What can I do to comfort my cat who has arthritis in his hips?
January 15th, 2010 | by admin |
Courtney G asked:
He likes putting his cat bed over the heat vent, and when we don’t have the heat on we put a heating pad underneath the bed. What else can I do?
He likes putting his cat bed over the heat vent, and when we don’t have the heat on we put a heating pad underneath the bed. What else can I do?
And please no answers telling me I should put him to sleep. Those aren’t appreciated.
12 Responses to “What can I do to comfort my cat who has arthritis in his hips?”
By us1184 f on Jan 16, 2010 | Reply
Lots of gentle cuddling
. They like that.
By lxl_t_i_f_f_e_r_s_lxl on Jan 17, 2010 | Reply
Ask your Vet about Childrens Asprin. I had a dog when I was younger that my Vet prescribed a children’s strength dose of Asprin daily (once a day) to help with the pain of arthritis. DON’T medicate your cat without talking with your Vet first. I can’t stress that enough. If your cat is taking any kind of medication or on any special foods it could react adversely if you don’t seek professional guidance first but, definately call and ask.
~ T ~
By cat care on Jan 18, 2010 | Reply
The most ordinary treatments have to do with palliative drugs known as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) that swiftly reduces and relieved pain. Though widespread use of NSAIDs along with corticosteroids is believed to alleviate the signs of arthritis in both pets and humans, it does little to no help in treating the ailment and is more often than not coupled with gastrointestinal side effects.
By thedivineoomba on Jan 19, 2010 | Reply
First off, have you talked to your vet since your cat had arthritis? There are some nutritional supplements, prescription drugs, and pain relievers that your vet can recommend.
There are some specific specific types of things you can do – Heat is good, so is gentle massage. You can also make his life easier by providing steps up to his favorite places, like a bed, or window.
While trying to remember Glucosamine (a good food supplement for cartilage wear which causes arthritis), I came across this website.
It seems to be to the point, giving you a number of different options.
By simslover1100 on Jan 21, 2010 | Reply
NO Asprin!!
That can be fatel to cats, causes kidney failure.
Just comfort him by hugging him and help him get up places like the window sill.
By Looseygoosey on Jan 23, 2010 | Reply
Talk to your vet. DO NOT give your cat any type of aspirin! Cats have a whole different system than dogs, and where it is okay for your dog to have aspirin, it can be deadly for a cat. Your vet should be able to tell you what products are made specifically for cats. My dog has arthritis and he gets 2 baby aspirin a day. (Big Dog.) I hope you find something that will help your cat. I **** to see anything suffer.
By Dani J on Jan 26, 2010 | Reply
Supplementing your cat’s diet with glucosamine and chondroitin would hep ease up any joint pain he may be experiencing due to age.
Some doctors recommend off-label use of metacam, an NSAID, given on a daily basis to alieviate joint pain. Depends on the age of your cat and how healthy he is.
By rrm38 on Jan 27, 2010 | Reply
When my senior guy was diagnosed with arthritis at 14, the vet prescribed glucosomine for him. It was in powder form and I just mixed it with his food. I opted not to give him NSAIDs because they seemed to cause him to have diarrhea and stomach upset. I added carpeted pet steps in all his favorite places (bed, couch, favorite window, etc) so that he could still access them without having to stress his joints trying to jump up and down. During our quiet time each evening I massaged him, concentrating on his trouble spots, for about 20 minutes or so. Each of these things really improved his quality of life considerably.
By peaches_jedediah on Jan 29, 2010 | Reply
painkillers
By me plus one on Jan 30, 2010 | Reply
We did this with one of our cats… you can give him glucosemene. You have to call a vet and ask what a safe amount is for the size of your cat. but we just went and bought powdered glucosemene and sprinkled it on her food. she ate it right up! My sis would buy the tablets and break them and give them to her kitty. I think my sis also used fish oil pills. But check with any vet and just ask what a suggested dose would be.
I hope this helped… I hope your kitty feels better.
By J C on Feb 3, 2010 | Reply
Put him to sleep? That would be ridiculous! Shame on anyone who’d suggest that.
Cats cannot metabolize most common pain drugs like dogs or people, so the vets are really limited to what they can do for cats. My vet recently suggested glucosamine for my elderly guy. One brand of supplement is cosequin (not spelled quite right but close enough) and that can be very helpful. The best is a heated cat bed – they actually make these cup-like beds with heating coils, and those are even better than what you’re doing. Another suggestion would be getting him a ramp or some steps (the online pet stores have them) so that it’s easier for him to get to his favorite places. Those are some things that will hopefully make him feel better. Sometimes they have trouble climbing in and out of litter boxes, so those ones they now make for dogs (with the opening in the front) would be good if that becomes an issue for him.
By michele_cat_cyprus on Feb 5, 2010 | Reply
He might appreciate a massage. The link below explains how to do this.
Omega 3 fatty acids in fish oil supplements, can be helpful in reducing inflammation and the pain of arthritis. (Don’t give cod liver oil supplementation unless you are sure you won’t exceed the toxic dose for Vitamin A in cats. Ask your veterinarian for his/her advice.)
The article below explains more about nutritional supplements that may help your cat.