It's never easy to see someone you love in pain. When dealing with feline joint pain, your cat deserves the best possible care. A combination of good care at home and proper veterinary care will ensure that your pet feels better as soon as possible.
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What You Can Do at Home
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Most cats with joint pain will seek out warm places to rest. Provide warm blankets, towels, or possibly a heating pad on a low setting. Keeping joints warm will reduce swelling and pain.
Consider massage therapy to reduce swelling and help promote relaxation. Check out the book "The Healing Touch for Cats" for information on specific massage routines. You might also ask your local veterinarian if there are any professional animal massage therapists in your area.
Never try to give your cat medicine, even over the counter medicine, without approval from a veterinarian. Acetametaphen is poisonous to cats, and aspirin is toxic unless carefully monitored by a veterinarian.
There are many different joint supplements for pets. There is definite anecdotal evidence to say they sometimes work, but most have no formal studies proving their efficacy or safety, particularly in cats with other health problems. Glucosamine and condroiton supplements are well known and definitely worth a try but discuss all herbs and supplements with your veterinarian.
What Your Veterinarian Can Do
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Veterinarians can prescribe medications that alleviate pain and swelling. Anti-inflammatories, cortosteroids and analgesics are all common medications for cats with joint pain. In general, medications are used short term and require close monitoring.
Some cases of arthritis are severe enough to warrant surgery to repair joints. Excess weight puts added stress on joints. Your veterinarian can recommend a diet and exercise program that takes into account your cat's age, activity level, and general health.
You might get recommendations for specialized or alternative care practitioners. There are physical therapists who work with animals to decrease pain and increase mobility. Acupuncture is an alternative practice with demonstrated benefits to arthritic animals.
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