Arthritis in Cats: An Informative Journey to Feline’s Health
It should come as no surprise that arthritis in cats is so common. Cats are always in adventure mode, doing all their important errands with untamed energy. Who would have thought that the amazing cat, notoriously famous for not falling on its back, can be subject to developing several bone problems? Well, perhaps if you are not a long time cat owner, you wouldn’t have any clue at all.
The truth is that there are not a lot of people who know that senior cats can have arthritis. Arthritis in cats is very similar with the joint inflammation felt by people. They also experience joint pain that is intensified when the weather is damp or cold. Arthritis in cats has different types and each type has appropriate medical and sometimes even surgical interventions.
Different Forms Of Arthritis In Cats
The first form of arthritis in cats that will be discussed is traumatic arthritis. Traumatic arthritis is brought by constant spraining of the bone ligaments, injuries from an unfortunate fall or vehicular accident, or a wound from a fight with cats or other animals. The second form is arthritis caused by infection with calicivirus virus (try to say that three times). It is the virus that causes runny noses and eyes among cats and can cause inflammation of bone joints.
Arthritis in cats can also be a result of bacterial infection originating from wounds that have spread to bone joints. Infection from a virus is self-limiting, while a bacterial infection if not treated appropriately, may lead to permanent joint damage. There is also a cat arthritis condition called polyarthritis that affects multiple joints. The last common type of arthritis in cats is osteoarthritis, which is also referred to as degenerative joint disease and is mostly brought by old age. The synovial joint and cartilage that connects bones lessens and weakens. As a result there will be joint inflammation as the joined bones rub each other in friction during movements.
Symptoms Of Arthritis In Cats
The symptoms for all these types of arthritis in cats do not vary. Cat owners should observe for behavioral changes, weakness, warm joints, swollen joints, less grooming, limping and limp stiffness in the morning. Owners should observe for symptoms of arthritis in cats since they are unable to complain about their ailments.
Veterinarians will likely advise slow weight loss for overweight cats. A warm compress on affected areas and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug may be prescribed for pain. Your veterinarian may also prescribe Glucosamine and Chondroitin for arthritis in cats caused by degenerative joint disease. This will prevent further loss of synovial joint fluid and enhance remaining joint cartilage. However, Glucosamine and Chondroitin alone may not be the best option of treating arthritis in cats (more on that in a moment). It is best to bring your cat to your veterinarian as they are more equipped to diagnose your cat’s condition, and make sure there are no other issues going on with your cat besides arthritis.
Cats are known to have 12-14 years life span, and sometimes many more years than that. It is incomparable to a human’s life span, but it is possible to lengthen this seemingly short period and make your cats remaining years more comfortable through responsible ownership.
Treating Arthritis In Cats
If you already know that your cat has arthritis, then you owe it to yourself and to your cat to research all options of treatment. I had a 15 year old female cat named Spunky (my little Princess), and she developed severe arthritis which reached a point where she could hardly walk. She stumbled around with every step, and out of desperation I researched different products to help her.
I found a product called Arthro-Ionx, ordered it, and began giving it to her on a daily basis. Within one week she began walking straight again. I then ordered some of this product for my Mother who also has a 15 year old cat with the same symptoms, and this product also worked for her cat. The results were really incredible with both cats. In fact my Mother had initially tried Glucosamine with her cat, and it did not help You can read more about Spunky’s story by clicking here. Arthritis in cats is easily managed with Arthro-Ionx.
