Acknowledgements, Introduction
 and Dedication 4
Foreword 6
 
1 The different types and signs
 to look for 8
What is feline arthritis? 8
Degenerative joint disease
 (DJD) 8
What causes DJD? 8
Spotting the signs of OA 9
Pointing the way 10
What else could suggest OA? 10
Changes in grooming habits 10
Changes in behaviour 10
Other types of arthritis 12
Getting a proper diagnosis 12
Managing arthritis 12
Case history: Pebbles 12
2 Joints affected 14
Hip dysplasia (HD) 14
Other hip problems 16
Cranial cruciate ligament
 (CCL) injuries 16
Osteochondritis dissecans 
 (OCD) 16
Case history: Alfie 18
3 A diagnosis – what now? 19
A thorough check 19
Your role 19
Tips for coping 19
Clinics 22
Grooming 22
Cat-friendly clinics 22
Case history: Mouseski 23
Case history: Ebony 24
4 Treatment 26
Prescribed drugs 26
Meal times 27
Importance of monitoring 27
Drugs meant for humans
 and dogs 28
Controlling costs 28
Visits to the vet 28
When surgery’s the only
 option . 28
Case history: Luca 29
Case history: Emelia 30
5 Are certain breeds more
 susceptible to OA? 31
Size and sex considerations 31
Hip dysplasia (HD) 31
Burmese cats 32
Manx cats 32
Bengal cats 32
Scottish Folds disease 34
Opening up the gene pool 34
Chooosing the right breeder 34
Case history: Sam 35
Case history: Tama 36
Organisations that can help 36
6 Diet and supplements 38
The importance of weight
 control 38
Temptation 38
Not too much too soon 38
Will certain foods help with
 arthritis? 39
A good balance 39
The importance of staying
 hydrated 39
Wet versus dry food 40
Introducing a different diet 41
A homemade diet 41
Dietary supplements 41
Case history: Cookie 42
Case history: Willow 43
7 Complementary therapies 44
Holistic approach 44
Are they effective? 44
Acupuncture 44
Homeopathy 44
Massage 45
Osteopathy 45
Case history: Boris 46
Case history: Chloe 48
Case history: Hamish 49
8 Exercise and
 physiotherapy 50
Playtime 50 
Interactive games 50
Stretching 50
The importance of exercise 50
Veterinary physiotherapy 50
Case history: Bert 54
9 Hydrotherapy 56 
Land versus water 56
The benefits 56
Reversing muscle wastage 57
Treadmill 58
Improving circulation 58
Mood enhancer 59
Other advantages 59
First steps 59
Tme in the water 59
Feedback 60
How many sessions? 60
Trained therapists 60
Case history: Coco 61
10 When euthanasia is the
 only option 62
When is the right time? 62
Letting go 62
The euthanasia procedure 62
A final resting place 62
Pet cemetery 64
Coping with your loss 64
Case history: Tuppence 65
Case history: Skye 66
11 Conclusion 68
12 Useful contacts & further
 reading 69
Rogues’ Gallery 73
Index 76