NESS CAT PAIN AWARE

Introducing the Cat Pain Awareness Month newsletter from

This month is Cat Pain Awareness Month, a time dedicated to helping cat owners spot the signs of chronic pain in their cats, which can be difficult to notice. According to the latest veterinary research, and due to improvements in healthcare, cats are living longer than ever before1. Have a look at our cat age chart on page 3 to see how old your cat is in human years you might be surprised! Of course, its fantastic that our furry friends are around for longer, but it also means that just like humans, the years can take their toll on a cats joints. This can cause reduced mobility and pain, but unlike dogs and humans, cats dont generally show signs of lameness. The signs of chronic pain are much more subtle thats why Cat Pain Awareness Month is so important. In this newsletter, there is expert advice to help you spot the signs of chronic pain in your cat , as well as tips to help your cat live into old age as comfortably as possible. Dont forget to also check out the Facebook page to show your support: www.facebook.com/spotcatpain. If you have any questions, or are concerned that your cat might be in pain, dont worry. You can speak to your vet for help and advice about what to do. Remember, you know your cat better than anyone, so are best placed to spot any of the subtle signs that indicate that your cat is suffering with chronic pain. As our mascot Jess, from Postman Pat says,

YOUR CAT NEEDS

Accor ding to ou r rese arch, three quart ers of owne rs said would they not re cognis the sig e ns of chron (long ic term) pain in the ir cat 2

YOU

Claire Bessant, leading feline author and CEO of the Feline Advisory Bureau

Cats get arthritis too

Just like us, cats can suffer with arthritis, particularly as they get older.
Cats live very active lives and are natural athletes. As they get older, their joints can suffer with wear and tear. Arthritis causes joints to degenerate over time, which can result in chronic pain and reduced mobility.

Caring through the ages

Did you know that if your cat is over the age of 7 they are classed as mature and older? Thanks to medical advances, cats are now living longer than ever1. 90 per cent of vets have now treated cats aged 22 or above4 - thats equivalent to 104 in human years! Is your cat one of the 46 per cent of Britains mature and older moggies? If yes, then you need to be extra aware of the signs of chronic pain, as your cat is more at risk of developing age-related health conditions.
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Nearly half of cats are classed as mature and older and at risk from developing age-related conditions, such as arthritis2.

re and Sen Matu ior

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Me and my cat
Denise Lawson and her 17 year old cat, Matti Last summer, I noticed Matti slipping on the floor and struggling to get out of the cat flap. I thought arthritis was just a human condition, so dismissed it from my thoughts. But as time went on, his legs seemed more awkward and were very sensitive to touch. He would also sit awkwardly when washing, concentrating on grooming his legs, which seemed to stick out. After a trip to the vets, it was confirmed that Matti had arthritis. Given Mattis great old age, I suppose it should have been unsurprising.

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4 2 3

9 10

61

11

65

12

YEARS

13 14 15

9
73

77

24

YEARS

1 1

20

81
85

16 17 18 19
FOUR MONTHS TWO MONTHS

15

YEAR

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Find out what life stage your cat is in by using the chart, right. Kitten 0-6 months Junior 7 months to 2 years Adult 3-6 years Mature and Senior 7-14 years Geriatric 15+ years

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TEN MONTHS EIGHT MONTHS SIX MONTHS

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93
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20 21
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10 1

CAT YEARS HUMAN YEARS

22

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Ask the experts:

Why dont cats show when they are in pain?
Cats are programmed by evolution not to show obvious signs of pain to protect themselves from prey. Unlike dogs, they rarely cry out or limp, preferring instead to hide and shy away from contact. Dog owners are more likely to notice pain during routine walks, whereas a cat will just move less to limit its pain, and can often be seen as a cat just getting old. Vicky Halls, cat behaviour counsellor
Res e tha arch s ow t just hows ner 2% cat s take of if th to the their e v cha y obs et erv ng e beh es in it avi our 5 s

y 2 stud A 200 0% that 9 led revea d 12 e ts ag ed of ca show bove itis and a hr of art 3 signs ed x-ray when

Cat pain in the spotlight

Could your cat be suffering without you realising? If you havent already, why not take advantage of Cat Pain Awareness Month to think about your cats health, especially any physical or behaviour signs that could signify your cat isnt at their spritely best. "We have devised five simple questions to help you spot the behaviour changes that could indicate your cat is in pain. If you think your cat could be suffering from chronic pain, it is best to consult your vet for advice." Claire Bessant, leading feline author

YOUR CAT NEEDS

COULD YOUR CAT

YOU!
My cats behaviour has become more agitated then usual have you noticed changes in your cats attitude or daily routine? I have noticed changes in my cats grooming habits have you noticed deterioration in your cats appearance, with a matted or scruffy coat? My cat is sleeping more than usual Have you noticed your cat slowing down, sleeping more, or moving stiffly? I have noticed my cat hesitating to jump up or down - Have you noticed your cat hesitating, or being more reluctant to jump up or down onto your lap/onto the furniture/through a cat flap? My cat has become withdrawn Have you noticed changes in your cats temperament?

BE SUFFERING WITH

CHRONIC PAIN?
If your cat is over the age of 7 and you answer yes to any of the following, speak to your vet or vet nurse about an old age check-up:

Dont worry what a relief

There is treatment available which is licensed for long term use in cats with arthritis. This can help manage the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, allowing your cat to make the most out of life.

Practice Stamp

Remember: Speak to one of our vets or nurses if youre at all concerned about chronic pain in your cat

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Feline Advisory Bureau Behaviour of the older cat information sheet, Vicky Halls, last accessed 26 April 2012: http://www.fabcats.org/behaviour/understanding/oldcats.html Research commissioned by Boehringer Ingelheim via OnePoll survey of 3,000 British cat owners, August 2011 Hardie EM. et al (2002) Radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease in geriatric cats: 100 cases (1994-1997). JAVMA 220(5): 628-632 2011 survey of 77 UK veterinarians, Boehringer Ingleheim Survey of 500 cat owners, October 2006, Research Now

During Cat Pain Awareness Month, why not help us spread the word by visiting our website www.spotcatpain.co.uk, or join in our growing community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/spotcatpain

A campaign supported by Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Ellesfield Avenue, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 8YS, UK. Date of preparation: April 2012. AHD 7177 Use Medicines Responsibly (www.noah.co.uk/responsible). Postman Pat & Jess Woodland Animations Ltd., a division of Classic Media UK Limited. Licensed by Classic Media Distribution Limited. Original writer John Cunliffe. All rights reserved.