Arthritis is a significant health challenge for domestic cats. In fact, studies show that between 60 and 90 percent of cats suffer with some form of degenerative joint disease. Cats with arthritis can suffer several painful symptoms that may result in limited mobility, reduced activity (and weight gain), and a poorer quality of life. Because of this, if your vet diagnoses this problem for your cat, you'll want to know what you can to do make your feline friend's life more comfortable. Find out here.

Changing your cat's environment at home

Your home can present a significant physical challenge to a cat with arthritis. Staircases, chairs, and doors can also make life uncomfortable for an arthritic cat, but there are plenty of steps you can take to make his or her life easier.

Make sure your cat has a soft, comfortable bed in a draft-free location. Where your cat may once have slept anywhere, he or she may now need a more substantial bed with protection from cold drafts. Make sure the cat's bed stays on the floor, where your cat doesn't need to jump up or down, but keep it away from doors and windows.

If your cat has favorite places that are inaccessible, look for steps or ramps that mean he or she can still easily get to these spots. For example, many cats come in and out through a cat flap. You may need to install a small ramp to help an arthritic cat avoid painful jumps.

You may also need to groom your cat more, as arthritis can make it difficult for your cat to do this. Ask your vet to regularly clip overgrown claws and take time to brush an older cat's fur. Grooming your pet can also relax the animal, especially if he or she must contend with arthritic pain.

Dietary supplements

Cats can develop arthritis for several reasons, including genetics, obesity and injury, or trauma. Dietary supplements can help boost the level of certain vitamins and nutrients in your cat, which can slow the onset of symptoms.

You should always talk to your vet before giving your cat these supplements, or you could cause other health problems. For example, cod liver oil can benefit some cats, but excess amounts can actually poison the animal. Nonetheless, essential fatty acids can ease inflammation, and glucosamine can help repair cartilage, so it's worth exploring these options with your vet.

Anti-inflammatory medication

Anti-inflammatory painkillers can help ease the inflammation associated with arthritis, but you should never give your pet human drugs. Ibuprofen and aspirin could kill your cat. Many vets prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for cats, and these medications can greatly improve the animal's quality of life. Nonetheless, it isn't always easy to administer these drugs, and some cats experience side effects, so follow the vet's instructions closely.

Surgery

If a cat's arthritis symptoms are very severe, your vet may recommend surgery. Different types of surgery are available. For example, arthroscopy is a relatively noninvasive procedure that a vet can use to repair shoulders, elbows, knees, and ankle joints. The vet will make a small cut over the joint through which he or she inserts a tiny camera. Using the information from the camera, the vet can then use special instruments to repair any damage that is causing arthritis.

In the most serious cases, specialist vets can perform joint replacements. This type of surgery is normally the last resort, as the cat's recovery time often lasts two or three months.

Laser therapy

Laser therapy is a relatively new type of treatment that pet owners can consider. Low-level (or cold) laser therapy uses a concentrated beam of light that runs at a certain frequency that won't burn or injure the cat. This laser warms up and penetrates tissue to help ease painful symptoms.

The process stimulates cells and increases blood circulation, which can ease the inflammation associated with arthritis. On the right wavelength, cold laser therapy can decrease nerve sensitivity and release endorphins, which act as natural painkillers for the cat. One session may only last 8 to 10 minutes for a cat, although the cat will need regular sessions to control painful symptoms.

If your cat suffers from arthritis, it's important to do as much as you can to make life more comfortable. Talk to a vet from a facility like Columbine Animal Hospital & Emergency Clinic for more advice or information.