CBD for Cats with Arthritis & Joint Pain: A Natural Approach to Relief

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Feline arthritis can be challenging to manage and occurs in almost all senior cats. Understanding it is crucial to prevention and management. There are so many options for cats with arthritis, including supplements, veterinary drug therapies, and alternative measures like laser therapy, that it can be overwhelming. Let’s discuss arthritis and joint pain in cats, how it affects our feline friends, and how to manage it holistically.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, is a chronic, painful condition that affects a cat’s joints. This progressive disease occurs over time, often associated with aging, and is believed to impact between 70% and 90% of cats over 12 years old. However, arthritis isn’t limited to senior cats; it can also develop in younger cats due to underlying causes such as injury or congenital joint abnormalities.

Arthritis develops gradually, with many changes occurring in the joints over the years. The cartilage that normally lines and cushions the joint begins to break down, leading to abnormal bone-on-bone contact. Over time, the surrounding bone may splinter and form sharp, bony projections called osteophytes, which further irritate the joint. These changes cause swelling, inflammation, and significant pain.

The joints most commonly affected by arthritis in cats include the spine, hips, knees, and elbows, but it can develop in any joint. As a progressive disease, arthritis continues to worsen over time, causing chronic pain and reduced mobility. Cats with arthritis may struggle with activities they once enjoyed, such as jumping or climbing, and exhibit behavioral changes due to discomfort.

Although arthritis is typically viewed as an aging disease, it can affect cats of any breed or sex, making awareness and early intervention critical for maintaining their quality of life.

What Causes Arthritis in Cats?

Arthritis literally means “inflammation of the joints” in medical terminology. Although a very commonly diagnosed problem, it should not be considered normal.

Arthritis in cats has several causes; it can be caused by genetic issues, infections, chronic chiropractic misalignment (allowing bones in the joint to rub together abnormally), or tissue degeneration from autoimmune disorders. It is most commonly seen in the spine, hips, knees, shoulders, and elbows.

When the tissue surrounding our cats’ joints becomes inflamed, if not controlled, the joints will begin to degenerate, causing even more damage and pain. Curtailing the inflammation is critical to keeping arthritis at bay. As we know, inflammation is the root of almost all diseases in the body.

Symptoms of Arthritis in Cats

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Some cats will not show symptoms of joint pain until the arthritis is advanced, which is harder to get ahead of. Symptoms can vary over time and from animal to animal, but these are the most commonly noted:

  • Stiffness, soreness, reluctancy to get up from lying down
  • Unwillingness to jump up on things they usually would
  • Limping
  • Muscle weakness or wasting
  • Swelling of the joints
  • Lethargy / Decreased Energy
  • Falling or stumbling
  • Lack of self-grooming
  • Changes in posture
  • Crying out when having a bowel movement
  • Lack of play
  • Hiding more than usual
  • Aggression

How is Arthritis Diagnosed in Cats?

Spotting the Early Signs of Arthritis in Cats

As we stated, cats are not as good at showing symptoms as humans or dogs would. Their nature and biology dictate they appear as healthy as possible so as not to be vulnerable to predators. So be keen on watching your cat’s daily activities and make notes if things change.

Veterinary Diagnosis of Arthritis in Cats

Not using the litter box is a key sign in many feline disease conditions, so if this occurs, it’s not a bad idea to take your cat to your integrative veterinarian to get an exam (and possible x-rays) done to check for issues.

Radiographs (x-rays) are a great tool in revealing arthritis, as this condition will be shown in this type of imaging. Simple manipulation by your veterinarian can also yield a diagnosis, as well as testing for various inflammatory markers.

Managing Arthritis in Cats

Conventional Veterinary Treatments for Arthritis in Cats

  1. NSAIDs
    NSAIDs are Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and while they are prescribed without much thought, they will negatively affect the liver, kidneys, and GI tract of cats and are associated with many side effects. They are prescribed long-term but really should be only used when necessary, and not for the long term due to their organ damaging effects.
  2. Pain Medication like Gabapentin
    Gabapentin is NOT approved for use in animals, yet vets have been prescribing it for pets for many years. This drug is very close to becoming a controlled substance and suppresses the entire central nervous system. It is very sedating and also comes with a list of side effects, just like NSAIDs.
  3. Joint Injections like Adequan
    This is probably the safest conventional treatment for arthritis. Adequan is the broken-down part of glucosamine, which will help joints maintain their mobility and has other benefits. The typical side effect is injection site reaction, unlike other drugs that have damaging systemic effects.
  4. Solensia- an Anti-Nerve Growth Factor Antibody
    This medication is relatively new and comes with a host of dangerous side effects. In the canine world, it’s known as Librela and has caused countless deaths and tragic side effects.

