Are Other Pet Owners Using Cbd To Treat Cats With Pain
If youre after some social proof from other cat owners who use CBD to treat arthritis and inflammation, here it is:
First we have Zoey.
Zoey is a 12 year-old cat who has been using CBD for years after she suffered an accident that tore her Achilles tendon.
The injury left her with a bad limp and arthritis which caused her a lot of pain.
Her vet prescribed medications to help Zoey with her symptoms, but they just left her feeling lethargic and drowsy.
Luckily, her owners soon discovered CBD, which helped reduce Zoeys symptoms and even allowed her to give up her prescription medication!
Next we have Bogie.
Bogie is another cat who used CBD to manage a wide variety of health problems.
Left abandoned at a shelter, his new owners adopted Bogie and found out he had severe arthritis, among many other issues.
Bogie was in a lot of pain, and his owners even had to carry him up and down the stairs and lift him into the litter box.
Within a few weeks of starting him on CBD, however, Bogies owners saw a huge improvement in his condition.
Within two weeks he was running up and down the stairs, playing and purring up a storm. His coat became silky smooth and his eyes clear, they wrote.
Lastly we have Princess.
She’s 23 years old and relies on CBD for her arthritis pain.
Ever since she started using CBD, Princess has been in a lot less pain and is also more active.
Her owner notices a big difference when she uses CBD with Princess.
Arthritis Management For Cats
Cats are masters at hiding illness & pain because they are guided by instinct to always pretend like they are perfectly fine in case there is a predator around who will choose the sick/weak-looking prey. So, that means we often do not know when our kitty is painful. Arthritis is incredibly common in cats as they age, though they rarely limp or show overt signs of pain. They often simply “slow down” or sleep more or avoid jumping up/down or use intermediate objects .
Here are 2 great sites for helping you determine if your kitty may be exhibiting subtle signs of arthritis:
There are several arthritis/pain management options for cats. Arthritis is a condition that we often manage with multi-modal therapy using combinations of non-pharmaceuticals, supplements, and prescription medication.
Give Your Cat A Comfortable Bed
- Place a selection of beds around your home for your cat to choose from. Remember to put them at several at different heights, your cat may not be able to jump as high up as they used to.
- Orthopaedic memory foam beds can be really comfortable for cats with arthritis.
- A heated bed can naturally help sooth your cats joints.
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What Causes Cat Arthritis
Unfortunately, the cause of arthritis is nearly impossible to pinpoint in a cat. The disease takes such a long time to develop that you will find it very difficult to definitely determine the cause. In older cats, the joint disease can be attributed to aging.
However, the disease can also spontaneously occur in younger cats who are otherwise healthy. If arthritis is triggered by a one-time event like inflammatory medication, then the cause can be identified. Otherwise, you may never know what caused this disease in your cat.
Even though it is very difficult to get to the actual cause of arthritis in a cat, there are some factors that increase your cats chances of catching the disease.
The Problem With Conventional Treatments For Arthritis In Cats
Veterinarians often prescribe a variety of medications to treat arthritis, but these often arent well tolerated by cats. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, acetaminophen, and aspirin, as well as anti-inflammatory medications like corticosteroids. Using these medications long-term can contribute to more serious health problems later on, in addition to side effects in the short term as well.
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How To Use Cbd Oil For Cats With Arthritis
If youre in the market for some information on how to use CBD for cats, youre most likely looking for answers to your questions that can help you understand more about this wonderful plant and its compound. There are many different ways in which you can use CBD for cats, and one of the most useful means is through the use of supplements. Check this site out and others like it for more information on available products, what they can do for your cat, and where to find them.
Risk Factors Of Arthritis
- Old age. Older cats are at a much higher risk of getting arthritis. However, younger cats can also acquire the disease.
- Breed of the cat. Purebred kitties are more likely to suffer from arthritis than their mixed bred counterparts.
- Overweight or obesity. Kitties whose body weight is higher than the recommended weight are very prone to joint disease. The extra weight put on the joints increases the wear and tear applied to them resulting in an increased risk of arthritis.
- Overmedication. A lot of medications that are prescribed especially in chronic diseases can trigger inflammation in the body.
- Previous joint injury. A tear in joint cartilage can cause faster degeneration at that particular joint.
- Physical trauma. The cat being in an accident would be an example for physical trauma.
- Genetics. Cats whose parents had arthritis are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
- Poor diet. A bad diet tends to be high in pro-inflammatory substances which can cause chronic diseases like arthritis.
