Are you looking for simple ways to help care for your cat's arthritis? Today, our Carlsbad vets will explain how a change in diet can help treat arthritis in cats.
Arthritis in Cats
Approximately 20% of cats of all ages will suffer from painful osteoarthritis in one or more joints. Osteoarthritis increases with age.
Since cats are living longer, it is more likely that every cat owner will face the issue of osteoarthritis at some point.
Nutritional science reveals that pet owners can make a huge impact on the quality of life of cats with osteoarthritis by carefully choosing appropriate nutrient profiles, depending on what your cat needs.
How Your Cat's Diet Can Help Treat Arthritis
Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. By putting your cat on a diet to reduce the weight that your cat has it is the hope that it will reduce the strain on their joints. It has also been shown that the extra fat on an obese cat namely the white fat can cause hormones to be released that cause inflammation. Anything that causes inflammation should be avoided because that is what arthritis is, inflammation of the joints.
The goal is to keep your cat on the lean side to avoid the above-mentioned issues.
Recommended Diet for Cats
Confirm with your veterinarian about a weight loss plan for your cat if they are obese. You want to have your cat on a diet that keeps them lean.
Your cat will need sufficient protein to maintain muscles that support the joints. The objective is to reduce fat on the cat, not muscle.
Something that is recommended for joint issues is fish oil supplements. The omega-3 fatty acid has been shown to have a beneficial effect on joint health. The downside is it does add calories which can undo the desired weight loss in the diet. We recommend consulting with your vet to find the right nutritional balance to try and manage their condition.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Please make an appointment with your vet for an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition or boarding needs.