Once you realize that your older cat needs some pain relief however there are several ways you can help cats with arthritic joints may find it difficult to climb or jump so make sure that there are sleeping places food bowls water and a litter box at ground level.
Pain medicine for cats with arthritis.
Treating arthritis when it is mild can slow the progression of disease.
Cat arthritis treatment with medication the mainstay of arthritis treatment in humans and dogs is with nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs nsaids painkillers that reduce inflammation in joints.
Cats tend to hide signs of pain quite effectively which makes sense if you consider their ancestry.
These drugs relieve pain from allergies or arthritis primarily by reducing inflammation.
Here are a few ways to treat a cat with mild arthritis.
A list of medications their uses.
These drugs are designed to manage pain in your cat.
Medications for arthritis in cats.
Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs aka nsaids are a common treatment.
They include dexamethasone and prednisolone.
As a pet parent this makes it so you to notice the slightest of changes.
Many medications used to treat pain in dogs are unsafe for cats as well.
Signs of arthritis in cats.
However your veterinarian may be able to recommend some safe alternatives tailored to your arthritic cat s needs.
This seizure medication helps treat pain in nerves muscles and bones.
Acute short term pain is often treated with a prescription opioid pain reliever called buprenorphine but this medication can be costly over the long run.
Cats with oa experience pain and inflammation in various joints that interfere with the activities of daily living.
Pain medications for cats should only be given to cats under close veterinary supervision.
Cats are great at concealing pain.
While this trait was useful for survival in the wild hiding discomfort isn t so great for domesticated life.
Never use a human nsaid for feline arthritis.
Oa is diagnosed through a combination of a thorough physical examination a palpation feeling with the fingers to localize pain and determine its intensity and additional diagnostics including x rays or other imaging technology.
A sick animal in the wild is vulnerable to predators so any sign of weakness must be hidden.
If diet and supplements are not reducing your cat s pain sufficiently you can turn to medication.
Early detection and treatment can also delay the need for use of prescription pain medications which can have side effects.
Amitriptyline an antidepressant in humans it can help with nerve pain in cats.
Treating mild arthritis in cats.