Advice for old cat slowing down a bit - walking - arthritis? and diet

[cupoftea2022]

Looking for advice for my cat who is struggling a bit. He is 20+ and had successful I-131 for hypothyroidism some time ago.

Obviously he is an elderly cat but very happy. Very recently he seems to be struggling with walking - it’s quite laboured and very occasionally he seems to slip. This could well be the change of weather to damp autumn/winter from summer. Could be arthritis?

He’s also eating less. He has always been a fussy cat but definitely eating less
In terms of food is there anything anyone can suggest to tempt him? He has good quality fish based tins which he will eat but I can’t think of anything else to tempt him – I saw somewhere about feeding chicken baby food but I’m not quite sure what this would be? Treats in packets have always tended to make him sick.

Grateful for any suggestions – something that might help the arthritis/ things to tempt him to eat a bit more.

I will get the vet round but he comes to us and it’s always a several week wait. Thanks.

Contact your vet and ask about the painkilling injection. It is very expensive but it lasts a month. It seems to help (and give a new lease of life) chronic pain like arthritis. I suggest a phone call now as they might have to order it in or take a blood test first. Not a problem if you were going to clinic obviously but they might need to pack it to take to you. My dd works at a vet and she says so many pets change when they have it, knocks years off them. It cost me £60 but I wasn't insured.

He might be eating less during to the pain as well. See if you can get the vet to come sooner than later as he might not want to inject a "weak" cat. Timing is important here imo

Good luck

Firstly a vet check up is needed.

Secondly, youmove has made a massive difference to my arthritic cat - honestly, now can't detect any stiffness at all in the space of about 6 weeks. Just opened the capsules and add to his food.

In you can afford it, katkin is really nutritional but your vet may recommend a senior cat food instead, which will have the additional nutrients needed for joints and geriatric health.

Warming food for a few seconds can sometimes help stimulate appetite - it releases more scent from the food. I'd treat to bits of smoked salmon or trout, tinned fish, sardines in tomato sauce, licks of marmite. Bits of fresh chicken etc.

He might like the lik-e-licks treats and some cat milk.

But definitely vets first. Lack of appetite could be down to dental issues or the thyroid condition. They'll assess joints too and establish where there's pain.