As humans age, it becomes common practice to start looking after our joint health. But did you know that joint issues are common in our feline friends as well? However, because of their natural survival instincts to hide pain, it can be hard to diagnose.
Here’s why it is so important to take a preventative approach to your cat’s joint health, and what you can do to support their mobility.
Your cat’s cartilage can wear away over time.
Degenerative Arthritis is a common condition in older cats. In fact, current research shows that approximately 60-90% of cats face the disease. Common symptoms include loss of joint movement and pain. You might notice your cat is facing degenerative arthritis if they are avoiding jumping up or down, experience difficulty climbing the stairs, are walking with a hunched posture, have stiffness in their legs after sleeping, are highly sensitive to petting, are not as active as usual, and seem to be paying less attention to their grooming habits.
There can be many causes for joint issues in cats.
The most common factor that can increase the risk of degenerative joint conditions in cats is wear and tear over time. This is why it's key to look after your cat’s joint health from a young age to ensure they have the nutrients they need to care for optimum mobility.
Other causes for joint cartilage degeneration can be abnormal hip development, history of injuries (such as fractures, muscle injuries, or ligament damage), nutritional deficiencies, infections, cruciate ligament disease, obesity, and genetics. Joint conditions can also be impacted by your cat’s immune system, which can cause pain and swelling in the joints.
Preventative measures can make a big difference.
You can help support your cat’s joint mobility and longevity with a few small lifestyle changes. Ensure you’re keeping your cat at a healthy weight by making sure they live an active lifestyle, prioritize their nutrition, and make regular visits to the veterinarian. Engage your cats in many play sessions throughout the day, provide them with a stimulating environment, and ensure their surfaces such as cat beds are joint-friendly, soft, and cushioned. You can also put down non-slip rugs and mats to protect their joints when they’re playing, jumping and climbing.
It's also key that your cat has nutritional support to maintain their joint health. Providing your cat with a healthy, balanced diet is the first step. Supplementation is also highly beneficial to provide the extra nutrients they need for healthy joint mobility.
Our VitaCat Joint + Mobility Support cat chews provide your cat with the nutrients they need for healthy joints. Our chews contain glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM for maximum support by providing anti-inflammatory benefits and incorporating naturally recurring omega-4 fatty acids from sunflowers. Studies have shown that glucosamine supports joints by providing relief to joint pain, MSM supports swelling relief, and chondroitin can support the prevention of cartilage degeneration.
Ready to start looking after your cat’s joint health and mobility? Give our Joint + Mobility Support cat chews a try here.
