My 12 year old cat had a run in with a Pit Bull in 2009, when she was 6. It was a miracle that she did not suffer any internal damage, because he shook her pretty hard. She survived because she was able to sink every claw on her front paws, directly into his nose....He gave in at that point. I was amazed...She is an indoor cat that slipped out the front door...and that was that. The only residual injury she had was a knee joint that popped out. It was quite painful, and she was on a very strong opiate. Each time the knee popped out, I was able to pop it right back in. Eventually it stopped popping out. My vet did recommend an orthopedic vet to look at her...He did, and said the surgery to repair it was extremely expensive and a little risky, but would help her in the long run..I opted out, and was told she would probably get arthritis in that joint....She has it now.
There are very limited pain meds that cats can take that won't harm their kidneys. My vet prescribed Metacam prn only. The reason she did is because I told her my cat acted like it hurt her sometimes when I brushed her, or when I would pet her close to the injury, and perhaps sometimes when she walked. Now, it is up to me to give it to her, and to recognize when she REALLY needs it.
We have just moved, and the house has 3 floors. I was so concerned about her and those stairs..BUT she goes up and down 2 floors, at least 3 times a day. She does this just to walk around and investigate her surroundings. She also follows me at times too!
Here are my questions..Would a cat that has arthritis, and suffers with pain do that? Would they not just stay upstairs, and not attempt to go down? Do you even think she NEEDS pain meds at all? Any feedback would be GREATLY appreciated.
There are very limited pain meds that cats can take that won't harm their kidneys. My vet prescribed Metacam prn only. The reason she did is because I told her my cat acted like it hurt her sometimes when I brushed her, or when I would pet her close to the injury, and perhaps sometimes when she walked. Now, it is up to me to give it to her, and to recognize when she REALLY needs it.
We have just moved, and the house has 3 floors. I was so concerned about her and those stairs..BUT she goes up and down 2 floors, at least 3 times a day. She does this just to walk around and investigate her surroundings. She also follows me at times too!
Here are my questions..Would a cat that has arthritis, and suffers with pain do that? Would they not just stay upstairs, and not attempt to go down? Do you even think she NEEDS pain meds at all? Any feedback would be GREATLY appreciated.