Arthritis Treatment for Cats

Cats are natural athletes and dare to do stunts without any safety harness and nets. These natural Olympian gold medalist (if there ever was an animal Olympic tournament, cats would have got all the gold in gymnastics) may also suffer from wear and tear of the bone joints. It is very heart rendering to see our dear felines suffer due to arthritis, as most of their physical movements become restricted due to rickety joints. Many times the owners are not aware of the initial stages of arthritis setting in the bones of their pet cats. By the time one realizes, the old kitty is already a patient of arthritis in cats.

What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is the inflammation within the joints that connects two bones together. The joints and tendons deteriorate and the cartilage covering it may reduce. This may cause rubbing of bones and lead to inflammation and pain. It exhibits pain and some degree of lameness in the sufferer. Cats, however are not susceptible to arthritis as commonly as humans, but there are a few who can develop it. Therefore, it is very important for the pet owners to know more on arthritis and treatment for arthritis in cats. Arthritis is in no way similar to rheumatism.

Signs of Arthritis in Cats
Cats developing arthritis may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Stiffness in limb.
• Limping
• After the cat gets up from its sleep or resting position, it may favor a particular limb for support.
• Reluctance to jump.
• Avoiding climbing stairs.
• Sleeping more than normal.
• Less interaction with the human members and other family pets.
• Urinating and defecating outside litter box with high sides.
• Avoiding covering the feces or urine with the sand in litter box.
• Difficulty in grooming.
• Signs of worsening discomfort in cold climate.
• Swollen or enlarged joints
• Lack of appetite.
• Muscle wasting. The legs may appear thinner than normal.
• Visible pain and discomfort in your cat.

Types of Arthritis in Cats
Different types of arthritis may affect cats. The most common types of arthritis that affect cats are traumatic arthritis and osteoarthritis. Traumatic arthritis may be due to a sudden impact caused by an accident with a moving vehicle, fight with other cat or an awkward fall. This may result in a minor sprain and may be painful for sometime. In case of severe impact, it may lead to fracture of the bones. Osteoarthritis is very common in older cats. The shoulder and elbow joints are commonly affected in case of osteoarthritis. Dislocation of the joints and past traumatic experiences may lead to wear and tear of the joints and tendons. Obese cats are more likely to suffer from arthritis, therefore give your cat a proper balanced diet consisting of the best cat food.

What are Some Treatments for Arthritis in Cats?
Arthritis is not a curable disease, but arthritis treatment in cats will help reduce the pain and inflammation of the affected joints and tendons. The common arthritis treatment in cats include medications like non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs help in reducing the pain and increasing the mobility of the joints. Glucosamine and chondroitin help in enhancing the formation of cartilage and inhibiting the enzymes in the joints that break down the cartilage.

You may provide a heating pad to the cat on the affected joint. You can place a heating pad under the bed, the cat sleeps on. The cat bedding should always be warm and free from any kind of cold drift. Never give your cat arthritis medications meant for human consumption. Always speak to your vet before giving any supplement to the cat for treatment of arthritis in cats. In extreme conditions, the vet may carry out a surgery in the area where a traumatic injury might have occurred.

One of the natural arthritis treatment for cats includes acupuncture. In many cases, this natural arthritis treatment for cats has proven to relieve the pain and inflammation. You should only visit a qualified veterinary acupuncturist if you want to go for this method for treating arthritis in cats. Other natural arthritis treatment for cats includes introducing nettles, alfalfa and garlic in the cats diet. Homeopathy is also an effective natural arthritis treatment for cats. Speak to your vet for the various options available for treating arthritis in cats.

Arthritis may be a restricting disease for the agile and flexible cats. You should provide ample care and love to your cat suffering from arthritis. You should always speak to the vet before trying any new therapy for arthritis treatment in cats. Cats are natural athletes and proper pet care for your cat will make sure they hold the title for life.