Cat pain can be difficult to detect. Obvious signs like limping or limb favoring are easy to see, but behavioral changes such as withdrawal or irritability may be harder to notice. Acute, injury-related pain may cause panting, crying and--unexpectedly perhaps--purring. Arthritis-related pain and stiffness may make it harder for your cat to jump, climb stairs or get in and out of the litter box. Treating your cat's acute or chronic pain is complicated because cats do not easily metabolize most pain relieving drugs. For safety, consider natural approaches to cat pain management.
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Nutrition and Supplements
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Arthritis is one of the most common causes of pain in older cats. To reduce the impact of this degenerative and painful condition, keep your cat at a healthy weight. A high-quality diet that features a named meat protein as its main ingredient will provide balanced nutrition and the vitamins, enzymes and nutrients needed for an active life. Chicken, lamb and salmon in either canned or dry formulations are good, low allergen choices.
Non-prescription nutritional supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin strengthen and repair painful, damaged tendons or joints, and essential fatty acids can reduce inflammation.
Non-Invasive Pain Treatments
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More than 150,000 veterinary acupuncturists practice today, according to Acupuncture.com. Many traditional veterinary clinics recommend acupuncture as an adjunct to traditional veterinary care. While acupuncture is usually thought of as treatment for pain relief, it is also being used as a safe and non-invasive treatment for cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal and neurological disorders.
Massage is the practice of applying pressure to specific parts of the body. Benefits include increased flexibility and movement, reduced inflammation, stress and pain reduction, decreased recovery times and improved circulation. Massage therapy can be performed by a veterinarian or licensed veterinary massage therapist.
Chiropractic addresses the function of the spinal column as it relates to the overall framework of the body. If there is a subluxation--a problem in a joint of the spine--mobility and range of motion is limited and the effects are felt throughout the body. According to the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association, chiropractic is useful for neck, back and leg pain, muscle spasms and nerve problems and injuries from falls and accidents. Treatments are performed by licensed doctors of veterinary chiropractic.
Home Care
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To keep your cat as comfortable as possible, provide a litter box on each floor of the house and be sure food and water bowls are within easy reach.
Keep stress levels to a minimum by providing a secure, quiet place for your cat to rest and retreat. A heated pet bed may ease stiff joints.
Pain may make it more difficult to groom herself, so gently brush or comb her regularly.
Many common pain relievers are toxic to cats--do not give your cat any type of over-the-counter pain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
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