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
- Supplements for cats are specifically designed to reduce joint problems and relieve the existing symptoms.
These include a master blend adaptogen formulation of botanical plants such as Cat’s Claw and Manayupaall of which have proven anti-inflammatory properties.
Joint Revival Max Master Blend Meal Topper
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.
Joint Revival
Herbal blend joint supplement for cats are specifically designed to reduce joint problems and relieve the existing symptoms.
It is an adaptogen, central to this blend, and plays a crucial role in identifying and correcting imbalances or deficiencies within the body, adjusting the immune response as necessary to maintain equilibrium or homeostasis.
Let’s examine Joint Revival
- Beyond supporting joint and bone health, Joint Revival Max Meal Topper‘s adaptogenic plants also regulate GABA neurotransmission, crucial for communication between the Central Nervous System and the body’s tissues, cells, and organs, including those affecting mobility.
- These adaptogens directly influence the brain’s pain centers, potentially easing neurological joint deterioration and reducing neural inflammation.
Joint Revival Max Meal Topper is an expertly crafted blend of Amazonian botanicals and oceanic extracts traditionally used in South American herbal medicine for addressing various conditions including:
- Degenerative neurological arthritis, and
- Discomfort associated with muscle, joint, and tissue damage.
Packed with a wide range of phytonutrients, Joint Revival Max Meal Topper delivers:
- Concentrated antioxidants,
- Natural sources of collagen,
- High purity curcuminoids (derived from turmeric), along with:
- Glucosamine,
- Chondroitin,
- MSM,
- Essential vitamins, and minerals.
It’s enriched with:
- Omega fatty acids (including ETA, EPA, DHA, and GLA),
- Amino acids,
- Plant-derived GABA neurotransmitters,
- Proteoglycans,
- Glycosaminoglycans,
- Glycoproteins,
- Prebiotics, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and inulin.
- Essential oils,
- Proteins, polysaccharides, nucleic acids (RNA and DNA), and
- A spectrum of vitamins and minerals further enhance its formulation, ensuring comprehensive support for joint health and neurological function.
