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
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VIDEO: On the Banks of the Wabash far away …
Paul Dresser left Terre Haute a niche in history.
Opportunism, squabbling and fading memories gradually washed that gift away, like the unending flow of the Wabash River he immortalized in song.
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Vectren cautions public about snow, ice removal
Vectren Energy Delivery wants to remind customers to proceed with caution when removing snow and ice around natural gas meters at their homes or businesses this winter.
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Workshop to emphasize basics of alpaca farming
A one-day seminar on the fundamentals of alpaca farming is planned for Saturday at St. Mary-of-the-Woods.
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Genealogy Society offers free forum
The Wabash Valley Genealogy Society is offering a free educational forum titled “Brick Wall Hurdling” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 13 in rooms A, B and C of the Vigo County Public Library at Seventh and Poplar streets.
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PAW PRINTS: Want to adopt a pit bull? Here are some helpful hints
Despite the bad publicity, pit bulls can be very lovable and loyal family dogs. There is a great deal of confusion associated with the label “pit bull.” The most accurate definition refers to two breeds: the American pit bull terrier and the American Staffordshire terrier. Some people include other breeds in this group because they share similar head shapes and body types.
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Purdue Extension to offer diabetes cooking school
Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service-Parke County is offering a diabetes cooking school starting Feb. 27.
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Pepsi Community Caps Program to benefit charities
Refreshment Services-Pepsi will kick off its 2012 Community Caps Program on March 1. The Community Caps Program will benefit several charitable organizations and schools in Clay, Parke, Vermillion and Vigo counties in Indiana and Edgar County in Illinois.
- Special Occasions: Feb. 5, 2012
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Serve as 4-H judge, volunteer
The 2012 4-H Bi-State Judges and Leaders Clinic will be Feb. 18 at Ivy Tech Community College’s Main Campus, at 8000 S. Education Drive.
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BRIDGE COLUMN : Feb. 5, 2012
With January now history we can report new faces in both master point races, male and female.
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Tried 'n' True: Upside Down Pizza calls for crescent rolls
When our boys were young, we went every Sunday evening for pizza in Charleston, Ill. When they got to be older and they were working on the farm, I would make pizza from scratch.
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Extension to offer basic food preservation workshops
Purdue University Extension will be offering basic food preservation workshops at Clabber Girl Culinary Classroom in Terre Haute. Two sessions will offer different methods.
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GRAPE SENSE: Trips open my eyes to new wines in new regions
The wine industry spends a lot of money worldwide to promote brands, regions, and wine tourism. One of the many ways the wine industry invests is press trips.
Depending on when you read this column, I’m either in France or just returned from a press trip.
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Clay Habitat plans open house
Habitat for Humanity of Clay County will stage the dedication ceremony and open house for the Mary Ann Hofmann family home from 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 12 at 518 E. Ridge St. in Brazil.
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Born to perform: Terre Haute South senior to sing in Carnegie Hall
Soon, the domed ceiling of Carnegie Hall and the archway in the Hayes family kitchen will share a special connection.
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8th District Rep. Bucshon visits CASA volunteers
The U.S Representative of the 8th Congressional District, Larry Bucshon met with CASA volunteers earlier this month to learn more about the Vigo County Court Appointed Special Advocates.
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Paw Prints: Animal protection law ranking hits home
The Humane Society of the United States released the 2011 “Humane State Ranking” of all 50 states and Washington D.C.
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Tried 'n' True: Here's a recipe for all you chocolate lovers
This recipe is for all you chocolate lovers.
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Soybean farmers build state fair building
Since 98 percent of Americans no longer live on farms, Indiana soybean farmers are going to bring the farm to the public in a new exhibit building at the 2012 Indiana State Fair.
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Sign up now for Rockville Public Library’s ebook class
Rockville Public Library will have free demonstrations on how to use ebook readers with its downloadable ebook service, Overdrive.
- Weddings, Anniversaries: Jan. 29, 2012
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Sullivan Foundation looking for Volunteer of Year
The Sullivan County Community Foundation is currently seeking nominations for its “Volunteer of the Year” award to be announced March 29.
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YOUR GREEN VALLEY: Conversation leads to imagining a world with no trees
I was recently asked by someone to imagine what the end of the world would look like. I consider myself a very optimistic person and have never imagined the end. The only image that came to mind was one often portrayed in a Hollywood movie, a scene where a big fireball comes down and everything is burnt to a crisp. The person I was talking with imagined the end would be a world where there are no living trees. This short but interesting conversation got me interested in what has and is plaguing trees.
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College offers cooking class in time for Valentine’s Day
Treat your sweetheart to a home-cooked romantic dinner for two this Valentine’s Day, courtesy of a cooking class offered at Lincoln Trail College.
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BRIDGE COLUMN : Jan. 29, 2012
In earlier columns we have reported on the winners of the various master point races at the Bridge Center for last year.
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Sign up now for Signing for the Savior classes
There is still time to sign up for Senior Education Ministries’ Signing for the Savior class; the first session is Tuesday.
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Birthdays: Jan. 29, 2012
•Thelma J. Parr
• Earl S. VanScoyk
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Ryves Neighborhood, WTWO plan ‘Share Your Love’ food drive
Ryves Neighborhood Association and WTWO are sponsoring the second annual food drive from Feb. 3-17 called “Share Your Love.”
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A safe crossing: ‘Turtle girl’ Amber Slaughterbeck makes it her duty to transport Wabashiki animals to safety
On her daily drive to classes at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College, Amber Slaughterbeck kept encountering a sad scene alongside the highway.
- Special Occasions: Jan. 22, 2012
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