Ahh, the age-old question: are cats more likely to have elbows than knees? We had to get on with this debate even though there are a lot of unanswered questions regarding the mystery floof on your lap. We went straight to it with the assistance of a cat physical therapist and a little elbow grease. So, are there knees on cats?
Do cats have knees?
As per an AVMA study, cats are the second most common pets after dogs, with a presence in 25.4% of households. It may be difficult to comprehend a cat's knee anatomy due to their four-legged stance, which is why "Do cats have knees?" is frequently asked on cat websites. This article will dispel any uncertainty.
Are knees and elbows found in cats?
Since the knees and elbows are not as noticeable as the ankle or wrist when examining a cat's leg structure, it may be too simple to conclude that cats lack these anatomical features. Furthermore, is it true as is sometimes believed that cats have four knees because they have four legs? Not at all.
The forelimbs, or front legs, and hindlimbs, or back legs, make up a cat's four legs. Different joints hold these limbs together and enable them to function independently of one another. The condylar joint in the hindlimbs links the knee to the ankle, while the hinge joint in the front legs connects the elbow or the wrist and permits movement in a single direction. The condylar joint, in contrast to the hinge joint, is flexible and permits the two movements that let the cat jump higher: flexion/extension and abduction/adduction. Stifle joints, or just stifles, are the true name for these knee-like joints.
Cats' knees have patellas, which are protective coverings, just like human knees do. So, kneecaps on cats? Yes, but you should refer to them as patellas rather than kneecaps. Thus, cat kneecaps are referred to as patellas, while cat knees are known as stifles.
What Distinguishes Human Knees from Those of Cats?
Cats have four legs, but humans only have two. Although they have knees that resemble human knees, they are positioned differently. The knees and hips of cats are near one another, with varying breeds having varied angles between them. Cat breeds with a more acute hip-knee angle, such as the Maine Coon, are more prone to joint conditions like arthritis.
Tips for Healthy Knees in Cats
Maintaining the health of your cat's joints is crucial, particularly as they get older. Arthritis and other joint-related disorders are usually inherited by elderly cats. Here are some tips for maintaining the health of your pet's joints:
1 - Maintain your cat's interest.
Curiosity comes naturally to cats. While cats are capable of being active on their own, it's crucial to provide them with opportunities, such as interacting with your pet, to encourage movement. Another method to keep them occupied is by providing puzzle feeders and wand toys that imitate prey. Additionally, your pet might take pleasure in scaling cat trees and shelves. You can achieve your goal of keeping your pet physically active by playing games that will keep them curious and agile.
2 - Regulate the weight of your cat.
Prioritise your feline friend's weight if you want their knees to remain healthy. During your cat's routine wellness examination, your veterinarian will talk about your cat's weight and physical condition. In order to keep the cat healthy, they may talk about making dietary and exercise adjustments if the body state score is higher than the recommended range for their ages, breed, and medical issues.
3 - Adjust your living area as needed.
Cats enjoy climbing and typically have no idea when to give up or stop. But it is your job to be a feline parent, particularly for the older cats. To help your pet climb some items in your house, such as the bed or chairs, you can install pet stairs. You don't want the pet's joints to break down on them since excessive joint stress might put them at risk for arthritis or exacerbate joint issues in older animals. Therefore, make whatever improvements to your house can help your feline partner.
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