My cat seems to be sick maybe arthritis

by Lori Greenwalt
(Youngstown, Ohio)

My cat is always very vocal and very active. He is an inside cat.

His litter box & food are up high so the dog doesn't get to it.Never been a problem. In the past few weeks, he doesn't seem to jump up as much. So I would lift him. As I set him down his whining (which is very usual) turns into a bit of a scream. He then hisses at me, but when he is put down he stops. He is 10 years old. His eating, drinking, urination & bowel movements are fine. There is no blood in urine or stool. He is a bit less active. About 1-2 months ago he kept pulling his tail hair out, but its growing back & he doesn't seem to be doing it anymore.I had to move his litter box to the floor and baricade it from the dog today. He had gone down , and at the entrance to his litter box, he left his stool (on the floor below his liter box,And I have a pet carrier right by, I keep open for him to go lay in there. He urinated in there. I think because he couldn't jump up to the liter box (like he has done his whole life). I have moved things to accomadate him. I'm thinking maybe its arthritis.. Please answer soon Thank you

Answer by Kate
Hi it is quite possible that it may be arthritis but I really would not like to say for sure. I really would advise visiting a vet soon for a diagnosis. It definitely sounds like your cat is in pain or discomfort and this could be caused by several things. A Vet will need to do some tests to see if if it is something like arthritis but they will also more than likely test for other illness too, this is a good thing as it will give you a better overall picture of your cats health, which is a good thing to do any way as your cat gets older.

I really hope the problem can be diagnosed soon for bot you and your cat as it is always distressing for both f you when symptoms like this occur.

I wish your cat well again soon

best wishes kate

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