As cats naturally disguise pain and discomfort arthritis can be very difficult to spot.
Cat arthritis treatment nz.
Fortunately there has been an increase in options available to help manage and treat arthritis pain in cats.
This instinct makes it difficult for owners to know their cats is affected and whether treatment is necessary.
A cat can develop arthritis over time in their joints and limbs as well as their spine.
Other cats become more social seeking out more interaction with family members.
A sick animal in the wild is vulnerable to predators so any sign of weakness must be hidden.
Cats tend to hide signs of pain quite effectively which makes sense if you consider their ancestry.
The problem with conventional treatments for arthritis in cats.
Signs of arthritis in cats.
This type of medication is often given every day.
Although fairly uncommon in felines arthritis tends to affect the elbow joint when it does strike but many joints can be afflicted.
These include nonsteroidal anti inflammatory medications acetaminophen and aspirin as well as anti inflammatory medications like corticosteroids.
Here s what you need to know about what causes cat arthritis the signs you can look for and what veterinary treatment options are available.
Arthritis also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease causes pain and inflammation in a cat s joints.
Biobalance is a family run business which is 100 new zealand owned and operates from the stunning golden bay located in the south island.
Licorice root glycyrrhiza glabra licorice root is a natural anti inflammatory so it can be helpful for cats with arthritis.
Today it s estimated that 1 5 million cats live with arthritis across australia and new zealand.
Veterinarians often prescribe a variety of medications to treat arthritis but these often aren t well tolerated by cats.
By robin downing dvm daapm dacvsmr cvpp crpp.
Arthritic cats may have difficulty accessing the litter box and may urinate or defecate outside of the litter box.
If this is your plan it s advisable to seek advice.
Options they may recommend include.
His veterinarian has diagnosed osteoarthritis.
My 10 year old cat began having difficulty jumping up in the window to watch the birds and he sometimes seems stiff when he gets up in the morning.
Non steroidal anti inflammatories help reduce pain and inflammation.
With their broad knowledge of natural health products biobalance has also developed an extensive organic supplements range which is certified by asurequality organic nz.
Cats with arthritis may be painful when handled.
It could be up to two months before you see results though.
You may wish to adopt a natural approach to treating your cat s arthritis pain.
It s important that owners learn to recognise the subtle signs so your cat can get back to being its normal self.
Some cats with arthritis will stop grooming themselves resulting in an unkempt haircoat.