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Cat Skeleton and skeletal problems in cats

Aside from disorders caused by injury, diseases of the bones, joints, and muscles of cats are fairly uncommon. Dogs are more prone to such diseases, partly because some of the most severe canine joint problems are hereditary, and selective breeding is much more common with dogs than with cats.

Also, the physical size and structure of the domestic cat is fairly uniform and not too unlike that of its closest, wild relatives, so unusual stresses and strains are not placed on structures illequipped to handle them. The signs of musculoskeletal disease can be obvious, such as swelling or lameness, but they can also be quite subtle.

Elderly cats with degenerative arthritis may simply become less active or use the litter box less faithfully because of difficulty getting to the box or climbing in.

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Hip dysplasia begins as an abnormal looseness of the hip joint and may ultimately lead to severe and painful arthritis. Most cats with hip dysplasia experience no problems, but a few may intermittently become stiff or lame and may be reluctant to jump. Medication can help reduce inflammation, while surgery can bring relief for cats that seem to be in great pain. Overweight cats often benefit from losing weight.

Arthritis in cats often affects the elbow joint, though it can afflict many joints, and usually strikes older cats as their joints degenerate with age. Overall stiffness, lameness in one or more limbs, reluctance to move, lethargy, and impaired litter box habits are all signs of arthritis.

Treatment involves weight reduction, if necessary, and anti-inflammatory medication. Various pain medications may be helpful if used judiciously, but owners should not treat their cats with human medications. Acetaminophen and many other drugs for humans are very poisonous to cats. Your veterinarian will tell you which medications are safe and effective.

Cat Skeleton and Patellar luxation

Patellar luxation, dislocation of the kneecap, is sometimes associated with hip dysplasia but sometimes occurs by itself in the Abyssinian, the Devon Rex, and the Chartreux. Patellar luxation is a rather uncommon hereditary condition in the general domestic cat population, but it is becoming more prevalent in purebred cats. Surgery may help alleviate the discomfort associated with patellar luxation and may also reduce the cat’s likelihood of developing arthritis in the affected limb.

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