Article on this condition with radiographs of normal & diseased hips and recommendations for testing & breeding of the Maine Coon. - Read more

Claws are appendages at the extremities of the digits of cats. The footpad is the tough spongy pads of thick skin beneath each foot. - Read more

Carpal hyperextension injuries produce a breakdown of the ligaments that support the back of the carpal joint in the wrist, resulting in collapse from the normal upright position. It is the result of landing on the front legs from a significant height. - Read more

Any decrease in an animal's ability to bear weight on a limb(s) or a decrease in the normal mobility and function of a limb(s) can be considered to be a lameness. Lameness can be extremely subtle or profound, affecting one limb or several limbs. It can be intermittent or constant, worse in the morning, worse at night, worse after rest, worse after or during exercise. - Read more

The cat possesses a highly evolved muscle system that is capable of producing swift & agile movements. The muscle systems of a cat enable it to catch prey & escape from potential threats. - Read more

A joint is an articulation, the junction between two or more bones of the skeleton. Some joints have no movement, some allow only slight movement, & some are freely moveable. - Read more

The cat's skeleton has two significant differences. First, a cat's spine or backbone contains more bones that ours, & second, the cat lacks a clavicle or collarbone. The cat skeleton has an average of 250 bones. - Read more

The tail is the posterior elongated part of a cat that extends beyond the trunk or main part of the body. About 10 percent of a cat's bones are in the tail & up to 20 supple & articulated vertebrae depending on the species, breed & individual. - Read more

Article on this inherited condition including information on screening & accompanied by some X-rays of normal & affected cats. - Read more

Your feline friend needs strong healthy legs to play & enjoy life. That's why it's so important to watch for joint, paw or nail problems that could restrict your pet's movement & affect his short & long-term health. - Read more