The arrival of winter may mean cosy log fires and snuggling up, cat on your lap, but the cold weather can also mean aches and pains of arthritis, a common condition in cats, although few show obvious symptoms.

Feline osteoarthritis has been shown to affect about two-thirds of cats aged 12 years and older, and as many as 25% of all cats. Don’t expect to easily spot it - cats very rarely limp or exhibit lameness. They are notoriously good at masking pain (a survival instinct for a solitary hunter). Even if the cat is experiencing significant discomfort the indications are often very subtle.

Lifestyle or behavioural changes will be the most readily identifiable, for example:
• Less willing (or able) to jump up and down from heights
• Sleeping more and interacting less
• Problems negotiating a high sided litter tray
• Grooming less, especially around the tail area
• Unexplained aggression towards people and other pets
• Avoiding being handled because it is painful to be touched
• Difficulty getting in or out of the cat flap
• Difficulty going up or down stairs

If your cat is showing any of these signs now is the perfect time to seek veterinary advice on simple lifestyle and dietary changes that can give its bounce back. Ask your vet about the Hill’s Mobility Programme; you may qualify for a free bag of Hill’s Prescription Diet Feline j/d (joint diet) worth up to R168 (during June and July while stocks last, conditions do apply). Hill’s Prescription Diet Feline j/d has been clinically proven to improve mobility in as little as 28 days. The Hill’s Advanced Mobility Formula contains optimal levels of DHA, the fatty acid that soothes inflamed joints and ‘switches off’ the gene that controls the release of cartilage destroying enzymes in cats.

For more information about the Hill’s Mobility Programme (for cats and dogs) or osteoarthritis speak to your vet, call Hill’s toll-free on (0800) 228 783, email info@hillspet.co.za or log onto www.hillspet.co.za or find Hill’s on Facebook www.hillspet.co.za/FaceBook.

GIVE-AWAY – TO ENTER:

These doggie beanbag warmers are so cute and comforting that even kitty will cuddle up. Simply heat to help relieve any joint pain or stiffness – they perfect for people too! Hill's has 5 beanbags to give-away. To enter send a postcard to: All About Cats Hill's Give-away; PO Box 650484; Benmore; 2010 or email studio@allaboutcats.co.za. When entering please give full address and contact details.

Closing date: 31 July 2010