Osteoarthritis affects all the joints of cats, and it's much easier to prevent it with supplements than to cure it.
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Best cat arthritis supplements in 2024
Ageing cats often suffer from osteoarthritis, joint pain that is triggered by every movement. The cartilage covering the joints gradually wears away, exposing the bone. Fortunately, there are several cat arthritis supplements to alleviate this discomfort.
Osteoarthritis is more or less painful, depending on its stage. It mainly affects older cats but can also appear after an improperly healed fracture or because of a malformation. It is difficult to detect in cats since these animals seem to be relatively insensitive to pain, but specific symptoms allow diagnosing it.
For example, the cat doesn't jump up anymore; they're tired or twitch when you pet them. Is your kitty starting to age? Prevention is better than cure! Complete your pet's medicine kit now by choosing a cat arthritis supplement. Most of the time, it comes in the form of tablets. All you have to do is put the prescribed doses in your cat's mouth. Alternatively, you can quickly grind them into powder and mix them into your cat's food.
Summary
What is arthritis in cats?
Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease, which can affect all the joints of cats: the tarsi, shoulders, knees, elbows, hips, or vertebrae. The cartilage degrades little by little irreversibly, losing its flexibility. Osteoarthritis can reduce the cat's life expectancy.
Osteoarthritis mainly affects older cats, and 80% of cats over 12 years old suffer from joint pain. It can also affect young cats if they have a malformation of the joints, for example, or if they have suffered a trauma.
The breakdown of the cartilage causes inflammation and pain. As the cat is in pain when it walks, it exercises less and gains weight. As the animal gains weight, it puts more load on its joints, making it suffer more and more. It's a vicious circle.
How to relieve cat arthritis?
To relieve a pet suffering from osteoarthritis, make sure they put as little strain on their joints as possible. For example, you can choose a litter box with low edges that are easy to step over.
Additionally, place their cushion on the floor, in an easy-to-reach area, with no steps to climb. You can also give your pet massages to gently work the joints. Be careful not to use essential oils: many of them are toxic for cats.
Have your cat play so that it does not remain immobile. It is essential to work on the flexibility and elasticity of the joints. The animal must practice daily physical activity in moderation.
Watch their weight, too. Cats that don't get much exercise tend to put on weight, making joint inflammation worse. There are special kibbles for overweight cats. Don't hesitate to ask your vet for advice!
How to detect cat osteoarthritis?
Cats are very discreet animals that do not express their pain as a dog would. It is therefore not always easy to detect osteoarthritis. That's why it's vital to pay close attention to your little feline's daily behaviour. The slightest change in their habits should alert you to the problem.
If your cat is starting to relieve itself next to the litter box, it may simply be having trouble stepping over the edges. Since cats are always very clean, this is not normal behaviour!
Does your cat seem to have trouble climbing their cat tree? Can't jump on the couch anymore? Beware, it may be starting to suffer from arthritis. Squeeze in a trip to the vet as soon as possible!
Lameness, whether occasional or regular, can also be a sign of osteoarthritis. A duller coat is another reason for concern. A cat with joint pain has difficulty washing.
At what age is it common for cats to develop arthritis?
Cats are considered seniors from the age of 7 or 8. Even if this sounds young, felines start to show signs of ageing from this moment. Osteoarthritis is one of them. It is very slight at first and can only come on from time to time, after a long period of immobility, for example, or the day after a very hectic day.
After the age of 12, the ageing of cats accelerates and generally amplifies the pain associated with osteoarthritis.
Younger cats can also develop osteoarthritis, but it tends to occur as a result of an accident.
How to treat osteoarthritis in cats?
Cat owners should know that osteoarthritis is a disease that cannot be cured. Once the joints begin to deteriorate, there is no turning back. Fortunately, several treatments can slow down the progression of the disease and relieve the pain it causes.
Make sure to speak to a vet before giving your cat any treatment. If your pet has an acute osteoarthritis attack, your veterinarian can prescribe anti-inflammatory meds and painkillers.
There are also special cat arthritis supplements that can help. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate are two chondroprotectors. Other cat joint care products include devil's claw, a medicinal plant, and omega-3, excellent natural anti-inflammatories.
You can also try cat kibble or food specially formulated to fight osteoarthritis. This type of food is enriched with chondroprotectors.
