Arthritic Cat Food - Preparing A Arthritic Feline Diet

Like people, overweight cats are predisposed to developing chronic diseases. And extra weight on arthritic bones can make your cat significantly more uncomfortable.

According to Dr. Richard Pitcairn, author of “Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to the Natural Health of Dogs and Cats,” Rodale Press, preventing arthritis begins in the womb.

He feels that by feeding proper nutrition to pregnant female cats, her youngsters will be better built with adequate nutrition forming their tissues and bones. He recommends feeding the pregnant mom a wholesome natural diet. Kittens should be raised on equally wholesome kitten food.

Additionally, a cat’s weight should be maintained throughout his life to prevent obesity and the chronic illnesses that accompany it. Avoid feeding fatty or sweet snacks to him. If he’s already overweight, increase his activity by playing with him, don’t feed him any extra snacks—even cat treats and feed a low-fat, high-protein diet.

Prevention may also include regular doses of vitamin C. Dr. Pitcairn notes that preventive nutrition is key, but if the cat already has arthritis, treatment can help keep him more comfortable and lessen the impact of the disease.

Some experts also have seen benefit with adding glucosamine and chondroitin supplements. Dr. Martin Goldstein, DVM, author of “The Nature of Animal Healing,” Knopf, recommends the herbs yucca, devil’s claw and alfalfa for relieving arthritis pain. Dr. Goldstein also notes that healthy nutrition for a cat begins in the womb, and if the pregnant mother is fed a healthy nutritious diet, her fetus will build strong joints and bones. If the kitten is on the same nutritious diet, subjected to few toxins including medications (or flea and heartworm medications) and vaccinated minimally, his chances for developing arthritis will be minimal.

Nina Anderson and Howard Peiper, authors of “Are You Poisoning Your Pets?” Avery, also recommend garlic, about ½ clove in each meal. Yucca, they say, has been used as a natural anti-inflammatory. Additionally, they say that parsley sprinkled over cat food can assist in building a stronger immune system. Alfalfa, they say, is high in chlorophyll and nutrients, which help alkalize the body. They say that mixing alfalfa with flax and other nutrients is best for greater nutrient value.

Dr. Goldstein also says that he has seen positive benefits with acupuncture for animals with chronic pain. The painless insertion of fine needles into particular points on the body opens up the “blocked chi” and lets the energy flow.

Feel a healthy diet with meat and added raw grated celery, carrots and beets. Supplement with vitamins C, D, A and E. For A and E, you can use cod liver oil. He also recommends garlic as an herbal treatment for overweight cats. Overweight cats will find greater relief if they lose weight. And, like with people, a little daily exercise is good for getting those ole bones and joints moving!

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