9 Ways To Help A Cat With Arthritis At Home In League City, TX
Arthritis in cats
Pet arthritis, unfortunately, has no cure; therefore, all pet owners can do is help improve their comfort, mobility, and quality of life.
Cats will also benefit from a pain management protocol involving medications, supplements, and alternative treatments (e.g., acupuncture).
Arthritis in cats symptoms
Signs of arthritis in cats can include: swollen or hot joints, limping, stiffness, more prominent shoulder blades, sleeping more than usual, over-grooming, and difficulty jumping or using the stairs.
What is stem cell therapy?
Stem cell therapy involves the isolation of stem cells and the administration of these cells into areas of injury and chronic inflammation because of their ability to produce substances that help to promote healing and reduce inflammation. Veterinary care center popularly known as stem cell safari specializes in these procedures and treatment.
Treatment for arthritis in cats
Typical multimodal management of arthritis generally includes nutrition, arthritis medicine for cats, nutritional supplements, and physical rehabilitation techniques such as therapeutic exercise, joint mobilization, and hydrotherapy using an underwater treadmill.
How long can a cat live with arthritis?
With appropriate management, cats can and do live a normal life expectancy. Consult your veterinarian regularly to reduce the pain and increase your cat’s quality of life.
9 Ways To Help A Cat With Arthritis At Home
Regular Checkups
The advantage of cats getting checked up regularly by the veterinarian is that it allows your veterinarian to get to know your cat and detect diseases promptly.
Adequate preparation before the trip to the vet doctor
There is nothing like doing too much when it comes to your visit. You can come up with a list of concerns about your Cat that you would like the veterinarian to address.
Learn Your Cat’s Habits and Pay Attention to Changes
Keeping a journal to track your cat’s behavior would go a long way in helping you identify subtle differences. Inform your veterinarian when you notice these subtle behavioral changes.
Watch out for signs of pain
Cats are masters at hiding illness, so it might be difficult for the cat owner to notice. Therefore, changes in behavior or energy levels might suggest that your cat is experiencing pain. Your veterinarian can conclusively determine if your cat is suffering from arthritis and develop a treatment plan to best address the needs of the cat.
Know common symptoms and signs of disease
Being familiar with the symptoms associated with arthritis puts you in pole position to identify when your cat is exhibiting those symptoms.
Monitor changes in Weight
Whether it is weight gain or weight loss, it is important that you monitor the changes in the weight of your arthritic cat. Weight gain increases the likelihood of your cat getting chronic diseases while weight loss in cats might also be a sign that the cat has hyperthyroidism, intestinal disease, diabetes, etc.
Know-How Much Your Cat is Eating
Reduced sense of taste or smell in older cats can cause a lack of interest in eating thereby leading to them becoming underweight. Therefore, it is important that you talk to your veterinarian when you observe that your cat is not eating so well.
Combine
The meals of the cat with nutritional supplements for improved mobility and repair of the affected joints.
Place food bowls
Where they spend most of their time and serve them food and water in bowls that are wide and low-sided.