Feline Arthritis Symptoms - Help For Cat Hip and Joint Pain

Feline arthritis symptoms like limping up stairs or refusing to jump up on the couch without your help are painful to accept. Knowing that you cat hurts is something you want to fix. Here's some tips on how to help him.



Arthritis is not a friendly disease and it's one of the more common ones that hit middle to older aged cats. Feline arthritis symptoms develop in many of the same places humans deal with the disease, which is wherever there are joints - elbows, knees and hips.



There isn't a cure for arthritis in cats. You can, however do a lot to help your buddy live comfortably, even pain-free for the rest of its life. But the faster the symptoms are noticed, the sooner the arthritis can be treated.



This is why it's important to be aware of your cat and know its regular routine. The speed with which you're able to pick up on feline arthritis symptoms will only help you in the long run. While some of the signs are more gradual and can be the cause of something else, it's good to get them checked out or at least mentioned when your cat has its regular veterinarian visit.



One symptom that may be noticed before others is limited motion. When a cat has developed painful joints, he might suddenly start doing things a little differently. For one, he might totally avoid the stairs or start taking short hops so there's less stress on its joints. He will most likely move slower than normal, or it won't be as quick to jump up to its scratching post or favorite place to watch the activity of the day.



Limping might become more noticeable on a gradual level, unless you know your pet well enough to notice every detail. It will be worse in the morning or right after the cat has been napping. The limp will decrease as the day goes on, as activity helps stiff joints. It is sometimes more noticeable during cold and damp weather.



The other feline arthritis symptoms tend to relate to moods. It's probably because of the cat's inability to do the many things it was accustomed to. A cat's mood will normally change if it isn't feeling well or it's in pain. This means if a cat is struggling with arthritis, it's not uncommon for it to become depressed or irritable. It may also not want to be touched, because the brushing or petting hurts it.



If nothing is done about your cat's arthritis, then your cat is only going to become more and more lethargic and moody. He's going to sleep more than normal. There may even be an appetite decrease because depression has set in or because it isn't moving around as much. The reason is everything is painful and every movement hurts.

Arthritis in Cats - A Conquerable Infirmity

The most common way to detect the symptoms of arthritis in cats is when he has difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time. Limping and strolling with a stilted gait are usually the telltale signs that something is definitely wrong. The detection of social apathy, aggression, and withdrawal oftentimes follow suit, although those clues are a bit harder to notice at first glance.



One thing to remember though: For those with arthritis, cat's treatment is not the same as human pain remedies, especially when it comes to arthritis in cats. What may work for humans may actually be harmful to felines, so medication (unless approved and administered by the vet) should be used sparingly.



For arthritis, cat's treatment and prevention may be very simple, such as:



If your cat turns into a fat cat, then he probably does not exercise as much as he should. Regular exercise keeps your feline busy and at the same time, maintains a proper weight.



Speaking of weight (yes, you should keep your cat's weight in check); remember that a plump cat does not necessarily translate to his being healthy. In fact, the heavier the cat, the more strain it puts on the joints, cartilages, and other organs of the body. As with humans, obesity in cats brings a pet owner a long list of medical problems - arthritis, heart failure, and diabetes are the first three to top the list. A well-balanced nutrition can help prevent obesity and the medical conditions that come with it.



Cats may also be given nutritional supplements such as fish oil, chondroitin and glucosamine. For pet owners who deem that natural is the way to go, homeopathic and herbal remedies earn plus points.



Talk with your vet about options. Your vet knows your cat - internally and externally. Also, have a chat with him about your cat's normal weight so you can monitor and do your own cat's weight checks from time to time. For the cat lover, arthritis in cats sounds like a finality, binding the kitty to the world of pain and the unknown. Chronic arthritis is usually lasting, but with proper cat care and nurturing, the pain can be maintained at a tolerable level, enabling your cat to be free from cat joint pain so he can jump onto your lap or onto his favorite shelf to watch the world go by.



Alternative pain management therapies can also be used on pained cats. Massage, feline acupuncture, and chiropractic maneuvers may be used to help alleviate the pain. Cold temperature almost immediately brings excruciating pain, even to the best of cats, so moist heat therapy is a great way to counter cold weather. Often, supplementing your cat's diet with Omega-3 rich supplements will give your cat relief from arthritis in cats. Unfortunately, some supplements containing fish oil, an Omega-3 rich source, are actually offensive to cats. Go figure that one out, but some cats refuse to eat food with just a few drops on it. What you need is something to minimize your cat's pain caused by arthritis in cats that he will take without struggle.