Sophie–Navigating Golden Years with Grace

Patient: Sophie
Breed: Ragdoll
Age: 18 years 7 months
Weight: 3.9–4.1 kg
Clinic: Housecall

Sophie is a beautiful and gentle Ragdoll who has aged gracefully under the watchful eye of her loving owner. But as she entered her senior years, Sophie began to show signs of discomfort: she stopped grooming her back, seemed sensitive to touch near her hips, and occasionally had trouble with her urination or bowel movements.

Though she was still bright, affectionate, and eating well, her owner wanted to make sure Sophie was comfortable and thriving.

Over the course of several visits, Sophie received careful assessments including:

• Full physical exams
   
• Urine culture and sensitivity testing
   
• Blood pressure monitoring
   
• Kidney blood panels
   
• Abdominal palpation
   
• Mobility checks and joint range of motion testing
   

These helped us identify:
✅ Arthritis in her spine and hips (especially around the lower back)
✅ Chronic kidney disease, well-managed
✅ A past urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by E. coli, now resolved
✅ Occasional soft stools and possible GI upset related to stress or diet changes

To keep Sophie comfortable, we created a multi-layered care plan tailored to her age and gentle nature:

💉 Medications & Therapies:

• Solensia injections to relieve arthritis pain
   
• Cystaid capsules to support her bladder lining
   
• Pro-Kolin for tummy support when stool softens
   
• Nutracalm to ease age-related anxiety or stress

🧴 Lifestyle Adjustments:

• Regular physiotherapy to support joint movement
   
• A renal-friendly, freeze-dried diet to support kidney health
   
• Gentle grooming routines to keep her coat in top shape
   
• Monitoring for signs of discomfort when brushing or handling
   

Sophie has done remarkably well with this holistic approach. Her:

• Kidney values have remained stable
   
• Bladder and GI symptoms have been well-managed
   
• Appetite and hydration levels are good
   
• Sensitivity along the spine and hips has improved
   

Though she still has the occasional flare-up or soft stool, these are quickly resolved with supportive care.

✅ Managed age-related osteoarthritis with monthly Solensia
✅ Treated and resolved a UTI through lab-based diagnosis
✅ Supported kidney health with early blood testing and tailored diet
✅ Balanced digestive and emotional wellbeing in a senior cat
✅ Prevented complications by monitoring appetite, grooming, and mobility

🐾 Senior cats may not show obvious pain—look for changes in grooming, posture, or appetite
 🐾 Monthly arthritis injections like Solensia can greatly improve quality of life
 🐾 Monitor litter box behavior—straining, hiding, or vocalizing could mean something more
 🐾 Always check if your cat’s discomfort is from a UTI, arthritis, or tummy trouble
 🐾 Keep your vet updated—small changes matter, especially for golden seniors

🎯 What Pet Owners Want to Know 

1. How do I know if my senior cat is in pain? 
    
2. Can arthritis in cats be treated without surgery? 
    
3. Why is grooming less common in older cats? 
    
4. What are early signs of kidney issues? 
    
5. Is it safe to give monthly injections long-term? 
    

🌡 Medical Highlights

1. Why was Solensia chosen for Sophie’s arthritis? 
    
2. What role did urine testing play in this case? 
    
3. How did blood pressure and kidney panels help guide care?
    
4. What makes managing older cats different from younger ones?
    

🩺 Vet's Reflection

1. What’s your approach to caring for geriatric cats like Sophie?
    　
2. How do you prioritize which issues to treat first in senior pets? 　
    
3. Why is owner communication key for cases like this?
    
4. Any advice for families with elderly cats entering their twilight years?