Cat Arthritis

In general, cats lead a very active life. With their nimble feet and agile movements, they are always jumping around here and there. So, when you keep cats as pets in your house, one thing is for sure that they will keep your home atmosphere lively all the time. However, cat arthritis is one such disease that can force your pet to suspend all activities and slow down. Older cats and middle aged cats are at a higher risk of developing arthritis but younger ones may get it too.

Causes and Symptoms of Arthritis in Cats

We all know that arthritis is a disease where inflammation occur in the tissues of the joints and surrounding areas. There are different types of arthritis like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, traumatic arthritis and so on. As cats grow old, the cartilage tissues of their joints start wearing out and the bones in the joints get rubbed against each other resulting in joint inflammation. Sometimes, genetic factor, congenital joint defect and excessive body weight can be responsible for degeneration of the joints. Traumatic injury or any other kind of injury like sprain, strain in the joints often cause arthritis in younger cats.

Cat arthritis symptoms are not very easy to identify in the initial stage as cats have a natural tendency to hide their pain. During this time, when the intensity of the symptoms are mild, you may occasionally find your pet cat stiffening or limping particularly in cold weather condition. As the disease progresses, you will find one or more of these following symptoms:

• Low energy level
• Becoming lazy and inactive
• Avoiding climbing upstairs
• Avoiding large leaps
• Sleeping very frequently
• Loss of appetite
• Swelling in the joints that are painful to touch
• Legs appear thinner due to muscle wasting
• Change in cat behavior. They are depressed or irritable all the time.
• Showing signs of discomfort when you touch them
• Sudden mood swings when they may turn aggressive

Arthritis Treatment for Cats

When you see one or more of these signs in cats, then they need immediate medical attention. With a quick diagnosis you can prevent any further damage to the joints. A vet conducts physical examination as well as laboratory tests like x-ray and radiograph to confirm the severity of arthritis. Low dose of aspirin is often given to bring about temporary pain relief for cats. Usually, one-fourth of a tablet is given two or three times a day and not more than that. Strictly follow the instructions of your vet in this regard as pain relieving have adverse side effects on cat health. So, give them prescription medicines only and do not try any self treatment with over the counter medicines.

In arthritis treatment for cats, the pain killers are mostly accompanied by two dietary supplements glucosamine and chondroitin which has to be added to cat food. They help to rebuild the degenerated cartilage. Fish oil supplements are also recommended as they contain omega - 3 fatty acids that possess excellent anti-inflammatory qualities that enable it to reduce joint inflammation. In some cases, an injectable drugs Adequan is administered on the affected joint through injections for pain relief. It has a component named hyaluronic acid that has a lubricating effect on the joints which makes joint movements smooth and less painful.

Besides, the medicinal treatment massage and mild exercises are considered as excellent cat arthritis remedies. Knead the muscles of the painful joints gently with the tips of your finger in small circular motions everyday. This massage will help in improving the blood circulation in the area and thus decrease the swelling. A small walk in the garden is a good exercise for feline arthritis. This will add strength and flexibility to the joint and helps in rehabilitation. Acupuncture is an alternative form of treatment that has helped in improving the condition in many cases.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for cat arthritis. Therefore, to keep the painful symptoms in check and improve the quality of life, proper cat care and treatment is a must. You cannot even prevent this disease. So, as a pet owner it is your responsibility to keep a close watch on the behavior and movements of your pets to detect signs of abnormality particularly when they are aging.