Along with age, old cats tend to change behavior. Wild and playful kittens grow up in adults more calm cats sleeping in the sun or sneaking for something interesting. We usually think that older cats sleep longer than their own. younger brothers and can doze for days on end, and of course this is largely true. But, nevertheless, it is important to distinguish between normal cat behavior from abnormal, because the behavior change in old cats can occur due to periodic or persistent pain.
What behavior can signal pain?
Decreased care and self-care are the most common behavioral changes characteristic of cats suffering from pain. Cats are very clean by nature, and when you look at a cat at least a few minutes, then you are likely to see that she will lick some part of his body.
Osteoarthritis is the most common chronic a disease causing persistent pain in approximately 90% of cats over 10 years old. Arthritis of the spine makes body turns painful, so it can especially complicate the grooming of a cat for themselves. Arthritis of the pelvis and hind legs can also cause a cat stop taking care of your coat. Those parts of the cat’s body are beyond with which she does not care, become confused over time, therefore, the cat develops an “untidy” look. If you try look after the cat with a comb or brush, then it’s more likely total will protest.
If you notice that your cat is developing an unkempt look, matted hair or flaky skin, then show it to the veterinarian, as this can be an important signal of pain. All cats love cleanliness, and therefore a dirty pet – this is not normal. If, however, Your cat continues to have problems with self-care, even after how the pain was taken under control try shortening her coat so that it becomes easier to keep clean.
What to do if the cat has changed behavior when using toilet tray?
As we already said, cats are famous champions of cleanliness and order, therefore, when using the tray, they must support neatness and cleanliness. To do their “thing,” they love use a strictly defined place. If a cat that previously was neat and consistent in using the tray, all of a sudden begins to go to other places or “misses” past him, then severe persistent pain is one possible explanation for this.
Pain in the lower back or thigh can prevent the cat from rising in tray. The cat can also choose a place near the tray, giving understand that she understands that this is the “right place”, but she for some reason uncomfortable.
If the tray is on a different level at home, where the cat usually to stay, this can also complicate the task of the cat. Way up or down the stairs to get to the tray, it can be very painful if the cat suffers from pain in the hips or back.
Another bizarre behavior related to cat pain can be leaving urine near the tray or at the nearest vertical surface. This may be due to pain during urinating when the cat just cannot comfortably sit on squatting.
How else can you determine that a cat is in pain?
Cats that used to quietly jump on furniture, window sills or stairs, but then for some reason they stopped doing it, they demand close attention. One of the criteria for successful management the pain in old cats is their hopping activity.
Sometimes cats when viewed are very naughty, and from owners in such cases can often be heard:
- She does not like to be raised.
- She doesn’t like being patted on her back, hips, etc.
- She does not like being touched there (any place).
- The cat used to be very friendly, but now it is hiding under bed and becomes aggressive if you try to stroke her.
Although cats may be worried and shy about the vet, they should calmly perceive its owner when it touches any part of their body. When a cat starts to interfere touch and stroking, this most likely means having any pain.
To summarize
In any of the above situations, pain should be considered as one of the possible explanations. Talk to tell your vet and tell him about all the weird things that you noticed in the cat. In most cases, cats hide their pain so don’t ignore these behavioral tips about the condition of your aging pet. The sooner you determine cause and start treatment, the better it will be for everyone. Your pussy will thank you!
