is also known as Feline Idiopathic or Interstitial Cystitis (FIC), Pandora Syndrome, Feline Urologic Syndrome (FUS), Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), or Feline Idiopathic Lower Urinary Tract Disease (iFLUTD). This problem affects the bladder and urethra of a cat and makes it difficult, if not sometimes impossible, to urinate due to the inflammation and discomfort associated with it.1
Symptoms of Cystitis in Cats
Cats with cystitis can exhibit a variety of symptoms that can be overlooked as “annoying” cat behavior. This is why it is extremely important to know specific cystitis signs to watch for in your cat.
As with humans, arthritis is common in cats. Arthritis is when the cartilage between the bones begins to deteriorate. The cartilage between bones becomes less flexible, resulting in stiffness and pain while moving.
Cats were believed to be immune to arthritis until recently. However, we now know that cats can be affected by the disease just as dogs and other animals. However, while arthritis can make a cat feel lame and in pain, they are more mobile and agile than their counterparts, which allows them to compensate for the damage to their joints. Desert Birds Cats are more likely to hide signs of pain than to show any. There are many ways to alleviate the pain of arthritis in cats.
Arthritis: What is it
Arthritis (also known as osteoarthritis) or degenerative joint disease, is a progressive and painful bone disease. Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage between bones becomes worn down, leading to inflammation and bone-on-bone grind. Most commonly, arthritis in cats occurs in the hips, shoulders, elbows and knees. However, it isn’t a normal part of aging. Your cat can live comfortably into its golden years with proper care and treatment. However, there is no way for the joint degeneration to be reversed.
Arthritis symptoms in cats
If you think about their history as solitary hunters, cats are known to conceal signs of pain very well. Any sign of weakness or illness in a wild animal is highly vulnerable to predators. It is difficult for owners and caregivers to determine if their cat needs treatment. As your cat gets older, there are some common signs of arthritis. 2
An aging cat’s most obvious sign is a loss of interest in climbing up to higher places or jumping onto furniture. Your cat might walk slowly and with an uneven gait. Many cats are more comfortable sleeping than normal, or will simply stay still to avoid pain.
Arthritic pain can also lead to behavioral changes such as irritability and agitation. You might notice that your cat is less interested in being petted and may lose interest playing with toys. An arthritic cat may not be able to use its scratching post due to pain, which can cause overgrown nails. An arthritic cat may stop grooming itself because it is too painful to bend or twist. Your cat’s hair will be less neat and clean. Some cats may stop using the litter box and go to other places in the house for their waste.
Cat Arthritis Causes
Osteoarthritis, a condition that causes wear and tear on the joints, is the most common cause of arthritis in cats. This is especially true for senior cats. As many as 90% of cats older than 12 years old show signs of osteoarthritis on x-rays. 1 Obesity has also been linked to the development of arthritis. There are also less common types of arthritis for cats.
Hip dysplasia, a genetic condition that causes abnormal growth of the hip joint, is called “hip dysplasia”. Hip dysplasia is a condition that causes the hip joint to develop abnormally. can cats eat tomatoes It also makes it more susceptible to arthritis. A cat can develop arthritis from trauma, autoimmune diseases, diabetes and hormonal disorders.
Cat Arthritis: How to Diagnose
Your veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical exam on your cat. They may also order blood or urine tests. Sometimes, x-rays may be required to check for wear and tear or damage to the joints of your cat. A senior cat’s arthritis diagnosis is based on the presence of symptoms that cannot be attributed to any other cause.