| Feline arthritis treatment has come a long way in | | | | your cat's diet. One good source is known as |
| the past several years. Up until a few years ago, | | | | New Zealand greenlipped mussel (GLM: pema |
| conventional treatment options such as pain | | | | canaliculus). |
| reduction drugs like NSAIDs (like human ibuprofen | | | | Diet: There are certain fatty acids, nutraceuticals |
| or aspirin), could only be used for short periods of | | | | and vitamins that are associated with helping cat's |
| time. The good news is that advances in | | | | with arthritis. These Prescription Diets are available |
| conventional and natural treatments can greatly | | | | from your veterinarian and may be of some help |
| improve your cat's quality of life and help to slow | | | | with your cat. |
| down the destruction of cartilage in the joints. | | | | Homeopathic Medicine: There is a long history of |
| Conventional Feline Arthritis Treatment | | | | natural products having a positive impact on joint |
| NSAIDs are a class of drugs that are used in both | | | | and muscle health. Ingredients such as |
| humans and cats to reduce the inflammation | | | | Harpagophytum procumbens(Devil's Claw), |
| associated with arthritis. A relatively new drug, | | | | Arthrospira platenis (Spirulina) and Calcium fluoride |
| Metacam, promises longer term treatment. The | | | | (6cH) , all have properties that can safely help |
| problem with any NSAID is that there are | | | | your cat. It may be worth a try. |
| potential side effects such as vomitng and | | | | Other Approaches to Feline Arthritis Treatment: |
| diarrhea. Other drugs like Metacam potentially | | | | There are several things you can do in your |
| have the same side effects. | | | | home to help your cat. These include: |
| This class of drugs work by blocking the release | | | | Ramps: Cat's like to perch in high places and |
| of harmful enzymes in the joints. Because of the | | | | observe her surroundings. By providing a ramp for |
| unique nature of metabolism in cats, clinicians have | | | | going up stairs and onto couches you can reduce |
| had mixed results with this class of drugs. | | | | the strain on your cat. |
| Natural Cat Arthritis Treatment | | | | Weight Loss: The weight of your cat's body puts |
| Natural products, while having mixed clinical | | | | strain on the joints. Helping your cat down to a |
| support, are seeing widespread adoption. Many | | | | normal weight can reduce this strain. |
| clinicians believe they are of benefit for mild or | | | | Exercise: Keeping your cat moving cat help your |
| moderate feline arthritis. | | | | cat. Either walks with a cat harness or playing |
| Nutraceuticals: These are natural products that | | | | with new toys such as those that contain a treat |
| usually contain both Glucosamine andand | | | | or catnip (Kong Toys), can help. |
| chondroitin sulphate (found in cartilage) These | | | | Cat arthritis treatment has come a long way. |
| work by helping absorb water into the cartilage, | | | | New conventional treatments can now help your |
| which is an important component of joint function. | | | | cat for a long time to come. Using natural |
| Fatty Acids: Like nutraceuticals, there is some | | | | approaches and making your cats environment a |
| evidence that omega-3 fatty acids can help joint | | | | bit easier on the joints can all lead to a happy |
| function. This can be found either in your | | | | quality of life for your cat. |
| commercial cat food or added as a supplement to | | | | |