by Betty Carew

Created on: November 27, 2009   Last Updated: November 28, 2009

Supplements for cats with arthritis are the ideal answer to keep your kitty active and out of pain. Arthritis is the breakdown of the cartilage that covers the bones in the joints. Arthritis can happen as early as the eighth year of your cat's life and it is a progressive disease. When this time arrives you want to be ready to make him as comfortable as possible and this can be done by the many supplements that are offered and a few adjustments in his lifestyle.

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a wonderful supplement if your cat has arthritis. It helps build up the cartilage and make it stronger plus it protects what good cartilage your cat has left. There are three ways you can administer glucosamine to your cat which is liquid form, pill form and injection. Injections are the best way as you are getting the pure glucosamine but if you give the pill supplement there are fillers added which lessens the effect versus the injection. The liquid is a suspension of glucosamine and is the next best thing to the injections when poured over your cat's food.

Chondroitin

Chondroitin is usually given in combination with glucosamine. Chondroitin gives added benefits for your cat's arthritis. It also helps protect the good cartilage that your cat has and promotes healing of the cartilage that's affected in the joints. Chondroitin also helps the glucosamine to be absorbed into the cartilage easier. These two supplements work very well together to relieve your cat from the pain of arthritis. Both of these supplements usually contain other vitamins and minerals that your cat needs to improve.

Omega 3

Omega 3 is another wonderful supplement for cats with arthritis. It helps to lubricate the joints and make it easier for your cat to move. Cod liver oil is another supplement that can be added to your cat's food. You do have to be careful with cod liver oil. You should never give your cat more than a quarter of a teaspoonful of cod liver oil a day.

Weight control and exercise

These perhaps are the most important things you can do to help your cat if he is in pain. If your cat is overweight it is harder on his joints with the added weight. You may have to place your cat on a diet to get rid of the extra poundage. Perhaps wet cat food with less calories and more fiber can help get those extra pounds off. Sometimes the problem is not over weight but underweight. If your cat is losing weight you should always check your cat's teeth and mouth as he ages, if there is a dental problem your cat may not want to eat at all. Soft food could be the answer along with a visit to your vet.

Exercise is as important as diet even if it is mild with low impact. Take time during the day to play with your cat to help ensure he is getting enough movement. When your cat doesn't move very much the joints can stiffen up and make it more difficult to move when he needs to. The more your cat moves the less pain he will have; playing with him should help to keep his joints limber.

Always check with your veterinarian before you give your cat any supplement. He can help you decide on which course of action is best for your cat. With the proper supplements, exercise and diet your cat will be pain free and enjoy what time he has left in comfort.

Learn more about this author, Betty Carew.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.