If your cat has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA) or seems to be slowing down, you can support them in several ways. Cats with arthritis typically experience inflammation and joint pain. This pain often interferes with daily feline activities like jumping, climbing, and even walking. Naturally, you want to support your cat as much as you possibly can. Nobody wants to see cats suffer.
Potential signs of arthritis include limping, cats having trouble jumping, and reduced mobility. It’s important to talk to your veterinarian if you notice any of these signs. While there’s no cure for arthritis, your veterinarian may suggest one or a combination of treatments, including nutraceuticals like SeaPet’s Super Joint Formula for Cats. Let’s take a more detailed look into the symptoms, causes, and treatments of arthritis in cats.
What are some common symptoms of feline arthritis?
Cat owners often wonder how to tell if their cat has arthritis. Sometimes the symptoms are obvious, but they may be nearly undetectable as well. Check out this list of common signs of feline osteoarthritis:
- Trouble going up or down stairs
- Difficulty or reluctance to jump up or down
- Limping or stiffness in the legs, particularly after periods of rest
- Irritability
- Reduced levels of activity
- Hiding or sleeping more than normal
- Difficulty using the litter box
- Grooming themselves less
Contrary to popular belief, arthritis can happen in cats of all ages. Degenerative joint conditions like arthritis are commonly associated with older cats, but your cat should see the vet if they exhibit any of the signs above regardless of age. While none of these signs on their own are a definitive diagnosis of arthritis, they may affect your cat’s overall wellness, health, and quality of life.
Can proper pet care reduce arthritis in cats?
Many cat owners think they can delay or even prevent the onset of feline arthritis through diligent care, but sadly, this isn’t the case. Most known causes of arthritis and other forms of joint disease are completely out of our control, no matter how much we care for our cats and their health.
There is one major exception to this rule. If you have an obese cat, consult your veterinarian about a special diet to help your animal lose weight. Not only is obesity unhealthy overall, but carrying extra weight around puts unnecessary stress on a cat’s bone structure. The added stress increases the risk of osteoarthritis in cats and other degenerative joint conditions.
We cannot prevent other causes of arthritis, but we can make a plan if we know our cats are at increased risk. If your pet suffered a joint injury, their risk of joint disease becomes elevated. Likewise, the natural aging process may cause arthritis in older animals. Genetics and joint abnormalities play a role in arthritis risk too. Consult your veterinarian for more information on treating cat arthritis.
What can I give my cat for arthritis pain?
While there is no cure for arthritis, we can mitigate its symptoms through responsible pet care. Drugs are often the first idea that springs to mind, and they can be effective. However, there are many ways to provide cats with arthritis relief without resorting to drugs. Here are a few ideas:
There are quite a few things that any pet parent can do to provide extra support to their cat. You might consider retiring old, worn pet bedding in favor of a new, supportive (maybe even heated!) bed. Other measures include raising food and water dishes to an appropriate height, providing stable nonskid floors, and adding a ramp or stepstool to help cats reach their favorite places.
- Exercise and physical therapy.
While exercise may seem like a counterintuitive treatment for an arthritic cat, it can be an effective way to address arthritis pain. Keeping a cat active with toys or food games can help to loosen their joints and keep their muscles from stiffening up, providing your cat with extra mobility. Some cats also enjoy gentle massage and even stretching. If you aren’t sure what treatments your cat might respond to, your vet may offer some suggestions.
- Prescription pharmaceuticals.
First off, a warning: never give your cat drugs designed for humans or any other animals. The dosage or formula may be toxic or even fatal to cats. Stick to drugs explicitly prescribed for your cat by a licensed veterinarian.
Pharmaceuticals may be effective when it comes to managing your cat’s arthritis symptoms, but they also have several risks. Drugs can upset your cat’s stomach and affect kidney and liver function, so your cat will need to be monitored by your veterinarian for health reasons.
Nutraceuticals may be a safe and effective arthritis treatment option for almost any cat. These are natural supplements for arthritic cats that are designed to pump up the production of compounds like collagen and reduce joint inflammation. Glucosamine and chondroitin are the two most commonly used supplements, and they are said to protect and even bolster collagen.
All-natural joint supplements are a safe and non-toxic way to support good joint health. Plus, unlike some drugs, nutraceuticals are easy to give your cat. Supplements available in powder or liquid form can be added right on top of cat food. Supporting your cat’s arthritis has never been easier!
How to choose the best cat arthritis supplements
Natural supplements for arthritic cats are one of the most popular ways to address the symptoms of arthritis, but not all supplements are created equally. It’s important to look for a company that knows what they’re doing so you can be sure of what you’re getting. Some of the most important things to look for include third-party testing and the sustainable harvesting of ingredients. Don’t forget to consult your veterinarian, either. They may have additional guidance on dosage or warn you of any potential medication contraindications.
When you’re looking for a joint supplement you can trust, turn to SeaPet. We’ve spent the last 25 years perfecting our cat and dog arthritis supplements. Our Super Joint Formula Powder for Cats gives your cat the glucosamine and chondroitin they need. Adding this supplement to your cat’s diet is a safe and easy way to support their joint health, letting them live a more comfortable life. If you’re interested in trying a natural solution to cat joint pain caused by arthritis, try SeaPet’s Super Joint Formula Powder today.
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