Arthritis , also referred to as degenerative arthritis ( OA ) or degenerative joint disease , is a common experimental condition in cat . In fact , about 40 percentage of all cats show clinical signaling of osteoarthritis ( 1 ) , and up to 90 percentage of CT over 12 year erstwhile show radiographic ( X - ray ) evidence of the disease ( 2 ) .

The symptoms ofarthritis in catscan alter from subtle to severe , reckon on your cat ’s joint change and their pain sensitivity . However , even mild arthritis warrants treatment . Arthritis is a continuing , progressive disease , and early intercession act as a valuable role in maintain your bozo ’s quality of life .

Here is what you may anticipate when it comes to cope felid osteoarthritis , let in cat arthritis treatment program steps and hint for keeping your pet comfortable .

A pet parent brings her cat to the vet for treatment

Cat Arthritis Treatment Plan:What to Expect

Once your cat has an official diagnosis of osteoarthritis , your vet will recommend a discussion programme for your cat . This treatment programme will shine the severity and location of your CT ’s arthritis , other medical conditions your computed axial tomography is dealing with , and your family ’s lifestyle and fiscal considerations .

Arthritis treatment for kat typically involve a combination of the following :

In rare cases , your veterinarian may urge surgery for severe arthritis . The goal of surgery is to alleviate imbalance or correct misalignment in articulation .

A cat has trouble climbing down stairs

Feline ArthritisTreatment Cost

The cost of arthritis treatment for computed axial tomography can vary , depending on the hardship of your cat ’s condition and how your cat respond to therapy . In general , you’re able to bear that your computerized tomography will see your veterinary surgeon every three to six month for arthritis monitoring . Additionally , your cat may require a routine of different medications and/or supplement .

In cosmopolitan , you may gestate to spend $ 200-$500 per year on arthritis treatments for your cat . If your cat need surgical operation or other advanced treatment , this cost will be higher .

Cat ArthritisMedications

Medications flirt a key role in the management of arthritis in cats . Non - steroidal anti - inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ) ascendance pain sensation and redness . For this reason , they are a commonly - used arthritis medicinal drug for cats . However , there are risk of exposure associated with foresighted - term NSAID use in CAT . Your veterinary surgeon will carefully weigh the expected benefits of NSAIDs against the possible risk for your cat when making treatment recommendation .

There are two NSAIDs labeled for use in big cat — meloxicam ( Metacam unwritten liquidness ) and robenacoxib ( Onsior tablets)—but neither is specifically O.K. for the treatment of continuing pain in the neck assort with arthritis ( they are designate for postoperative pain in the ass ) .

Otherpain medicationscan also be valuable in cats . These medicinal drug may be prescribed in addition to an NSAID or in place of an NSAID :

A cat uses elevated food and water bowls

find the best khat arthritis medicinal drug may require some trial and error , because each cat respond other than to medication . Your veterinary surgeon will work closely with you to develop an effectivepain management plan for your cat’sarthritis .

Finally , there is a new drug that has recently become available for the treatment of degenerative joint disease in CAT . Frunevetmab ( Solensia ) is an antibody injection that veterinarians give once monthly for the treatment of arthritis . This medication block the upshot of certain chemicals involved in joint inflammation .

Tips forManaging Arthritis Painin Cats

Simple changes at home can keep a cat with arthritis more comfortable . Consider the following :

These dewy-eyed steps can make your home plate environment more comfortable for a cat with arthritis .

Dietary Considerationsfor Cats With Arthritis

One of the most worthful thing you may do for your arthritic cat is to control their soundbox weight . Excess weight puts additional pressure level on your cat ’s joints . Additionally , fatten itself releases chemical that promote inflammation , worsen your cat ’s arthritis . In general , cats with arthritis should be kept at the down end of theirhealthy weight unit range . Talk to your veterinarian about your computed tomography ’s body weight and , if needed , work with your veterinary to formulate aweight expiration plan .

Prescription diets are also available specifically to brook joint health in cat . These dieting are humiliated in calories , but also contain supplements to promote joint wellness and control inflammation .

ArthritisSupplementsfor Cats

Cat arthritis supplements can play a valuable role in battle felid arthritis .

Glucosamine and chondroitin are available in many over - the - counter and prescriptioncat joint supplements . These compound exercise together to promote cartilage healing within the joints , while also improving the measure and quality of your cat ’s joint fluid .

Omega-3 fat person window pane , specially EPA and DHA , bet a valuable role in battle excitement within the trunk . Fish vegetable oil supplements are the good germ of omega-3 fat person back breaker , as these fatty acids are more easily absorbed from fish sources than from industrial plant - based source .

A cat sniffs a fish oil supplement capsule

nutritionary supplements can motley importantly in quality , and they are not well - regulate . For this reason , it ’s good to only buy supplements from a trusted provider . lecture to your veterinarian to define the best add-on for your cat ’s arthritis treatment .

Arthritic CatExercise Plan

Exercise can recreate a valuable character in the treatment of feline arthritis . keep your cat active and moving not only raise weight release , but it can also avail strengthen muscleman that render support for your cat ’s joints .

Ideally , a computed tomography with arthritis should receive downhearted - impact physical exertion . acute or extended physical exertion , such as an hour - tenacious academic session of chasing a laser pointer , could direct to a worsening of your cat ’s arthritis annoyance .

or else , increase your khat ’s activity story in subtle , gradual slipway . turn over using a hunt self-feeder for your computed tomography , which is a small toy that dispenses food for thought as your cat play with it . Alternatively , you could hide your cat ’s day-to-day meal in multiple area throughout your domicile . Find toy that your cat enjoys playing with and advance scant drama sessions throughout the daylight .

A cat uses a puzzle feeder

If you ’re looking to be a scrap more proactive in your computerized tomography ’s exercise , leverage aharnessand attempt consider your cat for leash walks . Swimming is also an excellent exercise for cats with arthritis , if your cat will brook it !

Arthritis in Cats Treatment:Tips and Advice

Arthritis is a inveterate condition , and it is likely to advance over fourth dimension . Treatment for arthritis in computerized axial tomography is think to concentrate the irritation associated with arthritis and slow its progression , not to completely bring around the arthritis . Your cat will need womb-to-tomb discourse .

With efficient pain medicine , you should see a important improvement in your cat ’s pain grade . Limping may resolve ( or at least lessen ) and your cat-o'-nine-tails ’s overall activity level is likely to increase . Your cat may not become all pain - free with treatment , but you should see an improvement in your cat ’s signs of arthritis .

supervise your cat for any side essence associate with their medication or supplements . Side effect such asvomiting , diarrhea , minify appetence , and lethargy guarantee a call to your veterinarian . If your cat experiences side effect with a particular medication , your veterinary can recommend metre to lessen side consequence or prescribe an substitute discussion .

A cat receives laser therapy

You may also need to consider alternative therapies for your quat ’s arthritis . stylostixis , optical maser therapy , and strong-arm therapy have all been shown to be beneficial in managing feline arthritis . Stem cell treatment have also shown bright results in dogs , cavalry , and man , but these treatments have not yet been study in cats .

Finally , remain in touch with your veterinarian . Managing arthritis is a retentive - term dedication , and it ’s crucial to keep the lines of communication open . If you have any questions or concern about your cat , extend to out to your veterinary team . Your cat ’s vet is the right person to provide you with data about discourse for cat arthritis .