Practical exercises for cats with osteoarthritis

Has your cat been diagnosed with Osteoarthritis? Do you want to learn some safe exercises to improve your cat’s mobility? Good reflex!

Regular physical activity will maintain his/her joint flexibility and prevent weight gain. Excess weight puts additional pressure on the joints, which might trigger osteoarthritis in your cat.

Here are a few tips so your kitty can stay in shape.

TIPS FOR GETTING YOUR CAT MOVING 

Obviously, if your cat has joint pain, he/she will be less likely to move around.

To get him/her motivated...

• Use balls or set up games that dispense kibble at the same time. In this way, your cat will be able to play while eating more moderately, because he/she will have to work for his/her kibble! We especially like:
  • ​Kong ball: an old classic for cats and dogs, this toy stimulates physical and mental activity!
  • Pipolino: a kibble dispenser that your cat has to move to get at the kibble to eat it.
  • Catit feeding maze: here, your cat paws at the kibble until it falls into the food tray. Ingenious!
• ​Place his/her water bowl, food tray and litterbox in different rooms and on different floors if possible, in order to maximize the movements necessary for meeting basic needs.
• The indispensable laser! Simply point the beam on the wall or floor: your cat will play until he/she is exhausted. But be careful of changes of direction which are too sharp.
• Hide small toys so he/she has to “hunt” for them.

AND REMEMBER TO...

• Make sure your pet does not jump too high, which is bad for osteoarthritis.
• Consider Flexadin for your cat! Talk to your veterinary proefessional about this nutritional supplement.