How can I help my senior cat with arthritis pain and discomfort?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on

  1) Take her to a feline veterinarian. Feline vets are more likely to rescribe off-license Metacam to your kitty which will significantly take away the pain . Metacam is licensed for cats in other countries, just not in the US. 2) He will have to do a blood test to verify organ function is able to deal with the Metacam. 3) get a 4 inch high Sterilite or similar storage box and turn it into a litter box. The plastic is soft enough to cut a doorway into it once she is too painful to overcome the side wall. That way she will not hold off on urinating or pooping due to fear of pain and thus avoid health problems. 4) Feed a good senior cat food, preferably canned food 5) have her teeth checked 6) Give her lots of TLC. My oldest kitty made it to 26 years of age....so at 12 she is a youngster!

  

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  Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on January 20th, 2018

  Hello, if your kitties are eating a brand name cat food well, then vitamin supplementation is neither necessary or advised. For arthritis, however, I strongly recommend starting a glucosamine supplement. Nutramax makes one called Cosequin, which I use & recommend to all of my elderly cat patients. It comes as a capsule that you can pill them with, or just open the capsule & sprinkle the contents on a little moist food. If your cats are very arthritic, then talk with your veterinarian about starting Adequan injections. They really help the joints, too. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

  

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  Answered By Rebecca, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on August 24th, 2017

  Hi thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Osteoarthritis is unfortunately a common issue as pets get older you may want to discuss with your veterinarian adding supplements to Ebony's food such as Xhosa Quinn for cats, and possibly Fish oil. These will not be a miracle cure but over the course of months can help decrease pain and inflammation in her joints. Medicate them is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory's which can help some with pain but is not going to cure the issue. Unfortunately and cats we are somewhat limited to medications that we can try because of their unique physiology and metabolism but be sure to let your veterinarian know if you feel the medication is not working or how well it is working and they can help formulate a Plan to get Evan a comfortable again. And some pets physical therapy as an option and may help also while we do want her to exercise and be active try to limit her jumping up-and-down on furniture or potentially limit climbing areas as well as that may further stress her arthritic joint. Good luck to Ebony.

  

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