I am 90% sure that my 14 year old cat has feline arthritis because of his symptoms:
- stiffness when getting up
- limping excessively when walking from a certain paw
- reluctance to jump/run
- always laying down
On top of that, he's had significant weight loss (though he eats like a pig - I have the tipped garbage cans to prove it). The weight loss has only been going on for about a year now, but the limping has been progressing from this small tiny thing to this massive limp that you can clearly see. His bones in the back leg also always crack with each step he takes and he's had difficulties walking up stairs for a few years now.
I was just wondering, besides massages (which he doesn't like because he gets testy when we go near his hind legs, which is where I assume hurts him the most), giving him warmth, and many comfy beds to sleep on, what other home remedies can I give to my cat? We don't have enough money to get veterinary treatment at the moment, but if it's the only thing we can do to lessen his pain, we will go (I mean, this cat is my world; I've had him close to my whole life). But if there is a home remedy we can give to him that would help us in helping him, does anyone have any suggestions?
I googled giving my cat some Baby aspirin or something, but many people suggested against it. Is there any medication or herb, or something of the sort, that could help him?
If there isn't, what should I ask if I bring him to the vet and which drugs are most cost worthy and effetive?
Please help me; I don't like seeing my cat this way.