Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease. The cartilage within the joint is worn down, leading to inflammation, pain and decreased quality of life. As the condition progresses, the friction can wear down to the point where it damages the bones themselves. Osteoarthritis is often not diagnosed in cats because it is difficult to recognize even for the most dedicated cat parent. The signs can be subtle, and since cats are such masters at masking pain, it often remains untreated. As many as 3 in 10 cats suffer from this debilitating condition, but only 7% of cats with arthritis receive treatment.
A number of natural approaches ranging from acupuncture and weight management to nutritional supplements and Reikican help mitigate the pain of arthritic cats, and a multi-modal approach will get the best results.
In a recent article for Animal Wellness Magazine, I took a closer look at natural arthritis remedies. Click here to read the article.
