Arthritis, commonly identified as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, induces pain and inflammation in the joints of the cat. While not very common in cats, arthritis appears to affect the joint of the elbow the most, but other joints can be affected. The following natural remedies have been shown to work well in Cats suffering from arthritis.
| Green Lipped Mussel | Omega 3 Fatty Acids |
| Vitamins and Minerals | Gluecosamine & Chondroitin Sulphate |
| Methylsulfonylmethane | Collagen Hydrolysate |
What is Arthritis in Cats?
Arthritis is a chronic, painful, degenerative disease that can evolve gradually over time, affecting one or more joints. It causes inflammation and discomfort in the joints. Arthritis can affect any pet at any stage of life, negatively impacting the life quality of your pet and discourage them from fulfilling basic daily things like walking, exercising or playing.
When your cat is over seven years of age, then this is when age-related disorders such as arthritis can occur. It isn’t always easy to identify whether your cat is struggling from arthritis or discomfort. A lot of cats mask their pain, so it can be difficult to tell when they’re distressed. Cats have real arthritis pain, similar to the pain endured by people with this condition. The awesome thing is that there are a lot of things you can do to improve their life. The first move is to know that there’s something wrong with your cat.
Symptoms of Arthritis in Cats
With your cat, it’ll be much more difficult to pick up signs of arthritic joint pain than with dogs, particularly as cats with arthritis typically do not limp as a dog would. Cats start to vary their actions instead. Signs that you could observe:
| Changes in behaviour for grooming: Decreased grooming due to the pain and corresponding straggly or scurfy coat. Over licking of affected joints including hair loss, and inflamed skin in the region. |
| Decreased movement: When walking, your cat will sometimes have a rigid gait. Incapability or trouble getting in or out of cat litter trays with high sides. This can lead to toilet incidents. Unwillingness or resistance to get up or down, like sleeping areas or from the furniture. This could mean they’re going to sleep much lower down or in a different place than before. |
| Personality shifts: Less resistant, particularly over the rear legs, of being patted, carried or brushed. They may become more aggressive. |
| Activity level changes: Hesitancy to use their scratching post that can result in their nails growing very quickly. Unwillingness to go outside/play/hunting and explore. |
Natural joint supplements for your cat that help with Arthritis
Arthritic Joint care products are prescribed for arthritis in cats as a natural remedy for conditions like degenerative osteoarthritis. Although the quality and effectiveness of joint products can differ from product to product, so it’s essential to research the product before you try a supplement with your cat. If you are unsure, please see your Vet.
Green Lipped Mussels for cat arthritis treatment
Green Lipped Mussel extract is a mussel product and provides the very same EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids that oily fish have. But it has also been shown to be an excellent and almost exclusive source of Eicosatetraenoic Acid (ETA), another Omega-3 fatty acid. ETA has been scientifically proven to help control osteoarthritis by reducing inflammation and is much more active than fish oil. Green Lipped Mussel also is a valuable source of Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), like Glucosamine and Chondroitin.
Of all the active compounds available for joint disorders, this tends to become the most effective natural joint treatment for cats.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids for cat arthritis treatment
Not all fats are harmful. one form of essential fatty acid is Omega 3. Since Omega 3 can not be produced in the body and must be acquired by diet. Many forms of Omega oils, including 6 and 3, are required by cats. Research findings have shown that an Omega 3 enriched diet can actually decrease joint inflammation by affecting the production of inflammatory mediators that cause inflammation and pain.
Omega 3s are considered to have a positive impact on people. In the veterinarian community, research has shown promising results in both cats and dogs, but testing is minimal, and no long-term effects have been investigated. Typically, they are known to be beneficial and safe, so they can be used with other items. Fish and marine algae are the best forms of Omega 3.
Vitamins and minerals for cat arthritis treatment
There has been some support for the dietary inclusion of vitamin C and E, and minerals like manganese and zinc. Most of those are intended to clean up damage caused by free radicals. Though be aware that Vitamin and mineral overdoses can cause severe complications, so it is recommended that they be utilized if the supplement is specially formulated for cats.
Glucosamine & Chondroitin for cat arthritis treatment.
These are essential components of cartilage, they could be known as the building blocks of cartilage. The concept is that these joint supplements could help rebuild the cartilage if the cartilage is eroding away. Although there are conflicting views on the usefulness of these supplements.
These mixed findings have also been shown by veterinary research to be successful, but glucosamine alone is not recommended for the treatment of osteoarthritis for cats as it may not be enough.
Methylsulfonylmethane for cat arthritis treatment.
Yeppers that’s a big word. This is found naturally and contains sulphur. MSM is an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving capabilities that are documented to effectively boost connective tissue formation and help repair proteins in your cat.
Collagen Hydrolysate for cat arthritis treatment.
Collagen is rich in essential amino acids that can help build and strengthen connective tissues in the joints. Several nutraceuticals could be used in the treatment of arthritis in cats, and based on experience, your veterinarian may suggest particular types. It is suggested that you consider the type of supplement with your veterinarian if you plan to use a joint supplement. This is to ensure that at this point, nothing more is required (pain relief or anti-inflammatory drugs) than supplementation and that the supplement you have selected is sufficient for your cat.
Consider Weight management for cat arthritis treatment.
It is the most critical part of any cat with arthritis being treated for arthritis. Overweight animals can put substantially more stress on their joints, causing more concentrated joint irritation and inflammation, which may increase the development of arthritis in turn. To avoid metabolic complications, cats need to lose weight slowly. Ask your vet for suggestions on how to do this.
Conclusion
You don’t need to resort to using powerful prescription drugs that may do more damage than good. Alternatively, start having a healthier diet, as the cornerstone of health is nutrition. Provide the right natural supplements after changing the basic diet, which will help preserve cartilage, reduce pain and inflammation, and enhance mobility.