17 Year Old Cat -Slow When Trying to Lie Down

[Bevo71]

My 17 yr old cat is understandably moving around slower than what she used to do. What is concerning is that, when settling down to lie on her stomach, like a chicken roosting on a nest, she very slowly does so, taking a while to get in a comfortable position.
She was diagnosed with a kidney problem several years ago and has been on NF cat food, both canned and dry. Xrays a couple of years ago showed that her kidneys had shrunk.
She eats well and weighs around 12 lbs. In the Fall she started having some diarrhea and is now on daily medication for that. The daily meds were started after using the short term meds. The diarrhea would return soon after getting off those.
She went through a lot last summer and early Fall when a sequestra developed on her right eye. That was surgically removed and she recovered well, thanks to an excellent vet ophthalmologist near me.
Anyway, just wondering about her slowness in lying down in her "roosting" position. Any ideas?

[katiem]

Any chance arthritis could be thrown into the mix?

[Bevo71]

Yes, it could be.

[special]

This does sound like pain. Arthritis or something else. Is she getting sub q fluids for the CKD?

Talk to your vet about starting her on cosequin for cats for the arthritis, if that's what it is, but I do recommend you bring her in for a check up if your vet feels it's necessary. Sounds like she's been there a lot lately

If she's not having any other symptoms maybe the vet will just recommend you start the cosequin, but..given her age and history, I would probably do the check up first.

[Bevo71]

No sub q fluids.