spondylose kat

6 tips to treat your cat with spondylosis

Spondylosis is a common condition in older cats. This involves stiffening of the spine due to bone overgrowth. This can cause pain and difficulty moving, but fortunately there are ways to support your beloved pet. In this article, we share practical tips to make your pet’s life more comfortable. Read on quickly!

What are the symptoms of spondylosis in cats?

Spondylosis is a condition of the spine in which bone growths (osteophytes) form between the vertebrae. This can cause stiffness and pain. Symptoms can begin subtly and gradually get worse. Common symptoms include:

  • Stiffness and less smooth movements;
  • Less jumping or difficulty climbing stairs;
  • Pain reaction when the back is touched;
  • Lameness or walking differently;
  • Being less active and sleeping more;
  • Problems with the litter box (due to difficulty bending or climbing);
  • Muscle atrophy (reduction in muscle mass) due to less exercise.

Some animals do not show it when they are in pain. The animal may also become cranky or withdrawn. Only a veterinarian can make a diagnosis, possibly with an X-ray.

How long can a cat with spondylosis live?

Many cats can still have a nice life for years with spondylosis. Life expectancy depends on how severe the condition is and whether the animal is properly supported. With proper care, such as pain medication, physical therapy and red light therapy, they can be happy for a long time to come.

When should you put down a cat with spondylosis?

This is a tough question, of course, but ultimately it’s all about your beloved pet’s quality of life. If you find that he or she :

  • Is in a lot of pain, even with medication;
  • Has difficulty eating, drinking or using the litter box;
  • No longer wants to play or seek contact;
  • Very stiff and barely able to move.

If so, it may be time to consult with your veterinarian. The most important thing is that your animal is not in pain and can still enjoy life.

This condition does not immediately mean that the animal has an unpleasant life. With proper care, he or she can often still have a nice life. Keep a close eye on the animal and consult with your veterinarian about the best support.

spondylosis cat
Source: Pexels

Here’s how to treat your cat with spondylosis

In addition to the treatments given by the veterinarian, you can do a lot yourself to treat your pet. Below are the things you can do yourself.

1. A warm, soft sleeping place

Cats with spondylosis often suffer from stiff joints. Therefore, provide a warm, soft basket or pillow, preferably in a place without a draft. Heated blankets or special orthopedic beds can also help.

2. Avoid jumping and climbing

As exercise becomes more difficult, it’s smart to adapt your home. Put stools or steps near favorite lying spots and make sure the litter box has low steps. Avoid high scratching posts from which the animal can jump.

3. Keep your cat moving

Light exercise helps keep joints supple. Play in a gentle manner and encourage him to move without being too intense.

4. Adjust nutrition

A healthy weight is important because extra pounds put stress on the joints. Consult with your veterinarian about nutrition that suits the animal’s needs, such as with extra omega-3 fatty acids for the joints.

5. Massages and heat treatment

Gentle massages can relax the muscles around the spine and improve circulation. Heat, such as a hot water bottle or infrared lamp (at a safe distance), can also provide relief.

6. Red light therapy

Red light therapy is a natural way to reduce pain and inflammation. It stimulates blood flow and helps the body recover. This can be especially nice because it can provide relief without medication. You can use a special red light therapy lamp for this purpose, such as the PowerCure, which is safe for animals.

The benefits of red light therapy in cats

Red light therapy offers a natural and non-invasive way to support the healing process. It not only helps with pain relief, but also promotes cell regeneration and blood flow. This can accelerate bone and soft tissue repair.

With the PowerCure Laser you can apply red light therapy completely from home. This is easy and safe. This device is designed to be used for both humans and animals and can provide professional results without adding stress to your pet.

powercure laser benefits

Is there science behind red light therapy?

The use of low level laser therapy, also called red light therapy, is scientifically proven. This therapy uses laser devices with a special frequency of low-level laser light energy. This light creates interactions with the tissues in your pet’s body. This reduces pain, swelling, inflammation and various conditions. This therapy can also be used with other animals as well as humans.

Choose Powercure to help your pet

The Powercure makes red light therapy accessible to everyone. The device is easy to use and effective in pain relief and wound healing. Visit our website and learn how red light therapy can help your cat recover faster and more comfortably.