TERRE HAUTE — A senior cat can suffer from arthritis and you may not even realize it. Often, early signs are more behavioral and can include going outside the litterbox (because it is difficult to get in and out of), poor grooming (because they can’t reach specific areas) and becoming reclusive and irritable. Although arthritis can be caused by many things, it is mostly due to aging. When cats age, the bones’ smooth cartilage surfaces erode and wear thin. As the erosion takes place, the body repairs it but the new surface becomes irregular. The surface changes in the joint cause pain and inflammation when the bones meet. The large joints, such as the hip, elbow, shoulder and ankle, often are affected but all joints, including the spine, can be involved.
Obese cats are prone to arthritis and their excess weight puts an increased strain on the joints. Feed your cat a lite cat food to help them lose weight to reduce the strain on their joints. Many elderly cats develop arthritis and experience symptoms that include stiffness or limping (especially after sleeping), altered gait, muscle atrophy, inability to jump up, pain and muscle loss. Arthritis is progressive and symptoms will worsen as the cat gets older. Depending upon the severity of the pain your cat experiences, there may be changes in your cat’s appetite and behavior. Arthritis pain is typically a dull ache; therefore, cats will rarely cry out. Some cats lick or bite at the area in pain and often they will seek a warm and soft place to sleep.
Arthritis can be treated medically and surgically. Pain management and reducing inflammation is key to preserving the quality of life for your cat. There are anti-inflammatory drugs that can be given to cats from your veterinarian, but do not give your cat over-the-counter medications such as aspirin or acetaminophen. It is also recommended to give your cat a nutraceutical containing gluocosamine.
If your cat suffers from arthritis, try to make her life simple and comfortable. Make sure her food bowls are easily accessible and the litter box large and easy to get in and out of, with a low-rise entrance. Consider getting an elevated food bowl to make it easier for her to eat. Place them in the living area where your cat spends most of her time. Don’t put your cat’s litter box in the basement if she spends most of her time on the first floor. Purchase a pet ramp or steps for your cat to help her have access to her favorite space. Offer your cat a warm place to sleep with a heated Thermo Bed or Cozy Cushion. If you suspect your cat has arthritis, contact your veterinarian. Your cat will need a management program to preserve her quality of life.
Allyssa
Allyssa is a young, cute and cuddly female torbie who is approximately 6 to 8 months old. Allyssa has been at the shelter for a long while and she is hoping for a home of her own. She is in foster care waiting for someone to call on her. Please call the Terre Haute Humane Shelter at (812) 232-0293 about Allyssa and make an appointment to meet this sweet girl. Please help her find a home for the holidays.
Valley Life
PAW PRINTS: Many elderly cats can suffer from arthritis
- Valley Life
-
-
Turning wrenches: If something’s broken, Joe Preston fixes it
Vintage photos of race cars — of the compact “midget” style — hang on the wall inside Joe Preston’s garage.
-
Birthday: May 27, 2012
Shirley Ann Kaperak of Terre Haute will observe her 80th birthday Monday.
An open house is scheduled 2 to 5 p.m. June 24 in the home of her daughter at 6971 E. Rosehill Ave., in Terre Haute.
-
Valley Life: May 27, 2012
• Terre Haute Children’s Museum to host volunteer orientation session
• DNR promotes child’s right to play outside
• Vigo County teen finalist in state pageant
• Sap-sucking bugs damaging state tree
-
WEDDING: May 27, 2012
• Ummel-McMichael
-
Tried ‘N’ True: Try this crock pot stew for busy days
We are getting busy with outside work, cleaning yards and planting our gardens, picking berries and also hunting mushrooms. I can’t go out anymore. But I hope you all have found a bunch. This recipe is an easy one to fix. Get your slow cookers out and have a great meal when you are tired. Everyone will think you are full of energy.
-
ENGAGEMENTS: May 27, 2012
• Majors-Seneviratne
• Sheppard-York
• Cawley-Archer
-
GRAPE SENSE: The story behind the consistent, easy to appreciate 7 Deadly Zins
The story behind one of the best tasting and most successful value wines has good winemaking, gratitude to terrible sweet wine, and a long family history of fruit production to credit for its success.
-
PAW PRINTS: Don’t take a chance with you pet and heat
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has made recommendations for your pet during the summer heat. Don’t take a chance with your dog or cat. They, too, can suffer from overheating, dehydration, and sunburn.
-
Bridge Column: May 27, 2012
The Bridge Club is happy to welcome Linda and Richard Easton back from Florida.
-
ANNIVERSARIES: May 27, 2012
• Mr. and Mrs. John R. Edwards
• Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Cooper
• Mr. and Mrs. Earl R. McMullen
-
The sky’s the limit
Backyard astronomers stare at the night sky, trying to remember how to find the North Star, the Big Dipper and Mars.
-
TRIED ’N’ TRUE: Whip up a rhubarb surprise cake
This recipe comes from Ruth Baker. She sent a lot of rhubarb recipes. I have been putting them in the paper for the last three years. I’ve almost used most of them. Some I have used more than others. Mary Hunter also had this recipe. I have made this a lot. Gene really likes this. I use sweetener and yellow or white sugar-free cake mix. The only sugar I put in this recipe is in the marshmallows. Adjust for this. Our grandkids also enjoy this cake. Thanks to Ruth and Mary.
