Help Starts at Home for Feline Arthritis

Did you know that cats of any age can develop arthritis? The disease doesn’t always wait for the senior years to strike. Feline arthritis can set up shop in your cat’s spine, hips, feet, or arms. Unfortunately, it can begin to develop and cause your cat pain without your knowing, but there are symptoms to look for.

 The main symptom of arthritis in cats is a general “slowing down.” You know that kitty doesn’t jump as high as he used to, or doesn’t seem to climb in bed with you as much anymore, but you figure it’s just because he’s getting older. It might not occur to you that he may be experiencing pain in his joints or back. Arthritis in the back can cause a fusing of the vertebrae and reduction in mobility.

 Another symptom of arthritis in cats is a clicking noise while walking. Initially this sound might be mistaken for the cat’s claws clicking on the floor, until you realize the click continues while kitty walks on the carpet. This can be caused by inflammation of the joint, fluid build-up around the knee, or even a small tear in the tissue.

 A third symptom could be more subtle: a reduction or change in grooming habits. If the cat’s coat begins to look dull and lifeless, or if dandruff and shedding begins to occur, especially concentrated near the tail, this may mean that the cat can no longer reach back as far while grooming.

 Arthritis can have many causes other than old age. Overweight cats or cats with diabetes often develop arthritis due to having extra weight on their joints. Past trauma to the cat’s body could impede the body’s ability to heal and arthritis could develop at the spot of the previous trauma later on. Infections can cause arthritis, as can some viruses and degenerative diseases.

 There is no cure for arthritis, but there are ways to ease your cat’s discomfort. One of the best tools is a cat bed. A soft, plush cat bed will offer extra cushioning to your cat’s aching joints. There are many different styles to choose from, whether your cat likes to curl up during napping or he sleeps spread out and stretched. You can put a few cat beds around the house, including in his favorite spots. If he loves to lay in the sun but the only sunny spot is on the floor or in a window sill, place a cat bed there to offer extra comfort and support.

 There are also heated cat beds, heated pads, and microwaveable bed warmers that will turn any cat bed into a safe, wire-free heated bed for hours of snuggly comfort. A heated cat bed will soothe inflamed joints and ease tired muscles, helping your cat sleep better and feel more ease in getting around.

 Supplements are also available to assist with cat arthritis. Glucosamine or cosequin have both been found to help greatly. Many cats get relief from acupuncture from a certified holistic veterinarian. Not recommended, however, are asprin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen, as they can be toxic to cats.

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