artrose kat|kat met artrose ligt te rollen op de grond

What to do for a cat with arthritis? 7 important tips

Osteoarthritis is common in cats. The condition can cause pain due to wear and tear on the joints. So what should you do if you think your pet has this condition? We'll explain the symptoms, including tips on what you can do to help your beloved animal. Read all about it in our article.

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis in a cat?

It's a joint disease that primarily affects older cats. Symptoms of osteoarthritis in cats can be subtle and often go unnoticed. Here are some common symptoms:

Less active: the animal moves less and is no longer keen to jump or run;
Stiffness: especially after resting, the animal may move a little stiffly. This often improves after some time of exercise;
Difficulty jumping: the animal may have difficulty jumping onto furniture or to higher places, or may stop doing so altogether;
Change in behavior: the mood may become more irritable or the animal may be less sociable;
Changes in grooming: the animal may have difficulty grooming itself properly. This can lead to a messy coat or excessive licking of painful joints. This is often the case if the cat has osteoarthritis in its front leg.
Lameness: the animal may start to limp or start to rely more on one leg;
Changes in weight: the animal may gain or lose weight due to less exercise or less appetite;
Less flexibility: the animal may have difficulty reaching certain places during washing;
Less use of the litter box: the animal may lie down in the box less often because it hurts to climb in and out.

How can you tell if a cat is in pain?

Recognizing the condition can be difficult, as animals naturally try to hide their pain. It may be helpful to look for the symptoms mentioned above. In cases of severe osteoarthritis in a cat, you may notice a rapid change in behavior. The animal may also become less active. Always consult a veterinarian if you are unsure whether your pet is suffering from this condition.

cat with arthritis is rolling on the floor

How does a veterinarian diagnose osteoarthritis?

The veterinarian will likely conduct a thorough examination of the condition. This examination varies by veterinarian and the animal's state, but it may include the following:

Questions about health history and symptoms;
Physical examination with movement, feeling and movement of joints;
Imaging techniques such as X-rays, ultrasound or an MRI or CT scan;
Blood test (not always done);
Synovial fluid analysis (not always done).

How long do cats with osteoarthritis live?

The animal can still reach a ripe old age. Life expectancy depends on the severity of the condition, the animal's overall health, its habitat, care, and nutrition. Some people think they should euthanize a cat with arthritis. Fortunately, with proper care, this is usually not necessary.

What food for a cat with arthritis?

There are diets that can be beneficial for the joints. These include Hill's Prescription Diet and Royal Canin Mobility Diet. These contain important nutrients. It's also important to maintain a healthy weight, as excess weight can put extra pressure on the joints.

What do you give a cat with arthritis?

The diet can include certain nutrients. It should include omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, antioxidants, and l-carnitine. These nutrients all have unique properties that can help the animal.

What to do about osteoarthritis in cats - 7 tips

You naturally want to treat this condition in your pet as effectively as possible. Read below about what you can do to best care for your pet.

1. Medical treatments

Painkillers and anti-inflammatories

Consult with your veterinarian about appropriate medication. Painkillers or anti-inflammatories are often prescribed.

Supplements

Supplements can be very helpful in supporting joints. Glucosamine and chondroitin are often recommended.

2. Diet and nutrition

Joint support food

Consider a food specifically formulated for joint health, such as Hill's Prescription Diet or Royal Canin Mobility.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Add fish oil supplements to your diet. This can help reduce inflammation.

Weight management

Make sure your pet maintains a healthy weight and doesn't become overweight. Excess weight can put extra pressure on the joints, which can only cause more pain.

3. Adapt the living environment

Comfortable resting places

Make sure you've provided soft, comfortable places for the animal to rest. Make these areas accessible without them having to jump.

Easy access

Use steps or cushions to help the animal reach favorite spots.

Freedom of movement in the house

Make sure there is easy access to food and water without the animal having to walk over obstacles.

4. Light therapy

Red light therapy

This form of laser therapy is a natural treatment for this condition in your pet. It can help reduce pain and inflammation and promote healing in the joints. Later in this article, we'll tell you more about red light therapy for this specific condition.

5. Physiotherapy and exercises

Light exercise and exercises

Encourage light, controlled movements. This keeps the joints flexible. For example, you can play with a feather or a laser pointer.

Massage

A gentle, relaxing massage can help relax muscles. It also promotes blood circulation around the joints.

6. Regular checks

Monitoring health

Visit your vet regularly to monitor your dog's health. This is important for monitoring progress or determining a possible alternative treatment.

7. Avoid cold and humidity

Warm living environment

Make sure the animal doesn't stay in a cold or damp environment. This can worsen the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Provide a warm sleeping area to reduce joint stiffness.

Osteoarthritis in cats and red light therapy

Red light therapy, also called low-level laser therapy, is a good treatment for this condition. Laser therapy is also a good treatment for other complaints.

What does laser therapy do for your cat?

Low-level laser therapy uses low levels of laser light to stimulate cellular processes. This can help relieve pain and symptoms. Here's why laser therapy can work for your cat:

Pain relief;
Anti-inflammatory effect;
Better blood circulation;
Accelerated recovery.

Red light therapy and science

The use of low-level laser therapy, also known as red light therapy, has been scientifically proven. This therapy uses laser devices with a specific frequency of low-power light energy. This light interacts with the tissues in your dog's body, reducing pain, swelling, inflammation, and various conditions. This therapy can also be used on other animals and humans.

What can PowerCure do for your pet?

The PowerCure laser has already helped many pets reduce pain, symptoms, and ailments. We've received many positive reviews from cats and their owners. The cost of laser therapy is often lower than other treatment methods.

Experiences

You can purchase the PowerCure (Pro) laser for home use. This way, you can treat your beloved pet yourself in their familiar environment. The laser isn't just convenient for your pet; it can also be a valuable tool for you, your family, and even horses. And it can be used for virtually any condition!

Want to learn more about the PowerCure (Pro) laser and how it can help you or your pet? Then take a look here.

Shop the PowerCure (Pro) laser

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