Arthritis is a common condition in many older cats, though it can occur in younger cats as well.

When your cat is diagnosed with arthritis, it can be scary and worrying, but fortunately, there are many ways to treat arthritis and slow its progression.

The veterinarians at Animal Care Center of Castle Pines will work with you to design arthritis care and management plan for your kitty. Your plan could include medication, natural therapy, supplements, lifestyle changes, or even laser therapy. Read on to learn more about caring for cats with arthritis.

Treatment for Feline Arthritis

Lifestyle Changes

By altering your cat's lifestyle, you can make it easier for them to live with arthritis. Even small changes at home can make a big difference in their comfort levels. Some things you can do to improve the home environment of your arthritic cat include:

• Cutting a lower opening in their litter box so that they don't have to jump in and out
• Placing the litter box in an easily accessible location
• Replacing smaller litter boxes with larger, more spacious ones
• Building or purchasing stairs or ramps that allow your cat to reach their favorite spots more easily
• Adding soft, padded beds in each of their favorite spots
• Elevating their food and water bowls so that they can reach them easily
• If your cat is overweight, focusing on weight management can help decrease your cat's arthritis pain

Medications

There are several different safe medications that can be used to manage feline arthritis pain and make your cat more comfortable. These medications work by controlling inflammation in the joints to relieve pain. Controlling inflammation can also slow the progression of arthritis and give the cartilage in the joints time to repair.

Joint Supplements

Dietary joint supplements can improve a cat's quality of life and decrease arthritis pain. Glucosamine and chondroitin are the two most common joint supplements; both aid in cartilage repair and joint maintenance. DHA and EPA, two essential omega-3 fatty acids, have anti-inflammatory properties and can also help with managing feline arthritis.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy can be used as an alternative to medication for most cats with arthritis. It can also be used in conjunction with medications to decrease the amount of medicine needed. Laser therapy treatments are extremely safe and have no side effects.

Dedicated Care for Cats with Arthritis

Holistic care for cats with arthritis combines a number of different treatments, including lifestyle changes, diet changes, medication, natural remedies, supplements, and laser therapy. No matter what combination your feline friend needs, Animal Care Center of Castle Pines is here to help. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment at our Castle Pines office.