Regardless of age or breed, about 20% of cats will suffer from osteoarthritis in one or more joints in their lifetime. Today, our Apple Valley vets explain arthritis in cats and discuss how making intentional dietary choices can help manage this condition.
Arthritis in Cats
Approximately 20% of cats of all ages will suffer from painful osteoarthritis in one or more joints. Osteoarthritis increases with age.
Since cats are living longer, it is more likely that every cat owner will face the issue of osteoarthritis at some point.
Nutritional science reveals that pet owners can make a huge impact on the quality of life of cats with osteoarthritis by carefully choosing appropriate nutrient profiles, depending on what your cat needs.
Your Cat & Arthritis
Cats, like humans, can also suffer from painful arthritis. Some studies have shown that as cats age, the incidence of arthritis increases. In fact, X-rays have revealed that around 90% of cats over the age of 12 show evidence of arthritis in one or more joints.
With cats living longer than ever before, it is becoming increasingly likely that every cat owner will eventually have to deal with this issue.
However, there is good news. Nutritional science has shown that pet owners can greatly improve the quality of life for their arthritic cats by selecting an appropriate diet tailored to their cat’s specific needs.
How Diet Can Help With Your Cat's Arthritis
Diet can play a crucial role in managing a cat's arthritis by controlling their weight. Recent research has shed light on the significant impact of fat accumulation in overweight and obese cats with arthritis. This fat not only adds extra stress to their joints, but also releases inflammatory hormones, intensifying inflammation and causing additional pain.
Consequently, weight and obesity play a more crucial role in the development and progression of arthritis in cats than previously believed.
But ensuring a healthy body weight for cats is usually not your only concern. The aim is to also assist them in burning fat while maintaining or increasing muscle mass. Consulting with your veterinarian should help you select a good diet for your cat. It can also help with daily portion control.
Additionally, certain dietary supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine, can have anti-inflammatory properties and promote joint lubrication, further aiding in managing arthritis symptoms in cats. Your vet should be able to make some recommendations on supplements based on your cat's specific needs.
After successfully reducing your cat's weight, you can expect to see a significant improvement in their condition. With the reduced weight, there will be less stress on their joints, resulting in increased mobility and reduced pain. Additionally, your cat may also experience improved overall health and energy levels, as maintaining a healthy weight has numerous benefits for their overall well-being.
Exercise for for Your Cat
A good diet combined with regular exercise is always a good idea to help manage your cat's weight. However, you don't want to put excessive strain on the joints with vigorous exercises. Low-impact exercises are ideal for managing arthritis in cats.
Low-impact exercises, such as controlled walking or swimming, can be beneficial for managing a cat's weight. Incorporating interactive toys that encourage movement, such as puzzle feeders or laser pointers, can also help while minimizing stress on the joints.
Diet for Cats With Arthritis
Cat osteoarthritis treatment is heavily dependent on their diet. Confirm with your veterinarian about a weight loss plan for your cat if they are obese. Cat food for arthritis focuses on keeping your feline friend lean.
Your cat will need sufficient protein to maintain muscles that support the joints. The objective is to reduce fat on the cat, not muscle.
Something that is recommended for joint issues is fish oil supplements. The omega-3 fatty acid has been shown to have a beneficial effect on joint health. The downside is it does add calories which can undo the desired weight loss in the diet. We recommend consulting with your vet to find the right nutritional balance to try and manage their condition.