Max-imum discomfort
I’VE always admired Max – a vibrant character who would stand his ground against any dog but succumb gracefully to the nurses holding him to have his nails clipped.
Afterwards, he would slide against you, purring softly, maximising his chance of receiving a stroke along his long, muscular back.
As cats go, he was among the coolest – nothing that could happen in the waiting room would faze him.
But then, inexorably, time passes. The last time I saw Max, he looked languid and lugubrious, though he had maintained a certain dignity.
His owner pointed out that the “old boy” now spent much of his day curled up in a hammock close to a radiator. He was grumpy when she tried to groom him and his once sleek coat was dishevelled and matted.
“Some days, he can hardly be bothered to go out,” she said.
We all grow old, if we are lucky. But there was more to Max than just advanced years.
I felt his creaking joints carefully. Contrary to popular belief, cats suffer from arthritis. They just tend not to show it in the same way that dogs or humans do.
Indeed, 60 to 90 per cent of elderly felines will show X-ray March 16 ■ Clackmannanshire Canine Club open show, Bo’ness. Secretary: Mrs W Morrison, 24 Muirfield Way, Livingston, EH54 8DW. Tel: 01506 411618. Entries close Feb 23. ■ East of Scotland Cocker Spaniel Club open show, Alva. Mrs M Hynd, 16 Main Street, Low Valleyfield, KY12 8TF. Tel: 01383 881 967. Entries close Feb 25/online Mar 4. ■ Akita Club of Scotland open show, Hurlford. Mr J Ritchie, 25 changes consistent with degenerative joint disease.
Often, the clinical signs are dismissed as “old age”. But decreased activity and mobility, with cats no longer jumping on to worktops or beds, are indicators of joint pain.
Grumpiness and decreased grooming suggest discomfort, too. And then there are cats that vocalise at odd times.
All should get you thinking about arthritis. Happily, there are good non-steroid antiinflammatories that are very safe to use and can control discomfort very successfully.
Don’t attempt to medicate with human preparations as these are toxic in cats.
You will be pleased to know Max on medication is miraculously magnificent. Morris Street, Hamilton, ML3 6SL Tel: 07847 859909. Entries close Feb 25/online Mar 4. March 30 ■ West Highland White Terrier Club open show, Ingliston. Mr G Tullis, 58 Thomson Crescent, Currie, EH14 5JS. Tel: 0131 449 6600. Entries close Feb 26. ■ Scottish Breeds Canine Club championship show, Ingliston. Mr J McCreath, 13 Motehill Road, Girvan, KA26 0EE. Tel: 01465 74919. Entries close Feb 25/online Mar 4.