Specialist Care for Cat Bones & Joints

It is important as a pet owner to take the time to look after your cat’s bones and joints, keeping them happy and healthy. Just like humans, cats are susceptible to a range of issues that can affect their bones and joints, impacting their comfort, mobility and overall quality of life.

As a pet owner, you can help your cats when showing signs of discomfort, if you are able to identify this. Cats are able to hide their discomfort; it is therefore key to be aware of changes in their behaviours in order to pick up on these concerns.

If you have spoken to your local veterinarian regarding your cat’s discomfort, and they have concerns about your cat’s bones and joints, seek a referral to Cave Veterinary Specialists today and speak to our orthopaedics team. We are here to help your cat get back to optimal health as quickly as possible.

Understanding Cat Bones and Joints

Cats are agile creatures, built to jump, climb and sprint. They have impressive physical capabilities that come from the precise anatomy of their bones and joints. Cats have 230 bones in their body, including a flexible spine, powerful leg muscles and joints that give them a wide range of movement. These cat bones and joints are however susceptible to a range of issues, particularly as your cat ages, experiences trauma, or struggles with degenerative diseases.

Some of the more common cat bone and joint issues can include:

• Osteoarthritis: This is a common degenerative disease that leads to cartilage deterioration, resulting in stiffness, decreased mobility and discomfort.
• Fractures: Whether from a fall, an accident or even minor traumas, cat fractures can be small or more complex, requiring surgical intervention.
• Developmental Disorders: Although less common in cats, conditions such as hip dysplasia can lead to long-term mobility issues for your cat if incorrectly managed.
• Joint Luxation: This is common in knees and hips; this is when the bones become misaligned, resulting in pain and mobility concerns for your cat.

As a pet owner, you may not understand the ins and outs of your cat’s anatomy, but you can be aware of changes in their behaviours. This may be a sign of discomfort due to cat bones and joints that need to be treated in order to help improve your cat’s quality of life.

Speak to your local veterinary practice if you have concerns and seek a referral to Cave Veterinary Specialists if they need more complex care and treatment.

Why Cat Bones and Joint Health Matters

Looking after your cat's skeletal and joint health is crucial for their overall health and wellbeing. If left untreated, bone and joint disorders can cause considerable discomfort for your cat, impacting their ability to play and enjoy their surroundings.

Cats are known to be stoic in nature, hiding signs of pain and discomfort until their condition has become severe. As a cat owner, it is key to remain vigilant and seek veterinary care if you notice any changes in their behaviour.

Recognising Cat Bones & Joints Issues

Although stoic in nature, there are ways that you can pick up on your cat’s discomfort, that may indicate a bone or joint concern:

• Stiffness or Limping: If your cat seems to be moving stiffly, or favouring one limb above another, this could indicate discomfort.
• Difficulties Jumping: Cats jump as part of their nature. If you notice a hesitancy to do this, or they begin struggling to jump onto your furniture, this may be related to joint pain.
• Grooming Changes: If your cat stops grooming themselves properly, or begins to over-groom, this may be a sign of pain or discomfort.
• Changes in Posture: If you notice your cat struggling to sit or stand properly or adopt a hunched posture, this may indicate a concern.
• Reduced Activity Levels: When cats are in pain, they may no longer want to play, run or climb as normal.

If you have noticed any of these changes with your cat, speak to your local veterinary practice today. They can provide an assessment of your cat’s bones and joints before referring you to Cave Veterinary Specialists for specialist care where required.

Orthopaedic Care for Cat Bones & Joints

At Cave Veterinary Specialists, we have an experienced in-house orthopaedics team that can provide a range of services, including advanced diagnostics or surgical options as part of their effective treatment for cat bones and joints.

Advanced Diagnostics

Your referring veterinary practice may have completed an assessment on your cat to identify their concerns, but our team here at Cave Veterinary Specialists will complete further assessments in order to accurately identify the cause of your cat’s pain. With the use of CT scanners, ultrasounds, and advanced imaging, our team can accurately identify and treat your cat's bones and joints with targeted treatment plans and care.

Veterinary Orthopaedics

Our in-house team of veterinary orthopaedic team can help find the right treatment for your cat when they are struggling. Our veterinary orthopaedic surgeons are able to complete a variety of procedures, including:

• Fracture Repairs: Our team offers traditional and minimally invasive surgical options for fracture repairs, ensuring a smooth and quick recovery.
• Joint Stabilisation & Reconstruction: In cases of joint misalignment, our team can repair or reconstruct as needed in order to restore correct function.

Post-surgery, our multidisciplinary team is here to ensure that your cat recovers quickly and receives the best treatment possible to get them back on their feet quickly. We work with all pet owners to ensure that treatment can be continued at home too.

The Benefits of Specialist Care for Cat Bones & Joints

When it comes to managing cat bones and joint issues, orthopaedic care offers several advantages:

• Enhanced quality of life: Prompt treatment of bone and joint issues can significantly improve your cat’s comfort, allowing them to move, play, and enjoy their daily life.
• Advanced surgical options: Our professional orthopaedic team has the expertise and equipment needed to perform complex surgeries in order to best treat your cats.
• Personalised care: Every cat is unique, and we take the time to tailor our treatments to their specific needs and conditions, ensuring the best possible outcomes.

At Cave Veterinary Specialists, our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, expert care for cats with bone and joint issues. Our veterinary hospital in Somerset is equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by a team of veterinary professionals committed to enhancing your pet’s quality of life. We work closely with your regular veterinarian to ensure a seamless referral and treatment process, keeping you informed at every step.

Choosing Cave Veterinary Specialists means choosing a team that puts your cat’s comfort, health, and well-being first. We understand the special bond you share with your pet, and we are here to support both of you throughout the treatment journey.