All vertebrate animals, including humans and cats, experience a decline in overall physical health alongside the normal aging process. One result of this can be osteological (bone) deterioration and disease, like arthritis. Many life factors contribute to the speed of the aging process, including early socialization, environmental issues, diet and life experience. A cat that has had a difficult time during its early socialization, been exposed to stress and eaten a less than adequate diet early in its development will be less equipped to fight off the effects of aging. A cat that has battled against the things a hard life can expose it to will show more physical wear and tear than a home cat that has enjoyed a privileged and protected lifestyle.
Can Old Cats Suffer From Arthritis, Like Humans?
September 16th, 2007 · 1 Comment
Tags: Cats: Infirmity
1 response so far ↓
1 Haydn // Feb 25, 2008 at 3:44 pm
My male ginger cat is 12 years old this year and has over the past 12 months or so taken to lying flat on his back with all four paws in the air. He will probably do this once every other day or so . He has also started to walk with quite an arched back and I fear arthritis. He was run over by a car when he was four years old and had no injuries other than a few grazes, the vet said he was ok.
Leave a Comment