Cat's Skeleton System

Without the support and protection of bones, your cat would collapse into a- of fur and skin. Most of the two essential minerals, calcium and phosphorus,Wired in, inventoried by, and distributed when needed from the hones. Without your pet's heart could not beat, nor could the nerves conduct messages.iArn en your cat is pregnant or nursing, the need for both these minerals is at a peak, will bob up when that leg touches the ground; the head will bob down when a sore rear leg touches the ground. A shorter stride and lighter touch are usually seen in the sore leg.

If you notice a lame leg, take the cat's temperature first, because in cats the cause is often a bite wound that has formed an abscess. In that case a fever of 104°To 105°F may be seen . If the temperature is normal, start the exam.You will be looking for swelling or pain by gently pressing on the bones with your finger or moving a joint. Your pet will exhibit pain by crying or pulling the leg away.If you think you've found a painful area, repeat that part of the exam to see if you get the same reaction.

To examine the individual areas of your cat's skeletal system, you may find it helpful to locate your own corresponding bones and/or joints first.

That finishes the skeletal system exam. If your cat exhibits pain at any point,by crying out and/or pulling away, gently repeat that step of the exam to double-check the reaction.

The muscles, after receiving messages from the nerves, move the bones, blink the eyes, and twitch the tail. These are the skeletal muscles that your cat can consciously move. Two special types of muscles work day and night involuntarily.The heart (cardiac) muscle contracts with less than one-half-second rest between beats throughout your cat's life. Smooth muscle tissue, which moves food along the digestive tract day and night, is also primarily involuntary.