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Home Adjustments For Cats With Arthritis
There are also several simple adjustments you can make to your cats home environment to increase her comfort if she has osteoarthritis pain. Login suggests providing:
- Warm, supportive bedding
- Easy access to litter boxes and food and water bowls
- Ramps or stairs to help your cat access the bed or other furniture and surfaces she enjoys
- Raised food and water bowls so your cat doesnt have to bend down
- Litter boxes with at least one lowered side so your cat doesnt have to lift her legs as high to get in
Adequan Injections For Arthritis In Cats
Adequan is a polysulfated glycosaminoglycan, which is a component of cartilage. It lubricates the joints and helps to repair cartilage. This substance is given as an injection at regular intervals. Like all treatments, this works very well in some cats while others may have less of a response.
The downside of this treatment is that the owner has to give the injections. While the needle is small and most cats dont even react to the injection, some owners do not feel comfortable with needles.
You should notice an improvement in your cats mobility within a month if this treatment is right for your pet. Side effects are rare.
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Arthritis Treatment: Helping Our Senior Cats Extend Their Quality Years
Do you know somebody who suffers from arthritis? Chances are that you have a friend or relative with joint problems. But what about your cat? Senior cats are at risk for developing arthritis and it is relatively common. Luckily there are a wide variety of treatment options that can help alleviate your cats discomfort from laser therapy to supplements.
Just like us, cats often suffer from progressive and degenerative joint ailments like osteoarthritis as they age. The disorder is marked by a deterioration of the cartilage that cushions the cats joints. This results in inflammation, pain, worsening damage, and changes in and around the affected joint.
There are two types of OA: primary and secondary. Primary means that the cause is typically normal wear and tear on the joints as a result of the aging process. Secondary means that the OA is the result of injuries or abnormalities such tumors.
Unfortunately, many cat parents and vets are not aware that kitties can come down with OA, making the disorder one of the most underdiagnosed feline diseases. Cats older than ten years of age are at increased risk.
When it comes to OA, Scottish Folds are particularly vulnerable. This is possibly because of genetic abnormalities in this breeds cartilage.
Acupuncture
Is Arthritis Treatment Safe For Cats With Kidney Disease
Q: Emmy, my 12-year-old cat, has arthritis and chronic kidney disease. Her veterinarian recommended Onsior for her arthritic pain but warned that it could further damage her kidneys. I’m torn, because I want Emmy to be free of pain, but I don’t want her therapy to cause additional problems. What’s your advice?
A: Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, is apparent on radiographs in an astounding 90% of cats. The condition coexists with chronic kidney disease in 70%, so Emmy’s situation is not unusual.
Most of the developed world’s drug regulatory agencies have approved Onsior and a related nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain reliever, Metacam , for long-term use in cats with musculoskeletal disorders.
One study combined use of an activity monitoring collar, veterinary exams, lab work and family assessments to compare Onsior with an inactive placebo. Over the six-week study, cats that received Onsior were 11.9% more active than cats receiving the placebo. Increased activity is a good sign of improved comfort.
In this study, the incidence, types and severity of side effects were the same in the Onsior and placebo groupsincluding in cats with preexisting chronic kidney disease. Since additional studies have corroborated the safety of Onsior and Metacam, you can feel comfortable following your veterinarian’s recommendation.
Lee Pickett, V.M.D. practices companion animal medicine in North Carolina. Contact her at .
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Green Lipped Mussel Extract
GLME contains glucosamine sulphate, which is often combined with chondroitin in the treatment of arthritis.
These supplements help by promoting the growth of new cartilage and repairing damage in joints caused by arthritis. GLME also contains minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants, which can help repair and prevent cell damage.
Supplements And Treatment For Cat Arthritis And Mobility Issues
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We love our cats and want them to have happy and active lives. While we can’t prevent certain illnesses such as arthritis, we can take steps to help alleviate some of the problems associated with them.
Identifying the cause of your cats mobility issues gives you the advantage of knowing how you can help them. A way to help is by providing them with supplements, alternative treatment modalities, or medications that can relieve some of their discomfort and give them back the quality of life they deserve. Your cats veterinarian can guide you as to what are the best options to help your cat feel their best.
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Treatment: The Importance Of Nutrition
The food your cat eats plays an important role in her overall health and well-being. Balanced nutrition is an essential part of an active, healthy lifestyle. For accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian and ask them to recommend the best food for your cats arthritis and joint mobility health.
Tips For Managing Arthritis In Cats And Dogs
The most common form of arthritis in cats and dogs is osteoarthritis. This is a degenerative joint disease where the cartilage that surrounds and protects the joints progressively deteriorates. Osteoarthritis is typically seen more in older pets, although any pet can develop the condition. Its estimated that about 20% of dogs over the age of 7 and 90% of cats over age 12 will exhibit signs of arthritis. Arthritis can be also be caused by infections or immune system issues.
As pets age, they can experience osteoarthritis in weight bearing joints such as knees, hips, and elbows. The spine can also experience some arthritic change leading to discomfort and decreased mobility.
