HOW DO YOU KNOW YOUR CAT HAS ARTHRITIS
Recent studies have shown radio graphic evidence of arthritis in the limb joints affecting between 60% and more than 90% of cats of all ages, indicating that arthritis is actually very common in cats.
However, arthritis is much more common and severe in senior cats, with 90% of cats over 12 years of age displaying evidence of degenerative joint disease in shoulders, hips, elbows, knees and ankles being the most commonly affected joints.
BEHAVIORAL SIGNS TO LOOK FOR?
Cats are clever at hiding their pain and not showing obvious signs of discomfort. They do this by restricting their activity and minimizing the use of their sore joints, they rarely display signs of limping or pain because they will avoid showing weakness. Instead, you will notice they might spend more time sleeping or more time alone. You might see them having difficulty using their cat flap or litter tray. Reluctance, hesitance or refusal to jump up or down where they normally would and difficulty going up or down stairs. They tend to reduce their grooming regime and may start to show signs of a scruffy or matted coat, especially in the hind quarters and hard to reach areas. Overgrown claws due to less activity outside are another sign. In general, behavioral changes are your best clue. Cats experiencing pain often show temperamental changes too, becoming grumpy and irritable and no longer wanting to be picked up or cuddled.
HOW IS ARTHRITIS DIAGNOSED IN CATS?
As we have established arthritis is more common and more severe in mature (7years on wards) and older cats, so if your feline friend is advancing in years be vigilant and look for the signs. If you notice any of the above behavioral signs of arthritis in your cat, the first thing to do is to consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and to discuss treatment options. Getting a diagnosis early and starting a treatment plan are crucial for managing arthritis in cats and improving their quality of life.
Your vet may be able to detect pain, discomfort, swelling or other changes affecting certain joints when they examine your cat. If there is any uncertainty, your vet may suggest taking X-rays of the joints, but this is not always necessary.
Your veterinarian may recommend a trial of an anti-inflammatory to see if it improves your cat’s symptoms. It is a strong indication of arthritis if symptoms do improve.
Making sure your cat is fed the right diet and is not overweight also plays into managing cat arthritis as any excess weight will put pressure on already inflamed joints. Your vet can advise on you on weight management and controlled weight loss if you cat is overweight. There are many options to be considered when managing a cat with arthritis, and it is not just about finding the right tablet to control the disease.
Many people prefer to try a natural alternative to arthritis medication first. You can give your cat a natural health supplement that will help reduce the inflammation caused by arthritis. They usually contain combinations of glycosaminoglycans (such as glucosamine and chondroitin) that are the ‘building blocks’ of the cartilage in the joint and designed to improve cartilage quality and essential fatty acids (EFAs) that are designed to reduce inflammation.
These diets and dietary supplements are generally very safe to use and a natural alternative for pain relief from inflammation and cat arthritis.
A liquid Cat Glucosamine supplement with Chondroitin, Hyaluronic Acid, MSM and Manganese will help reduce inflammation pain in cats and afford better mobility and flexibility. Glucosamine helps to maintain the synovial fluid that lubricates the joints. Studies have shown that high quality Chondroitin has synergistic effects in joint health when used with glucosamine. Manganese Chelate is an essential part of the enzyme involved in the synthesis of Chondroitin Sulfate. Hyaluronic Acid can support the lubrication and cushioning of joints and helps in alleviating symptoms of arthritis like pain and immobility. MSM is a rich source of organic sulphur and an essential mineral that helps to strengthen connective tissue including cartilage and ligaments.
Omega 3 fish oil for cats contains essential fatty acids EHA and DHA to also assist in the reduction of inflammation pain and help with joint pain and stiffness. Omega-3’s can help transport nutrients to joint tissues, which can help repair and maintain them.
Using these two joint supplements together will give your cat the nutritional support and a real advantage in the fight against joint damage and arthritis pain.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
There are many ways of managing arthritis for your cat around the home, modifying and enriching their environment to maintain their quality of life. Mitigating pain or injury by making it easy for them to get around is crucial because you still want them to be as active as possible.
Having ramps or steps placed near their favorite areas is also a good idea in case they do still prefer to be up high somewhere like their favorite windowsill or chair.
Making sure they can still navigate the cat flap if you have one or litter try easily is also a good idea, even if it means having the cat flap tied up permanently open or having the litter tray inside somewhere like a bathroom area. You can buy litter trays that have one low side for this purpose.
Older cats will want to sleep a lot so make sure your cat has nice soft comfy beds placed in easily accessible areas around the house. Somewhere warm and quiet and where they can feel safe and secure.
Nodens Pet Health have both a Glucosamine and an Omega 3 fish oil supplement for Cats that has been formulated to help reduce the inflammation caused by arthritis and repair damaged joints, ligaments and cartilage.
MADE IN THE USA – from 100% pure high quality unbeaten human grade ingredients.
Nodens Cat Hip and Joint – To purchase click HERE
