Osteoarthritis in a cat is very common. The condition can cause pain due to the wear and tear on joints. So what should you do if you think your pet has this condition? We’re going to tell you the symptoms, including tips with what you can do to help your beloved pet. You can read about it in our article.

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis in a cat?

It is a joint disorder that occurs mostly in older cats. The symptoms of osteoarthritis in a cat can be subtle and are often not immediately noticed. Here are a few common symptoms:

• Being less active: the animal moves less and is reluctant to jump or run;
• Stiffness: especially after resting, the animal may move a little more stiffly. After moving for a while, this often subsides;
• Difficulty jumping: the animal may have difficulty jumping on furniture or to higher places, or no longer does so at all;
• Change in behavior: mood may become more irritable or the critter may be less social;
• Change in grooming: the animal may have difficulty grooming itself properly. This can lead to a sloppy coat or just too much licking at the painful joints. For example, you often notice that the cat has osteoarthritis on the front leg;
• Lameness: the animal may go limp or actually lean more on one leg;
• Changes in weight: the critter may gain or lose weight due to less exercise or less appetite;
• Less flexibility: the animal may have difficulty reaching certain areas during washing;
• Less use of the litter box: the animal may lie down in it less because it hurts to climb in and out.

How can you tell if a cat is in pain?

Recognizing the condition can be tricky. This is because animals naturally try to hide their pain. It may be advisable to look at the above symptoms. With severe osteoarthritis in a cat, you may encounter a rapid change in behavior. In addition, the animal may also move less. Always consult a veterinarian if you are unsure if your pet is suffering from this condition.

How does a veterinarian diagnose osteoarthritis?

The veterinarian will likely do an extensive examination of the condition. This examination varies by veterinarian and by state of the animal, but it may consist of these components:

• Questions about health history and symptoms;
• Physical examination with movement, feeling and motion of joints;
• Imaging techniques such as x-rays, ultrasound, or an MRI or CT scan;
• Blood tests (not always done);
• Joint fluid analysis (does not always happen).

How long do cats with osteoarthritis live?

The animal can still reach an old age. Life expectancy depends on the severity of the condition, the animal’s overall health, living environment, care and nutrition. Some people think they should put a cat with osteoarthritis to sleep. Fortunately, with proper care, this is usually not necessary.

What food for a cat with osteoarthritis?

There are diets that can be beneficial for joints. For example, the Hill’s Prescription Diet or Royal Canin Mobility Diet. These contain important nutrients. It is also important to keep the animal at a good weight. In fact, being overweight can cause extra pressure on the joints.

What do you give a cat with osteoarthritis?

The diet may consist of certain nutrients. The diet should include omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, antioxidants and l-carnitine. These agents all have their unique properties that can help the animal.

What to do about osteoarthritis in cats – 7 tips

You naturally want to treat this condition in your pet as best you can. Read below the things you can do to best care for your pet.

1. Medical treatments

Painkillers and anti-inflammatories

Consult with the veterinarian about which medication is appropriate. For example, you will often be given painkillers or anti-inflammatories.

Supplements

Supplements can be very helpful to support the joints. Glucosamine and chondroitin are often recommended.

2. Diet and nutrition

Joint support feed

Consider foods formulated specifically for joint health, such as Hill’s Prescription Diet or Royal Canin Mobility.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Add fish oil supplements to the diet. This can help reduce inflammation.

Weight Management

Make sure the animal maintains a healthy weight and does not become overweight. Being overweight can put extra pressure on the joints, which can only cause more pain.

3. Adapt the living environment

Comfortable resting places

Make sure you have laid out soft and nice places for the critter to rest there. Make the spots accessible without him or her having to jump.

Easy access

Use steps or cushions to help the animal reach favorite spots.

Freedom of movement in the home

Make sure there is easy access to feed and water without the animal having to walk past obstacles.

4. Light therapy

Red light therapy

This form of laser therapy is a natural treatment for this condition in your pet. It can help reduce pain and inflammation, and it promotes healing in the joints. Later in this article, we’re going to tell you more about red light therapy for this particular condition.

5. Physical therapy and exercises

Light movement and exercises

Encourage light and controlled movements. This keeps the joints flexible. For example, you can play with a feather or a laser light.

Massage

A gentle and gentle massage can help relax the muscles. It also promotes blood circulation around the joints.

6. Regular checks

Monitoring health

Visit the veterinarian regularly to monitor health. This is important to see progress or to determine any other method of treatment.

7. Avoid cold and humidity

Warm living environment

Make sure the animal does not stay in cold or humid environments. This can worsen the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Provide a warm sleeping place to reduce joint stiffness.

Osteoarthritis in cats and red light therapy

Red light therapy, also called low level laser therapy, is a good treatment for this condition. Laser therapy is also a good treatment method for other complaints.

What does laser therapy do for your cat?

Low-level laser therapy uses low levels of laser light to stimulate cellular processes. This can help relieve pain and symptoms. Here’s why laser therapy may work for your cat:

• Pain relief;
• Anti-inflammatory effect;
• Better blood flow;
• Accelerated recovery.

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 dog’s body. This reduces pain, swelling, inflammation and various conditions. This therapy can also be used with other animals as well as humans.

What can PowerCure do for your pet?

The PowerCure laser has already helped many pets reduce pain, complaints and conditions. For example, we have received many good experiences from cats and their owners. The cost of laser therapy is also often less than what you have to pay for other treatment methods.

You can purchase the PowerCure (Pro) laser yourself for home use. So you can treat your beloved pet yourself in their familiar place. And the laser is not only useful for your pet, but it can also be a great tool for yourself, your roommates and even horses. And it can be used for almost any complaint!

Want to learn more about the PowerCure (Pro) laser and what it can help you or your pet with? Then especially take a look here.