Arthritis

Arthritis in cats
Has anyone had a cat who has suffered with arthritis? and do you have any "suggestions" for easing their
discomfort and stiffness? I believe in my cats case it is due to old age - as it has only come to the fore in the last few months and is getting worse - slowly but you can see the stiffness when getting up, but still allows us/me to groom - so not too uncomfortable I imagine.
Karen

Hi,
I have an 19 yr old cat misty & she started to get a bit stiff a few months ago.
I already give my Amy (rotty) glucosamine tablet 1 a day for her joints so started to give misty a 1/4 of 1 mixed in her food once a day.
Sounds silly as its supposed to be for humans who have joint probs but she doesnt seem so bad now

Hi Kazz, as you know Teagan has just been diagnosed with arthritis.
The vet has given us Glucosamine, among other things.
My Mum also takes Glucosamine + Chondroitin for her arthritis.
I'm sure they can be used to cats too!

Hiya I have arthritis and used to take this but because there is supposed to be ground shell from shelfish in I'm allergic to this so had to stop but I still take glucosamine. Alot of people say I'm very catty and it works for me
Poor cat though hope he/she can find some kind of comfort.
Tracie

Thanks all I am going to the vets tomorrow but wanted to ask first.

Karen

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are substances found naturally in the body. Glucosamine is a form of amino sugar that is believed to play a role in cartilage formation and repair. Chondroitin sulfate is part of a large protein molecule (proteoglycan) that gives cartilage elasticity.

Both glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are sold as dietary or nutritional supplements. They are extracted from animal tissue: glucosamine from crab, lobster or shrimp shells; and chondroitin sulfate from animal cartilage, such as tracheas or shark cartilage

Ask about Syn-flex! I give it to my goldie and it has worked wonders!I hope the puss cat is more comfortable soon!

PS. I do not work for the company and I dont have shares in it! LOL
I seem to rave about it quite regularly!

Thanks Miss Potter

My 18 year old cat has 1/2 a prednisolone (sp?) every other day to ease his arthritis, and also the feline equivalent of cod liver oil, in a tasty chewy meaty flavoured thingy. The short burst course of the steroids has really eased him up a lot and now the longer term maintenance dose seems to be keeping it under control. He has become a lot less stiff and he can now jump onto the sofa and bed again which he hasn't been able to do for a while!

Also just be aware that sagging back legs in a cat, especially an older one, can be a symptom that your cat has developed diabetes so if this is symptom, be aware that your vet might want to test for this (involves collecting a urine sample from your cat - which I actually found easier than I was expecting!) and then a follow up blood test if necessary.

Hope that helps, good luck at the vets, hope your puss is doing well,
Fluffy x

Poor Cleo . No suggestions but no doubt the vet will have something. The only thing I would say is try to keep her warm and dry but I expect she is old and wise enough not to go out in the bad weather