Your Cat Will Almost Certainly Develop Arthritis

Arthritis is something we see every day at A Cat Hospital, in Henderson. Ninety percent of cats have arthritis in at least one joint by the time they are twelve years old, but twenty percent of cats have arthritis by the age of one. There is a lot your veterinarian can do to help your cat deal with the pain and immobility of arthritis, but there are also many things an owner can do to make an arthritic cat's life more comfortable.

Simple Steps for Making Arthritis Easier for Your Cat

Arthritis care for a cat requires paying careful attention to the cat's behavior. It is easy to forget that cats are small, vulnerable animals. They do not advertise pain or vulnerability. Even the most caring owner may have to be told by the veterinarian that their cat is in pain because of joint problems. When that happens, there are some simple changes that owners can make to keep their cats more comfortable.

• Arrange food bowls, water bowls, and litter boxes so that the cat does not have to go up and down steps or stairs. Try to keep all of the cat's activities on a single floor of your home.
• Elevate food and water bowls off the floor. Cats that have arthritis in their front limbs often have difficulties reaching down to eat or drink.
• Make sure the litter box is long and its entrance low. An arthritic cat should not have to hunch its back to use its litter box. The entrance to the box should not require stepping or climbing. These simple changes can drastically reduce the number of incidents of missing the litter box by your arthritic cat.
• Enforce portion control. It is important to make sure your cat is adequately fed but not overfed. Obese cats that lose weight have less stress on their joints.
• Feed your cat food enriched with omega-3 essential fatty acids. These anti-inflammatory fatty acids have to come from cold-water fish or shellfish because cats do not have the enzymes to convert omega-3 essential fatty acids from plant sources.

Never give your cat over-the-counter arthritis pain relievers intended for human use because severe kidney damage can result. Your veterinarian will be able to prescribe medications that give your cat pain relief.

Providing For All of Your Cat's Healthcare Needs

If you live in the Las Vegas area and you're looking for the best veterinary care for your furry friend, then call A Cat Hospital, in Henderson. Our veterinarians will provide compassionate care for your cat to ensure they have a happy and healthy life.