Treatment for Feline Osteoarthritis in Older Cats

Feline osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes pain and inflammation in a cat’s joints. It’s uncommon in cats, but when it does strike it’s often in older cats. While there is no cure for osteoarthritis it is important to know what your treatment options are.

Pain Medications

Your veterinarian can prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to help your cat with pain. The vet will need to perform a physical examination of your cat first and discuss treatment options with you.

Weight Loss

Excessive weight can put strain on your cat’s joints. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, “Weight loss if necessary, has been shown to benefit overweight cats with arthritis.”

Providing Warmth

Symptoms of arthritis can worsen in cold or damp areas, which is why it’s important to make sure your cat is warm and dry. Keep your home warm. You can also purchase heating pads and soft cat beds for your cat to sleep in.

Exercise

Exercise not only helps your cat lose weight, it also helps keep the cat’s stiff joints warmed up.

Making Your Cat Comfortable

Another way to help ease the painful effects of feline osteoarthritis is to give your cat a gentle massage. Help your cat by making daily living as easy as possible. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends grooming the “areas of her body that may be hard for her to reach.”