Cats can exhibit many different signs when they have osteoarthritis. They do not necessarily demonstrate all the same signs all of the time. In fact, sometimes what you may notice is very subtle, much different to our canine friends.
Watch your cat for these signs -
- Difficulty getting up and down
- Walking stiffly
- Lameness in one or more legs
- Reluctance to go up and/or down stairs
- Reluctance to jump up or down (onto/off furniture or into/out of its favourite hiding spot)
- Reluctance to be touched on some parts of the body
- Unexpected aggression towards other cats or towards humans
What causes osteoarthritis?
There is no single cause of arthritis. Many factors can influence its development including:
- Body conformation (how a cat is built)
- Body condition/weight (overweight and obesity are risk factors)
- Injury history (fracture, ligament or muscle damage)
- Orthopedic surgery
- Nutritional history
Treating osteoarthritis
There is no cure, so managing the disease is a fairly complex process. We get the best results from combining multiple treatment options.
Nutritional support
Normalizing body condition is critical, so your veterinarian will prescribe a specific diet to help shed those extra pounds. Hills J/d and Royal Canin Mobility food forumulas are perfect examples that will provide a nutrient profile that can support the joints while helping to reduce or maintain body weight and condition. Remember, your pet must be assessed by your vet before you embark on a prescription diet.
Pain medication
Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are generally used as the first line of defense against the pain of osteoarthritis. Your veterinarian will determine if your cat is a good candidate for this medication. Gabapentin is a pain medication that also addresses chronic pain differently from NSAIDs and complements those medications. It provides a way to address the chronic nature of arthritic pain and is especially helpful when the patient is older and not able to take a NSAID.
Nutraceuticals
When a nutritional supplement has medicinal effects, it is called a “nutraceutical.” There are many of these products on the market, many labeled for use with joint disease. Not all will be effective. It is best to consult with your vet before you purchase anything. GCS Joint Care Gel for cats is easy to administer. The salmon flavour is irresistible and it has collagen type II making this product unique and the most effective. Just put the right amount of pumps on your cat's paw - he will enjoy licking that paw!
Small things that will make a difference to your cat's life
- Raising food and water dishes (to your cat’s elbow height) will make crouching down to eat and drink easier on the joints
- Non-skid floor surfaces to prevent slipping
- A ramp or stool/step for getting onto higher surfaces
- Adhering to prescribed feeding and medication recommendations (No cheats!)
