Bone and Joint Health for Cats

Cats have approximately 230 bones in their body, about 20 more than humans. Bones enable movement by working with muscles. When the muscles attached to bones around a joint contract, the bones move and the joint bends.

Clearly, cats can have joint health issues just like dogs. But it may be harder for cat owners to recognize for several reasons:

• Cats tend to be affected more slowly rather than suddenly.
• Cat owners may welcome a cat who prefers relaxing on the couch with them instead of going outside.
• Cats tend to hide health issues better than dogs.

Pay attention if you see any of these changes in your cat:

• Reluctance to jump
• Less prowling and chasing of “prey”
• Lying around the house more often instead of going outdoors
• Dislike of stroking, particularly of the back and/or tail
• No longer seeking affection or other personality change

As always, contact your veterinarian and request a wellness exam. Your veterinarian can help determine your options for managing joint health issues. Management for bone and joint health issues include pain relief, exercise, surgery, and/or the use of joint health supplements.

Many veterinarians recommend joint health supplements to help support and maintain healthy joints in cats. Several ingredients, specifically glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU), found in certain joint health supplements have been shown to work together to help protect cartilage structure and inhibit enzymes that break down cartilage.

Ask your veterinarian if a joint health supplement can benefit your cat.