-
Resource helps with child care search
Hoosier families now have a digital tool to assess child care facilities for quality, safety and other benchmarks, and can take virtual tours of select facilities. Child Care Online is a free Internet search tool designed so consumers can easily and conveniently compare child care programs and can identify a range of high-quality care choices.
-
PAW PRINTS: Heatstroke can harm, kill pets
Spring and summer temperatures in the Midwest often reach into the high 80s and 90s. Some people wouldn’t consider sitting out in the heat until the sun went down.
- GROUPS AND GATHERINGS: May 20, 2012
- ANNIVERSARY: May 20, 2012
- VALLEY DATEBOOK: May 20, 2012
-
Ferguson land gift strikes conservation note
Gov. Mitch Daniels recently accepted what is believed to be one of the largest private land conservation gifts in state history — 1,500 acres of the Ferguson farm near Springville in Lawrence County.
-
Chi Omega chapters raise $7,600 for Make-A-Wish
The Chi Omega chapters at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and Indiana State University raised $7,600 for Make-A-Wish, which will help grant the wish of a 6-year-old girl named Sandy.
- WEDDING: May 20, 2012
-
BRIDGE: May 20, 2012
The Terre Haute Bridge Club is fortunate to have a successful Monday Evening Fun Bridge game with at least six tables, and one couple has decided to stretch their game to include other games throughout the week.
-
Vermillion Mega Park open for Memorial Day visitors
In observance of Memorial Day, Vermillion Rise Mega Park, with the assistance of the Vermillion County Sherriff’s Department, will accommodate cemetery visits between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. May 26 through May 28
- ENGAGEMENTS: May 20, 2012
-
YOUR GREEN VALLEY: Oil in your backyard: Track where new wells are planned
The Indiana Division of Oil and Gas well records show there are 72 existing oil wells in Vigo County.
-
Summer Sidewalk Sale set
Marshall Main Street’s Downtown Summer Sidewalk Sale is planned from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 9.
-
Mother's Day stories: Amazing, Loving, Patient, Faithful, Friend, Brave
It’s merely one word, yet the conjunction of those six letters conjures up so many meanings and feelings. While teaching us both the simple and profound lessons in life, mothers somehow can instill morals and memories. They can guide us on our journey, pick us up when we fall, and let go when we must find our own strength.
-
VALLEY LIFE BRIEFLY: May 13, 2012
Senior Citizens Picnic scheduled at Forest Park
New group offers support to moms
Edgar Extension to host edible centerpiece workshop
Style show features Wabash Valley celebrities
-
PAW PRINTS: Kitten-proof the home before bringing pet home
It’s kitten season at the Terre Haute Humane Society. Come and take a look at all the many colors currently living at the shelter. Fall in love with the adorable babies, and take advantage of the sibling discount and adopt two. Kittens are so much fun. They’re inquisitive, playful and loving.
-
TRIED ‘N’ TRUE: Rhubarb, strawberries, cherries ready at same time
With rhubarb, strawberries and cherries being about ready at the same time, this recipe is so easy.
-
GRAPE SENSE: Finding a 100 percent Carignan will be worth the effort
It’s a long path from Louisville, Ky., to Saint-Jean-de-Minervois in Southern France. But that’s the journey Brown University graduate John Bojanowski took in transformation from literature major to Languedoc winery owner.
- More Valley Life Headlines
-
Man Falls Off Crane, Dies After Police Standoff
Witness Describes Fla. Face-chewing Attack
Unexpected Smog in Pristine National Parks
Dairy Farm Uses Chiropractor to Help Cows
Raw Video: Cop Shoots Man Eating Another's Face
Man in Crane at Texas College Says He's Armed
Patz Suspect's Sister: I Went to Police in 1980s
Obama Honors Fallen Troops at Arlington Cemetery
Romney Campaigns Ahead of Claiming Nomination
Raw Video: Deadly Explosion at Minn. Paper Mill
Diplomatic Expulsions Follow Fresh Syria Report
15 Dead in Northern Italy's 5.8-magnitude Quake
White House: No Military Intervention in Syria
Police Probe Similarities in 2 Disappearances
Obama Honors Medal of Freedom Recipients
Panetta: Asia the 'Project' for New Navy Grads
Romney Promises World's Strongest Military
Russia Condemns Ally Syria Over Massacre of 108
Angry Birds Spreading Their Wings
Voter Voices: Texas Primary Key Day for Romney
Los Angeles Bar Bans Bachelorettes
Hamster Plays Dead
Beyonce Shows Off 60 Pound Weight Loss at Concert
Drunk Women Breaking Into Houses: A New Trend?
LeAnn Rimes Rocks Short Shorts
Gordon Ramsay Carried Off Field
Man Dies Getting Lap Dance
Kim Kardashian Claims Items Stolen from Her Luggage
Bear cools off in Calif. family's pool
Ep. 3: Chopped Desserts
Air Force dad surprises family at baseball game
Justin Bieber Wanted for Questioning for L.A. Scuffle
J.Lo and Marc's Friendly Reunion
Jet makes emergency landing after debris falls off
Cynthia Nixon Ties the Knot
Woman, 80, Falls Out of Skydive Harness Mid-Jump
Keira Reveals Engagement Ring
