A north Norfolk author has brought out a second book detailing how pet owners can care for their beloved four-legged friends who suffer with arthritis.

The book, My Cat has Arthritis but Lives Life to the Full, which has took around a year to complete, is the second in the series from writer Gill Carrick, from Mundesley, who published 'My Dog has Arthritis but Lives Life to the Full' in 2012.

Ms Carrick decided to write about canine and feline arthritis after completing a book about the condition in humans. She appealed through the Eastern Daily Press and local radio for the case studies and interviewed animal health professionals from across the country as part of her research for both books.

Talking about her latest book, she said: 'I did this book because I was aware that cats can often get overlooked. When I was doing some research I found that cats are good at hiding pain but that does not mean they are not suffering with it, most older cats have arthritis. This is a way of trying to help owners help their cats.'

She complied the book, which is published by animal specialists Hubble and Hattie and available now from most bookshops and online book sites, with the help of Richard Gowan who owns a veterinary practice specialising in felines in Australia.

As with the dog book, the guide describes different types of arthritis, how to diagnose it and the breeds most affected. It explores the pros and cons of different treatments from medication, physiotherapy and hydrotherapy to alternative remedies and dietary supplements. There are also case studies from owners and colour photos of their cats.

The next book she is working on is on canine epilepsy.

Have you got an interesting animal story? Email tracey.gray@archant.co.uk