Older cat started walking funny - maybe arthritis?

by Tammy
(Tennessee)

Hi, I noticed a few hours ago that my 15 year old cat has started flicking her tail a lot (almost like a spasm), and now seems to be walking funny with her back legs. She doesn't seem to be in any kind of distress and in fact has continued to follow me around the house, wobbly legs and all. It just happened so suddenly that I want to be aware of any other symptoms I should be looking for.

She looks alert, has been eating, drinking, and using the litterbox today, and isn't meowing or crying at all when she walks. She just continues to purr and wants me to pet her just as much as ever. The only time she does cry or hiss is if I pet her too close to her tail, but it's been that way for years. The vet confirmed last year that she does have some signs of arthritis in that area, but it has never affected her mobility. She still jumps up on our guest room bed whenever she wants to nap, and was able to jump up just now even with her legs so wobbly.

There is a storm coming in, so I'm wondering if it's just causing her arthritis to act up. I would still like to know if there are any other symptoms I should be checking her for, like how I would be able to tell if she is having a stroke or a blood clot or anything. I would take her to the vet, but she is always so traumatized after every visit that I try to only take her if something is seriously wrong.

Thanks!

Answer from KAte
Hi
I think it is probably best to ask you to read my page on this subject as it should contain the information you are seeking.

http://www.our-happy-cat.com/cat-arthritis.html

best wishes kate