Arthritis?

[spirit3]

Now that we're starting to get some colder weather here in the NE, my older cat Spirit is starting to limp again and favor her right front leg; we suspect arthritis in her little old bones.  We massage her every night which she seems to like-she only limps when it's cold out.  Are there any supplements we can give her or anything else we can do to keep her comfy and happy?

[Piparskeggr]

Our kitty Cerridwen (12/83 - 05/00), who we rescued as a stray when we lived in Nebraska, used to "bury" her food dish, "dug it up," too.

[spirit3]

already there!! their food dish is on a little shelf on the counter so they don't have to bend down to eat! it was part of 3 shelf set that part of got lost during a move and it's the perfect size for their dish! Great minds...I just have to watch because Butters tries to "bury" the dish when he's done and I find it  flipped over on the counter now and then.

[Jade59]

Pip, I was JUST about to tell Staci about this wonderful idea of yours but you beat me to it! : )

[Piparskeggr]

One thing I've done as our kitties have gotten less spry, is to elevate their food dishes.  I use old phone books wrapped in duct tape, this is especially helpful to Teia, with her gimpy shoulders.

[spirit3]

ok-thanks for the help!! it really seems to be getting her down this time. I put her food dish a little lower for her and she has a chair to help her jump up on the counter so she doesn't have to try and jump all the way up. I hate seeing unhappy!!

[Piparskeggr]

My vet told me that fish oil added to kitty's wet food helps, too.  Just add a few drops and mix it in well.

[opus88]

hi Spirit....poor kitty arthritis is such a painful condition. according to my sources there are 2 products that are safe for cats(without soy, artificial preservatives, sweetners, corn or dairy) they are:

NATURAL FACTORS- MSM joint formula capsules with Glucosamine Sulfate
and
NOW FOODS-joint support with Glucosamine Sulfate

these both come in capsule form, you will have to open the 500 mg capsule and measure out about half mix in with the food or if kitty won't eat it that way mix with tiny amount of water and give via dropper...the usual dosage is anywhere from 150mg-300mg. so experiment with the lighter dose first.
I will send you a link to where you can buy the Natural factors one in case your Health Food store doesn't carry that brand. don't be fooled into buying any other brands...good luck.

http://www.iherb.com/Natural-Factors-MSM-Joint-Formula-180-Capsules/2653?at=0