Natural Remedies for Arthritis in Cats

Supporting your cat’s joint health naturally involves addressing inflammation, mobility, and overall well-being through holistic approaches. From diet adjustments to supplements and therapies, these options work together to promote comfort and improve your feline friend’s quality of life. Below are some effective natural strategies to help manage arthritis in cats.

Diet for Arthritis in Cats

Diet is the most critical managing factor when it comes to feline arthritis. Getting your cat off dry food like kibble is paramount to reducing inflammation throughout the body, including the joints.

Switch to a fresh, whole-food diet as much as you possibly can. Cats can be notoriously fussy eaters, so this switch may take some time, but we promise it’s worth it! Look for brands that ethically source their ingredients, include omegas (or have a balanced omega 3:6 ratio), and avoid synthetic vitamins and minerals in the food.

Weight Management for Cat Arthritis & Joint Pain

Having your cat maintain a healthy body weight is also a critical factor in managing arthritis. The fatter a cat is, the more stress there will be on their joints.

Since increasing activity may be challenging due to their arthritis, switching food to a low-carb, fresh diet will likely effortlessly take the weight off your overweight cat. Adding digestive enzymes and probiotics will also help their gut process food more efficiently and positively affect their immune system and gut, which regulate inflammation.

Glucosamine & Joint Support for Cats with Arthritis

Glucosamine is a well-known joint support, and for cats, it benefits their bladder as well. So putting your cat on some sort of natural joint supplement is a good idea, regardless of whether they have arthritis.

Look for potent products without inactive ingredients like sugars, dyes, thickeners, flours, or preservatives, as these ingredients often counteract the purpose of the joint supportive ingredients meant to be anti-inflammatory. Green Lipped Mussel, Chondroitin, Boswellia, MSM, Hyaluronic Acid, and Yucca are potent joint-supportive ingredients that often come in combination in many products.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Joint Pain in Cats

Omega-3s are critical for many body processes, from supporting eyes, skin, and joints to inflammatory responses. Commercially made diets for cats have no requirement for omegas, so it’s essential to supplement your cat with healthy fatty acids to ensure a proper inflammatory response. Look for omegas in triglyceride or phospholipid form (bioavailable and easy to absorb), and avoid anything in ethyl ester form, as this form of omegas is cheap and does more harm than good.

Laser Therapy for Cat Arthritis

Laser therapy is a safe, side-effect-free way to reduce inflammation in almost any body part instantly. Regular laser therapy done by your veterinarian or rehabilitation therapist is an excellent tool for managing arthritis that is pain-free and easy to administer. You can use various at-home light therapy devices for a fraction of the cost.

Acupuncture for Arthritis in Cats

Acupuncture is a tried and true tool for so many diseases, including arthritis. A trained acupuncturist can use this tool to align meridians in your cat’s body to create balance and lower inflammation caused by arthritis. It is definitely an option you don’t want to overlook!

Preventative Tips for Cats with Arthritis

There are a couple of other preventative measures worth mentioning as well. Ensure your cat can easily access their litterbox by finding a walk-in option instead of a jump-in-style box. Additionally, if you have a cat breed more prone to joint disease, like Maine Coons, Persians, or Himalayans, do not let your cat go up and down stairs until they are fully grown (after one year of age).

Benefits of CBD for Cats with Arthritis

Among the many benefits of CBD for cats, CBD offers a natural way to support cats with arthritis, addressing pain, inflammation, and mobility challenges. By interacting with the endocannabinoid system, CBD promotes balance within the body, helping to improve comfort and quality of life for cats living with joint discomfort. Below, we explore the key benefits of using CBD for feline arthritis.

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Arthritis often brings discomfort and pain, and Full Spectrum Hemp extract offers a safe, natural alternative to traditional pain medications. CBD for cats arthritis and cat joint pain provides relief in several ways.

Cannabis has been used as an effective analgesic for thousands of years, primarily by influencing how the central nervous system communicates pain sensations to the brain. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, a network that plays a key role in pain perception. By modulating this system, CBD may help manage arthritis-related pain in cats.

CBD for Arthritis Inflammation

Inflammation is a significant factor contributing to joint pain and stiffness in arthritis. CBD can reduce inflammation, easing discomfort for cats with arthritis. Compounds in full-spectrum hemp extract, including CBD, deliver anti-inflammatory effects throughout the body.

Inflammation is often the root of many health issues, including allergies, chronic pain, autoimmune disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Most arthritis pain in cats is due to inflammation in the joints. By reducing this inflammation with CBD for cats’ arthritis pain, we’re addressing the source of the problem and preventing additional discomfort.

CBD for Improved Mobility for Cats with Arthritis

Joint stiffness and limited mobility are common challenges that come with arthritis in cats, and improving mobility is a priority for many pet owners exploring natural options. CBD holds the potential to enhance mobility in several ways. CBD for cat arthritis may contribute to greater joint flexibility and increased movement in cats by alleviating pain and inflammation.

