As every cat owner knows, our feline friends are stoic creatures. When they’re in pain or feeling under the weather, cats love to go about their business as if they were invincible. However, contrary to popular belief, cats don’t have nine lives to fritter away. It’s up to us to help them stay healthy, including detecting joint problems in cats.
Cats are naturally active pets, so their joints undergo significant strain throughout their lives. Failure to maintain good joint health could lead to mobility problems, pain, and poor quality of life in older age.
So, how can you spot joint problems when your cat is putting on a brave face?
Understanding joint problems in cats
Joint problems tend to arise as cats age, especially if they’re carrying excess weight. Some breeds are also more disposed to join issues, with genetics playing a significant role in the development of conditions such as arthritis. Infections, autoimmune diseases, and injuries could also damage the joints, leading to pain and mobility problems.
Arthritis is the most prevalent joint condition in cats, a condition that causes joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness. Other conditions include hip dysplasia (when the hip joint doesn’t meet the socket properly, leading to an altered gait and joint instability) and luxating patella (when the kneecap moves too freely, causing walking difficulties).
Early signs your cat may be experiencing joint pain
The good news is that it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out when cats feel discomfort. You just have to watch closely for the following signs:
- Reduced mobility: Your cat may hesitate to walk, avoid climbing stairs, or avoid engaging in play
- Visibly altered posture: If your cat is holding their body in unusual positions to get comfortable, they may have joint pain
- Altered grooming habits: Cats in pain may be less meticulous about their grooming habits, especially regarding hard-to-reach body parts
- Behavioural changes: Changes could include excessive miaowing, growling, or aggression
- Weight loss or gain: Your cat may get less exercise or eat less due to the pain
- Limping or a change in gait: They may also be less inclined to jump up high
- Visible joint swellings: The joints may also feel warm
The impact of joint problems on your cat’s lifestyle
Joint issues can profoundly affect a cat’s lifestyle and behaviour. The pain and discomfort associated with such conditions can prevent them from engaging in cherished activities, such as climbing to their favourite perch or playing with toys. This loss of mobility and independence can lead to frustration and sadness in cats, altering their personalities and overall well-being.
Additionally, caring for a cat with joint problems can demand more time, patience, and resources from the owner, potentially impacting their quality of life.
Preventative measures for joint health
The following tips could keep joint problems at bay:
- Ensuring a balanced diet enriched with joint-supporting supplements can provide the necessary nutrients for joint health
- Regularly monitoring and managing your cat’s weight to prevent obesity, a significant risk factor for joint issues
- Encouraging daily exercise through play and interaction to maintain joint flexibility and muscle strength
- Selecting toys and activities that promote gentle movement, avoiding those that could cause strain or injury
- Committing to routine veterinary check-ups to monitor health and catch any early signs of joint problems
The role of nutrition in joint health
Nutrition plays a pivotal role in maintaining healthy joints. A diet rich in essential nutrients can help lubricate joints, promote cartilage health, enhance muscle strength, and reduce inflammation.
While many of these nutrients can be found in a well-balanced diet, supplements are often recommended to ensure your cat receives everything needed to support joint health effectively.
Say goodbye to joint problems in cats with VETIQ Joint Care Adult!
Joint Care Adult tablets from VETIQ offer a powerful solution for improving your cat’s joint health, promoting better mobility and a more active lifestyle. This innovative supplement is crafted with a blend of essential ingredients which work together to lubricate joints and enhance fluid movement, support healthy cartilage and provide antioxidant protection against tissue damage.
Made from all-natural ingredients, VETIQ Joint Care Adult is safe and effective, offering a triple-action formula that not only aids in joint care but also boosts the immune system and supports recovery. Regular use of Joint Care Adult can lead to significant improvements in your cat’s ability to perform natural activities such as jumping and playing, effectively restoring their zest for life.
We also have a little something for the older, more distinguished cats in our lives; Joint Care Senior Extra+. It’s the purr-fect boost for your ageing feline friends starting to feel the toll of time on their joints. Loaded with joint-supporting goodies and Krill fish, it’s a tasty morsel that breathes a new ‘purr-lease’ of life into their daily adventures, ensuring their bones and muscles stay supple. It’s a simple, delicious way to keep your senior cat agile and ready for playtime or a cosy lap nap.
So don’t wait another moment; get ordering our Joint Care range today, and for more whisker-twitching tips and tales, scamper over to our brand-new blog; it’s the cat’s meow for all things pet-related, serving up a feast of advice that’ll have you and your furry pal feline good!
