Let’s examine Osteoarthritis in cats.
Osteoarthritis in cats and why it is important to know
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition of the joints in which the normal cartilage cushion in the joints breaks down.
When the bones in the joints rub against each other they start causing pain, decreased joint movement, and sometimes the formation of bone spurs or other changes in and around the joint.
Osteoarthritis continues to get worse over time; however, it can be managed so that the progress of the disease is slowed down, helping the joint to work as well as possible for as long as possible.
What are the probable causes?
In general, osteoarthritis occurs mostly in older cats, especially in the joints of the forelimbs (e.g., elbows or paws) and hind limbs (e.g., hips, knees, or paws), as well as in the spine. The following factors are known to be incidental in arthritis in cats:
- Genetic predisposition
- Overloading (e.g., from being overweight or over-exercising)
- Inflammation of the joints (arthritis) due to infections (e.g., bacterial contamination)
Other types are commonly referred to as Joint Trauma where several probable causes could be the reason such as:
- Trauma (accidents such as broken bones or torn ligaments),
- Dislocation, or
- Ligament breakdown
Diagnosing osteoarthritis in cats
Diagnosing osteoarthritis in cats is difficult.
Cats, unlike most dogs, can tolerate bone and joint problems due to their small size and natural agility. They also generally dislike being physically handled during examinations.
Cats are notorious for cowering on the exam table and not moving.
As a result, a cat owner’s observations about his/her cat’s decreased activity becomes particularly important.
Clinical signs of osteoarthritis in cats may include:
- Weight loss,
- Loss of appetite,
- Depression,
- Change in general attitude,
- Poor grooming habits,
- Urination or defecation outside the litter pan, and
- Inability to jump on and off objects.
Important to know is that a cat can appear to be walking normally, but this is because the same joints are often affected on both sides.
Joints most affected
The most often affected joints in cats are:
- Elbows,
- Hips,
- Shoulders,
- Ankles,
- Backbone, and
- Sternum
Preventing osteoarthritis in cats
Prevention of osteoarthritis in cats should start at an early age. As osteoarthritis can be genetically found, when buying or breeding kittens you should consider the health of the parents.
In addition, you should pay attention that your kitten keeps a healthy and balanced diet, since overweight not only causes osteoarthritis but also many other diseases such as diabetes mellitus, gout or gastrointestinal diseases.
How to improve the condition?
Traditional Treatments
Treatment options for cats with osteoarthritis are limited.
The joint damage caused by osteoarthritis is irreparable, so the cure of the disease is ruled out.
For that reason, osteoarthritis in cats is treated symptomatically to reduce pain and stress on the joints.
Medications such as pain relievers (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs) or anti-inflammatory drugs have been used in the past; however, they have fallen out of favor due to side effects.
Surgery – Depending on the degree of severity, it may be necessary to resort to surgical measures, such as artificial hardening (arthrodesis) or an artificial joint.
Environmental accommodations
- Litter boxes with lower sides for ease of entering and exiting,
- Elevate food and water bowls, and/or
- Supply soft bedding
Natural Joint Support for Cats with Arthritis
Fortunately, there are several healthy options available:
Therapies
- Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy can be beneficial for cats with joint pain to help enhance their quality of life.
- Lasers, Cryotherapy (ice packs), or Thermotherapy (heat packs) are also good options.
- Acupuncture is the insertion of thin needles into the skin at certain points of the body.
Supplements
- Natural joint supplements for cats are specifically designed to reduce joint problems and relieve the existing symptoms.
These include ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, omega-3 fatty acids, and MSM, all of which have proven anti-inflammatory properties.
Natural Joint Support Supplements
We need to define what we understand by Natural.
According to Western Oregon University, “a natural product is any organic compound that is synthesized by a living organism and can be extracted from the cells, tissues, and secretions of microorganisms, plants and animals.”
There are many products in the market presented as natural solutions to help dogs with Osteoarthritis.
However, when looking at the list of ingredients it becomes clear not all of them are natural.
When we say natural, we refer to ingredients that are not manufactured in laboratories or that have not been processed through different chemical instances that remove, alter or change their natural composition.
We also say natural when there are absolute no artificial colors or flavors.
Sound Kitty™
Natural joint supplements for cats are specifically designed to reduce joint problems and relieve the existing symptoms.
These include ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, omega-3 fatty acids, and MSM, all of which have proven anti-inflammatory properties.
Let’s examine Sound Kitty™
- Sound Kitty™ for Joint Health is a glucosamine-based formula that aids in joint support by maintaining the normal viscosity of the joint fluid.
- Sound Kitty™ provides the building blocks for synovial fluid, cartilage, and connective tissues of the joint.
- Sound Kitty™ with MSM and the herbs Boswellia and curcumin – help to maintain and support a healthy, normal inflammatory response and may help to reduce inflammation associated with normal daily exercise, play, and activity.
- Sound Kitty™ may be used with Comfort Aches™ – for optimal joint support.
- Sound Kitty™ benefits:
- Reduces Inflammation
- Thickens Joints fluid
- Support Long-Term Joint Health
There are two fantastic ingredients naturally found in our cat’s joints that play a significant role in their function.
These are Glucosamine and Chondroitin.
- Important to know is that as cats age, the levels of Glucosamine and Chondroitin in their bodies slowly decrease.
- For this reason, they will be found in lower amounts in older cats compared to younger kittens.
- Sound Kitty™ contains Glucosamine and Chondroitin, among other natural ingredients, that will supply all aspects of joint support.
How does it work
For a healthy joint function, the Chinese Medicine theory recommends a combination of herbs that moves blood and energy within and around the joint, expelling pathogenic factors.
Ingredients
There are many fantastic natural ingredients in this Herbal Joint Support for Cats – Sound Kitty™.
- Flaxseed (547.5mg),
- Glucosamine [Shellfish] (250mg),
- Glucosamine A very well-known element in the joint supplement market, glucosamine helps to maintain thick and viscous joint fluid. Hydrolyzing enzymes enter the scene every day, breaking down joint fluid little by little. The thinner the joint fluid, the harder each movement is on the joints. Glucosamine counteracts this process, helping to thicken the ever-thinning joint fluid.
- MSM (250mg),
- MSM helps boost the body’s natural process of forming connective tissue, among its many other benefits. It has also shown to help accelerate the healing and recovery process speeding up the rebuilding of new muscle and connective tissue. In addition, MSM can aid in decreasing inflammation around joints, supplying some relief for swelling and stiffness.
- Chondroitin [Porcine] (100mg),
- Chondroitin is often found alongside glucosamine in many joint supplements. It is an element of connective tissue found in cartilage and bones. Carnivores would often get their daily dose of chondroitin through the raw bones and ligaments of their prey, which would help strengthen their own bones and cartilage.
- Frankincense (45mg),
- Curcumin (45mg),
- Hyaluronic Acid (2.5mg)
- Hyaluronic Acid is often taken as a supplement to address stiffness and joint pain; hyaluronic acid is a naturally found component in the body. It can also contribute to proper joint lubrication as it is foundational of the synovial fluid and cartilage.
That is a true 100% natural holistic product for your cat!
