Home Remedies for Arthritis Pain Relief in Cats

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints, and cats are prone to it as much as people are. Some symptoms of arthritis pain in cats include stiff motion, listlessness and a lack of appetite. There are several home remedies that can relieve arthritis pain in cats, but remember that there is no substitute for a visit to your veterinarian.

  1. Diet

    • Providing your cat with a diet that is low in carbohydrates and high in protein may alleviate arthritis pain. Many of the commercial cat foods available are high in grain, which can produce inflammation in cats. Examine the ingredients list on your cat's food. If you notice that there is a large percentage of grain in the ingredients, switch it out for food of a higher quality.

    Comfortable Bed

    • Where does your cat sleep? Cats sleep throughout much of the day, and during that time, their bodies stay in one position. This can lead to stiffness or pain when they get up. One way to help your cat get restful sleep is to purchase a cat bed that is made out of memory foam. Memory foam reacts to the heat of your cat's body and depresses underneath your cat's weight. This supports your cat's body no matter what position it is lying in and relieves stiffness.

    Weight Control

    • If your cat is overweight, it can put more pressure on his joints and lead to further inflammation. Cut out treats and try to get your cat to exercise. Put your cat on a leash and take him on a walk, or simply take out his favorite toy and encourage him to chase it on a regular basis. Consult your veterinarian for advice on what cat food can help your cat lose weight.

    Supplements

    • Add vitamin E and fish oil supplements to your cat's food to help relieve pain from arthritis by reducing swelling and inflammation. Always give your cat both supplements, as an increased amount of fish oil in the diet increases the need for vitamin E.