Myositis Symptoms in Cats

Myositis is a muscular skeletal disease listed under the general category of myopathies. According to Manual for Pet Health, "Myopathies are diseases that primarily cause damage to muscles or muscle tissues. They may be present at birth (congenital) or occur due to nutritional imbalances, muscle injury, or ingestion of a poisonous substance." Myositis in cats causes inflammation, limited mobility, muscle spasms and weakness.

  1. Inflammation

    • Cats with myositis may not move around much.

      Myositis in cats causes swelling and sore muscles. Muscles become inflamed making it difficult for cats to move around. The cat may even appear paralyzed as it sits motionless in an effort to avoid hurting. Inflammation sometimes causes skin irritation and redness.

      Sooth irritated muscles with cool compresses. Be careful not to press too hard. Check with your vet about giving your cat anti-inflammatory medicine. If your cat is too sore to move around, you may need to hand feed it until the inflammation resides.

    Limited Mobility

    • Keep water close to your cat if it has myositis.

      Cats become lethargic when dealing with myositis. Inflammation and pain have a tendency to make them more tired than usual. Myositis in cats makes them less active and sleepy.

      Keep fresh water close to your cat to prevent dehydration. Dehydration can lead to complications. Provide a clean, soft bed that comforts and sooths aching muscles. Allow your cat to rest in a quiet environment so it can heal more quickly.

    Muscle Spasms and Weakness

    • Veterinarians provide necessary medicine to cats with myositis.

      Myositis may cause involuntary muscle movements or spasms in affected areas. This primarily happens in the advanced stages of the disease. Cats sometimes opt to avoid using their sore muscles which leads to weakness and muscle deterioration.

      Work with your vet to treat spasmodic muscles and limit dystrophy or deterioration of muscle tissue. Vets can prescribe necessary medicine. They often recommend simple exercises you can do with your cat to stretch affected muscles and improve flexibility. Exercises also limit muscle stiffness and rejuvenate blood flow.

    Loss of Appetite

    • It may be necessary to adjust your cat's diet if it has myositis.

      Symptoms from myositis in cats may lead to loss of appetite. Inflammation and pain cause fatigue. Limited mobility prevents excess energy. Muscles spasms and weakness cause mobility issues. Weakness and fatigue have a tendency to decrease hunger.

      Simplify your cat's diet if it is suffering from myositis. Choose easy to digest foods that are soft and easy to chew. You may want to mash your cat's food or put it in the blender before serving. Distribute smaller portions of food to your cat more often. Hand feed little bites of food if desired or necessary.