Cat arthritis may be a disease that indicates the cat is getting older, but there are cats that develop this condition at an earlier age as well. Getting traditional treatment for arthritis may improve the cat’s condition, but may give way to some unwanted side effects. The side effects may be avoided by getting some natural remedies that will have beneficial effects on the pet’s joints.
Disadvantages of Traditional Remedies
Arthritis is not a treatable condition and in some cases, the cat may not respond to traditional treatment.
The traditional remedies may consist of pain medication and anti inflammatory drugs, which should reduce the swelling of the joints and control the pain. Once these drugs are discontinued, the cat will start experiencing arthritis symptoms again.
The medication may also have side effects such as:
- Stomach ulcers, that may cause additional pain and discomfort
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Damage to the liver and kidneys in the long run
What Natural Remedies Can Do for Arthritis
Cats that suffer from arthritis will have to live with this condition and in many cases, the condition will get worse as the cat advances in age.
Due to the fact that the traditional drugs will have side effects and given that the treatment will be for life, it’s best if the cat gets natural remedies that will have no side effects. The natural treatments will have the same effects of reducing pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. In addition, these remedies may also improve the condition of the joints and cartilages, cleaning the cat’s body from toxins.
Natural Remedies for Joint Inflammation
In a cat with arthritis, it’s important to keep the joint inflammation under control. If you want to avoid the non steroidal anti inflammatories, you can get some natural ingredients such as:
- Yucca extracts, which act as anti inflammatories
- Burdock root extract, which has similar effects as steroidal anti inflammatory drugs
- Nettles, which will cause inflammation at first, but is also effective in reducing inflammation
- Alfalfa, effective in improving the cat’s mobility
- Rosemary
- Parsley
These herbs can be used in the form of liquid solutions and applied directly on the affected joints. In some cases (i.e. Burdock root), the herbs may be added in the cat’s diet. You should also supplement the cat’s diet with vitamin C, omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin E.
Natural Remedies for Arthritis Joint Pain
Arthritis will also cause a great deal of pain, which needs to be controlled. Natural ingredients such as cayenne pepper, jasmine, nettle extracts, Echinacea or St. John’s wort may reduce pain and keep the cat comfortable.
There are also other methods that may help when dealing with arthritis joint pain. Acupuncture can be used in cats and this natural treatment may reduce pain and inflammation.
Homeopathy may also be applied in cats with arthritis.