CBD’s ability to ease joint stiffness may promote better flexibility. Cats with arthritis often experience a limited range of motion, and CBD can support more fluid movement. Cat arthritis can also cause muscle tension as the body tries to protect painful joints. With muscle relaxant properties, CBD may relieve stress, encouraging smoother and more comfortable movement.

CBD for Managing Anxiety in Cats with Arthritis

Cats with arthritis may experience anxiety, particularly when movement is painful. CBD has calming properties that can help reduce anxiety, leading to an overall improvement in your cat’s well-being.

CBD can mimic serotonin within the brain by activating the body’s 5-HT1A serotonin receptors. Serotonin is key to emotional balance, known as the “happy” chemical. Additionally, a 2019 study published in the Permanente Journal found CBD to have a calming effect on the central nervous system and to be better tolerated than some psychiatric medications.

When arthritis causes discomfort with movement, cats may become anxious about activities like climbing or jumping. So CBD for cat anxiety can help keep them calm and comfortable, enhancing both mobility and quality of life.

CBD for Immune System Modulation in Cats

CBD also supports the endocannabinoid system in modulating the body’s immune response. In cases where arthritis stems from an autoimmune reaction, like rheumatoid arthritis, CBD may help by signaling the immune system to moderate its response, reducing joint inflammation and damage.

Dosing CBD for Cat Arthritis

EASE: CBD oil for cats with arthritis allergies inflammation pain Full Spectrum Hemp extract effectively relieves symptoms of arthritis in cats, but total symptom relief takes time. Some cats may feel relief within a few days, while others may take one to two weeks. This is why consistent use is so crucial for arthritis management.

Contrary to popular belief, dosing CBD oil for cats doesn’t rely heavily on your cat’s size or weight. Finding the correct dose of CBD for cat arthritis depends on your cat’s specific condition, metabolism, age, pain level, sensitivity of their endocannabinoid system, and other unique factors.

How Much CBD Oil for Cats with Arthritis & Joint Pain?

We recommend our Ease CBD Oil for Cats, formulated with full spectrum hemp extract, turmeric and frankincense to target inflammation and support joint health in cats with arthritis. This potent blend naturally provides relief and promotes comfort.

Start with 9-18mg daily of CBD oil for cats with arthritis. For our Ease tincture, 1mL or a full standard dropper, contains approximately 9mg of FSHE CBD. CBD remains in the bloodstream for approximately 6-8 hours, so splitting the daily dose into 2-3 smaller doses is often beneficial.

If you don’t notice a difference within one to two weeks, try increasing the dosage by an additional 9mg until results are evident. You’ll know you’ve found the right dose when your cat shows signs of increased comfort and agility.

Extra Strength CBD Oil for Cats with Arthritis and Joint Pain

Some cats need a higher CBD dosage to address arthritis, joint pain, allergies, inflammation, and other concerns. If you find your cat’s optimal dosage requires several droppers a day of our EASE formula, we offer our new Extra Strength EASE, which contains double the concentration of CBD.

Cats with more severe symptoms can enjoy enhanced relief and improved mobility with our extra strength formula. Carefully crafted and extensively tested, this premium formula supports your cherished companion’s well-being. Give your cat the extra arthritis relief they need with Extra Strength EASE.

How to Administer CBD Oil for Cats with Arthritis

For optimal absorption, lift the cat’s lip and apply the CBD oil directly to the gums—this is the fastest route to the bloodstream, bypassing the gastrointestinal system.

Alternatively, you can add it to their food, although it may take 30-45 minutes to reach the bloodstream, as it has to pass through the digestive tract. If administering orally or with food is difficult, you can also apply CBD oil to the soft skin of your cat’s inner ear, and/or their paw pads. This method is the least bioavailable and will take the longest to enter the bloodstream.

Success Stories

Thousands of pet parents have turned to our EASE formula, to support their pets with arthritis, chronic pain, and age-related issues. From helping senior cats regain mobility to relieving discomfort in cats with chronic conditions, our CBD oil can help. Here are just a few success stories from happy cat parents who’ve witnessed the transformative effects of EASE CBD oil for cats with arthritis and joint pain.

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Melissa shared how “EASE helped my almost 20 year old cat relax and nap with less aches and pains. I noticed within 20 minutes of giving the drops he was more comfortable.”

Debbie was happy to see that “My old feline seems to move about with more enthusiasm with the Ease CBD.”

Jennifer saw relief for her cat who was dealing with chronic pain, causing incontinence, until she tried EASE, “This was my cat’s first experience with CBD oil and after some dose and method tinkering, I believe we have found a way to keep her pain free. My cat Munchie was showing me in a very obvious way that she had been in pain. She would have bouts where she would pee all over the house.. The vet was able to pin it down to pain in her hips. So it took a bit to figure out her dose and the method to take it, but she is eating well, purring all the time and her peeing bouts have drastically decreased.