For many years people thought that since cats are agile and flexible, they were unlikely to develop arthritis. Feline arthritis is not at all uncommon, it’s just that cats are better at hiding it. In addition to old age, hip dysplasia a genetic condition that causes the hip joint to develop abnormally, are the main reasons for many cases of feline arthritis. The malformed hip joint deteriorates faster than other joints in the body and is more vulnerable to the development of arthritis. While you can’t prevent all cases of feline arthritis, there are some steps you can take to reduce the symptoms.
Allowing an arthritic cat to become overweight puts additional strain on the painful joints. Regulating your cat’s diet and encouraging regular exercise are the best ways to maintain your cat’s body weight. Ration your pet’s food and experiment with different types of toys to figure out which ones your cat prefers and which ones keep your cat most active.
There are a few alternative therapies that work well for some cats in reducing arthritis pain. These therapies are acupuncture, massage, hydrotherapy and laser therapy. In many cases, the medications and alternative therapies can be combined to provide more effective pain relief for an arthritic cat. These alternative methods are risk-free for your cat. For older cats, a heated bed or blanket or even a hot water bottle may provide relief from the pain and stiffness of arthritis. Once your cat gets used to the heated bed, it should be a source of comfort.
Never give a cat medication intended for a human. Pet owners need to be cautious when administering medications, they should always be prescribed by a vet or under the supervision of a vet to avoid the risk of side effects. Dietary supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, GLM and omega-3 fatty acids help support the joints and should be used with a veterinarian’s approval.
Arthritis cannot be cured but there are various remedies and procedures that can help ease the pain for your cat. Consult your veterinarian for advice if you believe your cat is suffering from arthritis.
