The most common way to detect the symptoms of arthritis in cats is when he has difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time. Limping and strolling with a stilted gait are usually the telltale signs that something is definitely wrong. The detection of social apathy, aggression, and withdrawal oftentimes follow suit, although those clues are a bit harder to notice at first glance.
One thing to remember though: For those with arthritis, cat's treatment is not the same as human pain remedies, especially when it comes to arthritis in cats. What may work for humans may actually be harmful to felines, so medication (unless approved and administered by the vet) should be used sparingly.
For arthritis, cat's treatment and prevention may be very simple, such as:
If your cat turns into a fat cat, then he probably does not exercise as much as he should. Regular exercise keeps your feline busy and at the same time, maintains a proper weight.
Speaking of weight (yes, you should keep your cat's weight in check); remember that a plump cat does not necessarily translate to his being healthy. In fact, the heavier the cat, the more strain it puts on the joints, cartilages, and other organs of the body. As with humans, obesity in cats brings a pet owner a long list of medical problems - arthritis, heart failure, and diabetes are the first three to top the list. A well-balanced nutrition can help prevent obesity and the medical conditions that come with it.
Cats may also be given nutritional supplements such as fish oil, chondroitin and glucosamine. For pet owners who deem that natural is the way to go, homeopathic and herbal remedies earn plus points.
Talk with your vet about options. Your vet knows your cat - internally and externally. Also, have a chat with him about your cat's normal weight so you can monitor and do your own cat's weight checks from time to time. For the cat lover, arthritis in cats sounds like a finality, binding the kitty to the world of pain and the unknown. Chronic arthritis is usually lasting, but with proper cat care and nurturing, the pain can be maintained at a tolerable level, enabling your cat to be free from cat joint pain so he can jump onto your lap or onto his favorite shelf to watch the world go by.
Alternative pain management therapies can also be used on pained cats. Massage, feline acupuncture, and chiropractic maneuvers may be used to help alleviate the pain. Cold temperature almost immediately brings excruciating pain, even to the best of cats, so moist heat therapy is a great way to counter cold weather. Often, supplementing your cat's diet with Omega-3 rich supplements will give your cat relief from arthritis in cats. Unfortunately, some supplements containing fish oil, an Omega-3 rich source, are actually offensive to cats. Go figure that one out, but some cats refuse to eat food with just a few drops on it. What you need is something to minimize your cat's pain caused by arthritis in cats that he will take without struggle.
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