Clare, do you want to exchange Jagger for my Raiden? I could use a bengal that is "no trouble." And you might as well have two that are "trouble." LOL. It's always something with Hendrix! Hope he gets better soon.

Absolutely not! Jagger keeps me sane lol

Hendrix is a much happier boy again after a few days of anti-inflammatories. Definitely now thinking that when he's grumpy he may be in pain with his knees. Obviously he has put on weight since his upset tummy issues are sorted, so that may be having an impact on his loose knee caps and causing discomfort.

I'm trying to cut his food down a little and see if we can find a weight where he both looks healthy and his knees are comfortable.

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Clare
Hendrix and Jagger, Brown Marble Boys (born 18 August 2013)
Hampshire, UK

Lennon 1.jpg

Hi Clare

How is Hendrix doing?

My big boy, Lennon, was diagnosed last November with luxating patellas in both knees, when he had an x-ray done. The vet said that if it wasn't causing him any problems then they would leave them alone. I have noticed that quite often when Lennon tries to jump up onto the worktop or furniture, he is unsuccessful sometimes and falls back down again but he doesn't limp or look as if he is in any pain, although it is so difficult to tell and I wonder if this is because of the luxating patellas.

I also wonder, if Lennon did have to have surgery to correct this problem, how on earth would I keep him from wanting to run around when he's recovering?

Oh, he's beautiful!

Hendrix has been doing really well after about three days with anti-inflammatories, thank goodness! The vet who usually sees him has the same view as yours, don't do anything unless it is causing him problems. Like you say though, it's hard to tell. He had been pretty grumpy for a few days before he started limping badly but of course cats will mask pain if they can. Hendrix also has it in both knees, so I guess it would be a case of doing one at a time and if we do have to down this route, I would get a huge dog cage and keep him in there initially. I have to say though, I know it will be a painful time!

I'm hoping it doesn't come to that but I also don't want him to be in pain. I've been cutting down his food a tiny bit to see if I can get his weight down slightly as that may make a difference. He was 6.25kg when I took him in and that's the heaviest he's ever been.

But he hadn't had a problem for over a year, so this might be a little hiccup where he's been clumsy and knocked it or something. It was the other knee he'd been in for before.

If only they could talk and let us know if their knees are hurting!

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Clare
Hendrix and Jagger, Brown Marble Boys (born 18 August 2013)
Hampshire, UK

Raiden has to jump down from his window perch when he comes in from his enclosure. We have wood floors and I hear him hit the floor with a sound. I'm hoping he doesn't begin to have any joint issues. I'm thinking of adding steps, but he might not use them. He's only 9 years old, but all that in and out and jumping up and down (he also has steps he an use when he gets in the enclosure, but usually jumps from the second one). Glad to hear Hendrix is doing a lot better.

Lennon is stunning!

Hi Clare

I am glad that Hendirx is feeling better for the anti-inflammatories. 6.25 kg isn't heavy for a male bengal. We got Lennon a cage when he had his tummy op to keep him quiet and to keep Tabitha away from him but he just hung on the top and sides and swung like a monkey, so we had to get rid of the cage!

Sherry

We've got padded foam on the floor of Lennon's enclosure (it's meant for kids play areas) so he has a softer landing and he loves to lay on it too!

No I don't think it's too heavy either. But last time he was there he was only 5.5kg so it's quite an increase. But he used to have diarrhoea from stealing Jagger's dry food when he should only eat his which is designed for his delicate tummy! He can't access Jagger's food anymore (much to his disgust!) so he's put on a bit of weight. He looks good for it but might have been a shock to his loose kneecaps!

I hope Lennon is going ok with his knees too!

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Clare
Hendrix and Jagger, Brown Marble Boys (born 18 August 2013)
Hampshire, UK