The vast majority of us take vitamins and supplements daily as part of our routine, and it may seem like good insurance to give some vitamins for our pets.
Most cats are fed a healthy regular cat food diet and by doing so we are ensuring that they are likely getting all the nutrients they need. However, there are special instances when your cat could benefit from dietary supplements. Its always advisable to contact your vet to discuss if your cat needs additional vitamins if they need help with a particular health condition.
While we can't prevent certain ailments such as arthritis, we can all take steps to help alleviate some of the problems associated with them. As cat lovers we want them to have happy and active lives.
Identifying the cause of your cat’s mobility issues gives you the advantage of knowing how you can help them. Arthritis is certainly one of the most common, but it isn't always the culprit.
Those of us who own a cat have discovered that that the best way to manage feline pain as a result of arthritis is not a one-size-fits-all. To achieve the best comfort often requires more than one medication and supplement, and it frequently benefits from additional treatments such as acupuncture, physical therapy, etc. Did you know that arthritis means inflammation of the joint(s)? It is a slow and progressive disease that affects the entire joint (muscles, ligaments, tendons, etc.) The sad truth is that cat obesity is the most common causes of inflammation. The sooner you detect a condition that causes inflammation the sooner it can be addressed and treated.
Have you ever wondered what supplement you could give to help your cat that might be showing signs of arthritis? Well, when it comes to choosing a cat joint supplement, it pays to be picky. Its worth noting that ingredients in some herbal supplements can interact with medication, which is why it is important talk to your vet first about all of your cat’s medications and supplements before adding a joint supplement to the mix. Please be wary of claims that sound too good to be true. Vitamin supplements are just that—supplements. They are not cure-alls or medications. Do not give human supplements to your cat, as they may contain ingredients that are harmful.
When deciding what to buy, check the ingredients list carefully to make sure the supplement includes the vitamin or vitamins your cat needs for their particular health issues. Cat vitamins come in many forms, including tablets, powders, chews, gels, and liquids. Talk to your vet first before introducing any nutritional supplement into your pet’s diet.
I would like to end this with some personal tips, I don’t know what it’s like for everyone but I always dread taking my cat to the vet due to the stress it causes. Here are some tips I’ve learned to help lessen the stress of a vet visit for your cat:
- Leave the carrier out regularly, especially a few days prior to the appointment.
- Give treats to your cat in the carrier.
- Use a cat calming spray in the carrier and then spray a towel to leave in the carrier. Normally done a few days prior to the vet visit.
- Shortly before you leave for the appointment, spray the car with cat calming spray.
- As long as your cat doesn’t need food withheld prior to their vet visit, you can give them treats to help calm them.