Joint Pain Relief for Older Cats
Posted on: 4 April 2016
Cats are agile creatures that have a reputation for being light on their feet. However, that doesn't mean that they're immune from developing joint pain as they become older. If your cat is over the age of seven or just about to enter their elder years, this guide can help you to recognize the signs of joint pain in cats and learn how to reduce their pain.
Symptoms
Cats have a tendency to hide symptoms of pain from their owners; it's simply a survival mechanism to avoid showing weakness. Because of this, it's vital that you can recognize the slight symptoms a cat may demonstrate if their joints are troubling them. Here are a few:
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Lack of Interest in Play - Understandably, if your cat is in pain, they may not be interested in playing as much as they used to.
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Unwillingness to Jump - Cats who are experiencing joint pain may be less likely to jump up to higher surfaces, climb, or leap.
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Inappropriately Relieving Themselves - Cats who are experiencing severe joint pain may not want to walk all the way to their litterbox. Unfortunately, this may cause them to urinate or defecate in places where they shouldn't.
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Weight Gain - Due to a lack of activity, cats experiencing joint pain may gain weight.
Treatment for Pain
Thankfully, there are a wide variety of treatments and procedures your cat can undergo to reduce their pain.
If you suspect your cat is hurting or want to prevent them from experiencing joint pain, your first step should be to see a veterinarian for a checkup. Vets can determine if there's any serious problems developing, like arthritis, and advise you on supplements you can give to your cat to keep their joints healthy.
If your cat is already experiencing pain, your veterinarian may advise these options:
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Weight Loss - One of the best ways to reduce your cat's joint pain if they're overweight is to put your cat on a diet. Your veterinarian can work with you to choose foods and gentle exercises that will help your kitty to shed their excess weight.
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Laser Therapy - Cold laser therapy has been shown to reduce pain and increase circulation in cats with arthritis.
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Pain Killers - In some cases, medication may be used to reduce your cat's discomfort and make it easier for them to increase their mobility.
If you know that your cat is experiencing joint pain, rest assured that they don't have to live in discomfort. Your veterinarian can help your cat to recover their vigor and live in comfort for years to come.
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