Joint ailments, (aka osteoarthritis (OA), is one of the most underdiagnosed conditions in cats over 10 years old. Part of the problem is that cats are adept at hiding their pain, and when they do show symptoms—such as limping; a decline in activity, especially jumping; and increased sleeping and resting—pet owners confuse these signs for aging instead of arthritis. If in doubt whether your cat is suffering from OA, err on the side of caution and take measures to help your kitty. Some of these include:
• Give supplements such as ANP’s ArthriMAXX for cats, which contains glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and astaxanthin, a powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory (available at www.anppets.com)
• Provide physical therapy, including acupuncture and massage
• Reduce cat’s weight, if appropriate
• Provide soft, padded bedding; offer ramps for access to higher surfaces; raise food/water dishes; provide non-slip floor surfaces
• Make sure litter box is easily accessible, and has low sides to get in and out
Photo by Gaelle Marcel on www.unsplash.com
