Cats and Arthritis

[Eastender]

Hi can cats suffer from arthritis or rheumatism? for a couple of days now it seems sometimes that my 12year old is limping? he is eating as normal, jumping on the bed etc. But every now and then it looks like he is dragging his leg, or am I watching him to much, so I wondered if cat like humans can suffer from the above. He is already on Felimazole for a thyroid problem and back and forth to the vet every 8 weeks for blood test.

[carmalee]

Yes they can however as you've only just noticed this and it appears quite pronounced, maybe he's jarred/strained/even sprained his back leg. The fact that he's jumping on the bed means he's not too inhibited but he may be springing off with one leg?

[Eastender]

Thats what I thought that he may have sprained or jolted the leg. I hope its gets better soon, or back to the vet before his due. Thanks for replies.

[paddywak]

Not just cats but dogs as well, years ago when I had my first GSD I was talking to a police dog handler who used to drink in my local and I was surprised at the sort of ailments he told me cats and dogs where prone to, with the arthritis etc he recomended a teaspoon full of cheap cooking oil in his dinner good for arthritis and his coat so I supose the same could apply to a cat