Besides age, there are other factors that increase the chances of developing arthritis. Pets that have pre-existing conditions such as hip or elbow dysplasia or previous injuries such as fractures or ligament tears are at a greater risk. Obesity can also predispose pets to arthritis where additional body weight increases stress on the joints.
Finally, there are certain breeds that are more prone to issues than others. For cats, Himalayans, Persians, Maine Coons, and Siamese may be more likely to develop it. Larger dog breeds such as German Shepherds, Great Danes, Labradors, Retrievers, St. Bernards, and Mastiffs may also have an increased risk.
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Specialty Cat Diets For Joint Health
Speak with your veterinarian about prescription joint/mobility diets specifically formulated to help your arthritic cat. The prescription weight loss diets for cats can help, and there are a few to ask your veterinarian about. Hills has a specific mobility support diet for cats called k/d+Mobility. There’s also Royal Canin’s Mobility Cat Food, designed to prevent crystals as well as maintain weight.
Life Changing Tips For Cats With Arthritis
Arthritis in cats is severely under-diagnosed, and part of the reason for this is that cats are masters at hiding the signs of pain. In one published study, 60% of cats over the age of 12 years old had some form of degenerative joint disease. It is now common knowledge that Arthritis is very common in cats, and affects their hips, elbows, knees and ankles.
Signs of Arthritis in cats may include reduced mobility reduced activity , altered grooming and a change in temperament . Again remember that these signs can be very difficult to see, and many owners do not notice the difference until there is an improvement after treatment.
Treatment varies from cat to cat and includes pain relief, anti-inflammatories, acupuncture and modifying the cats environment.
If your cat has already been diagnosed with arthritis and is receiving treatment, you may already be seeing the benefits or improvement after treatment has commenced. As with humans, the cold winter months can exacerbate the pain and symptoms associated with arthritis, so it is important to provide our arthritic cats with a little extra care and attention. Below are some important management steps to include when caring for your cat this winter:
We offer a nurse-led arthritis clinic to help you provide the optimum care for your cat.
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Are There Other Signs Of Oa Besides Difficulty Jumping Up Into A Window
Cats can exhibit many different signs when they have OA, and they do not necessarily demonstrate all the same signs all of the time. The most common signs cat owners may notice include:
- Difficulty getting up and down
- Walking stiffly
- Lameness in one or more legs
- Reluctance to go up and/or down stairs
- Reluctance to jump up or down
- Stiff, swollen, or sore joints
- Reluctance to be touched on some parts of the body
- Unexpected aggression towards other cats or towards humans
Arthritis & Degenerative Joint Disease In Cats
26th July 2018
It is well recognised that as humans get older they are likely to suffer from joint pain caused by osteoarthritis. It is also well known that older dogs commonly suffer from arthritis and both owners and vets are familiar with the medication dispensed to relieve their pain.However, until relatively recently, arthritis in cats was not commonly diagnosed or treated. This may be due in part to the cats survival instinct to hide signs of pain, and the lack of recognition of the condition by owners and veterinary surgeons.
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Your Cats Pain Can Be Relieved
Cats love the birds eye view, like jumping up to the windowsill for birdwatching or finding that perfect sunny spot. When those favorite spots seem out of reach for your cat, you may be seeing signs of osteoarthritis pain.
Remember that you are the best person to notice subtle signs and changes in your cats behavior that may signal arthritis. Be sure to mention these to your veterinarian and work together to develop a plan to keep your cat happy, healthy, and pain-free.
I Think My Cat Has Arthritis What Now
Have you noticed that your cat is no longer jumping up on their favorite couch, is less interested in chasing their catnip mice, or has difficulty getting in or out of the litter box? You’ve unlocked a new badge of cat ownership one earned when an observant cat owner notices these subtle, yet possibly very painful, signs. While many cat owners may attribute these signs to slowing down with age, they may be a sign of osteoarthritis , which affects nearly 40% of all cats.
Osteoarthritis can be a result of poor joint structure from birth, a traumatic injury, or, most commonly in cats, normal wear and tear on their joints as they age. Surprisingly, one study showed that by the time cats reach the age of 12, more than 90% of them have bone changes visible on x-ray, yet few are diagnosed or treated before these irreversible changes have occurred.
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Joint Supplements For Cats
*NOTE* DO NOT give human joint supplements to your cat, as they may contain ingredients harmful to your pet and may not actually contain the correct amount of each listed ingredient. Only use veterinary-formulated joint supplements for your pet.
Supplements such as Cosequin for Cats and ArthriEase-Gold, can be a good drug-free” way to help in the management of your cats arthritis pain.
Cosequin for Cats Soft Chews
PRO TIP: Choosing between chewable or powder supplements depends on your cat’s preferences. If your cat is picky but gobbles down their wet food, powder might be best. If they are used to taking treats and aren’t too finicky, the chews might be your best bet.