Treating Your Cat for Arthritis

Finnegan got his first low level cold laser treatment yesterday. I worked out a treatment plan that went from $163 each time I bring him in to $42, but the cabs both ways come to $36 or $40 because the vet is in a public transportation dead zone, and yes I know it’s still a lot lower overall, but, well, damnit! Next, I have to start exercising him. I will pause while all the cat owners recover from the spasms of laughter. The three suggested exercises are:

Dancing. In this one you pick up the front legs and force him to audition for So You Think You Can Dance.

Beg to Stand. Then you force the cat to stand up and beg to be one of the final twelve. Treats are involved.

Loving on the Stairs/Couch. It’s not what you think!! “While sitting on the stairs or on the couch, have the cat’s back legs on the floor and lift the front legs up a step or two or up on the couch cushion in front of you and pet them as they stand this way for 30 – 60 seconds.” Or as I put it, this is where you gently tell them they will not be one of the final twelve.

FYI: I also have Finney on glucosamine (brand name Cosequin) and something called Metacam for the pain. Metacam can have nasty side effects so you need to monitor your cat for a while if you decide to try this.

I took this picture on Bleecker Street after the vet. Yes, I put Finney down on the street and made him wait for peace and freedom while I took the shot. Someone is working on a very busy display.

Stacy Horn

I've written six non-fiction books, the most recent is Damnation Island: Poor, Sick, Mad, and Criminal in 19th-Century New York.

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