How To Deal With Cat Arthritis

If you live with a cat, no doubt your cat is a favorite pet and you love and adore him or her. Cats will do that to humans! It is therefore very distressing if your cat develops cat arthritis.

Mostly cat arthritis affects older cats but sometimes younger ones can also get this disease. If your cat is young, then make sure it gets enough exercise and doesn't become overweight. Like us humans, if we carry too much weight around, our joints will end up hurting us.

Signs to look for are generally slowing down. Walking becomes more difficult and often jumping is a problem. If your cat is older or even very old, it's so hard to tell whether it is just age or if it is arthritis. If the cat is unusually irritable or even depressed, it could well be that it is suffering from chronic arthritis pain. Also you may find your cat sleeping even more. Cat owners know that cats are smart that way.

Cats can have various forms of arthritis, just like we can. However, arthritis can develop in a cat due to a traumatic even involving movement - for example, if your cat is in an accident as gets a shock and is hurt, or if he falls badly and hurts himself. It could then be that the injured joints develop arthritis.

Thank goodness we have veterinarians who can help us. First of all take your cat to your veterinarian for a check up. There are certain tests that can be made to help with the diagnosis if the vet thinks it could be arthritis. There is medication available, just like for us humans who have the disease and your vet can monitor progress. Corticosteriods and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, known as NSAIDs may be prescribed.

Of course there are also alternative natural remedies you can try but always let your veterinarian know in case they conflict with any other medication. Glucosamine is good for arthritis sufferers and it comes in liquid form for your beloved pet. Vitamin C is also helpful for pain relief, but again make sure this is OK with your vet.

If you cat likes a massage, then go ahead and gently massage him or her. Also making sure your cat is warm is always good in this situation so make sure he or she has a nice warm blanket or cat bed and this is not situated in a cool or drafty area.

As with humans, arthritis in cats is not easy. However, with loving care, understanding and medication and/or natural remedies, it is possible for pets suffering with cat arthritis to live their lives more comfortably.