Arthritis is an insidious autoimmune disease (a disease that causes the immune system to attack itself) and does not make its presence known until it is well established in your cat's body. Even though there is no cure for arthritis, there are several remedies that can be administered to cats to make their lives a little less painful. The holistic approach to arthritis is more gentle and non-invasive and generally well tolerated by cats. More conventional remedies such as corticosteroids will further damage your cat's immune system over time.
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Exercise
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Your cat will enjoy engaging in two or three periods of gentle play per day to keep its joints and muscles limber and prevent stiffness. Chasing a ball encourages movement without too much exertion and stress to the system. You could also stimulate your cat's hunting instinct by attaching a catnip mouse to a plastic wand with stretchable cord. These toys come prepackaged and can be found in any pet store.
Diet
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A home-cooked meal that contains two parts protein (such as raw ground beef or chicken or lightly cooked chicken or liver), one part vegetable (such as raw or lightly steamed carrot or zucchini or lightly steamed string beans or celery), one part carbohydrate (such as raw soaked oat bran or cooked millet, quinoa, barley or brown rice) and a high-calcium liquid such as homemade chicken broth will supply your cat with quality nutrients without added sugars or preservatives that can aggravate its arthritis. The cat's food proportions should be 60 percent protein, 20 percent vegetable and 20 percent grain.
Supplements
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One chopped fresh feverfew leaf added to each meal helps relieve pain and swelling. Vitamin C, E and combined A and D supplements added to your cat's diet will also minimize discomfort. Please check with your veterinarian for the proper amounts as dosage will vary with weight.
Herbs
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Garlic helps overweight cats with hip pain. Add one-half to three freshly grated cloves---depending on your cat's body size---with each meal. Alfalfa helps thin and nervous cats with digestive problems as well as arthritis. Give your cat two to six alfalfa tablets per day, depending on the cat's size. Your veterinarian can provide you with the proper proportions, based on your cat's size and weight.
Homeopathy
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Poison ivy in homeopathic form can safely be administered to cats in tablet or pellet form. This remedy is particularly helpful to cats who experience pain and stiffness following a long rest. A homeopathic veterinarian can provide you with the appropriate dose for your cat.
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