Using Glucosamine for Cats' Urinary Problems

Glucosamine for cats is a nutritional supplement that has been shown to be effective at aiding some cats in the relief of symptoms associated with urinary tract problems. Glucosamine is most often included in a treatment program for feline arthritis, as it has been shown to help stimulate new cartilage growth in cats with weak and irritated joints. However, cats with FLUTD, or feline lower urinary tract disorder, may also benefit from a regular glucosamine treatment regimen.

Glucosamine Overview

Glucosamine is a nutritional supplement, not a drug or a medicine. Because of this, it is not available through prescription and can instead be found at most pet food and pet supply stores. It is a naturally occurring hormone in the body, and it is believed that one of the reasons that glucosamine can help with arthritis is that cats suffering from this condition have partially lost the ability to generate their own sufficient glucosamine.

In aiding the problems associated with FLUTD, glucosamine has been linked with the replenishment of GAG, an important constituent chemical found in the mucous lining of the bladder. It is thought that glucosamine can help to replenish this hormone and, therefore, to protect the strength of the bladder lining against the damaging effects of FLUTD and certain other urinary problems. However, this is not medically proven; vets have only shown that there is an anecdotal relationship between glucosamine treatment and improvement in urinary problems in some cats.

Potential Benefits of Glucosamine

For those cats for which glucosamine will prove beneficial, owners are likely to notice decreased pain while urinating, lowered inflammation of the bladder, less frequent urination and other signs of improvement of the symptoms. Glucosamine can be provided to your cat in an easy tablet form. These tablets are generally given once per day and are mixed up with your pet's food. The exact dosage depends upon the size of your cat and his breed and other health concerns, though your vet can help you to determine exactly which is the proper dosage for you.

Risks of Glucosamine

One of the best parts of treating a pet with glucosamine tablets is that there are minimal side effects. Because this is a naturally occurring hormone found in every cat's body, it is extremely unlikely that he will suffer any sort of adverse or allergic reaction. It is also generally impossible to overdose your pet on this substance, as extra glucosamine is simply passed through the system. This is one of the reasons why glucosamine is classified as a nutritional supplement and is available without a prescription. Still, it's a good idea to check on how to properly administer the supplement with your vet so that you don't waste any of it, and you can provide it to your pet in the most helpful quantity and form possible.

 

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