Spinal cord injuries and diseases in cats cause pain and neurological deficits. Welfare management through diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation maximizes quality of life.
Spinal cord disease in cats requires welfare management that addresses both the acute pain of spinal cord compression and the long-term welfare implications of neurological deficit. Cats with spinal pain — whether from vertebral disease, intervertebral disc extrusion, or spinal cord compression — show characteristic signs including reluctance to jump, altered posture, vocalization when handled, and occasionally aggression from pain. Prompt pain management as the first welfare priority reduces suffering while diagnostics proceed.
Bladder management is a critical welfare component for cats with significant spinal cord disease. Cats unable to urinate spontaneously require manual bladder expression or urinary catheterization to prevent bladder distension, pain, and urinary tract infection. Owner training in bladder expression technique is welfare-essential for home management of incontinent cats.