Supporting your cats mobility

The musculoskeletal system of our cats has to do heavy work every day. It makes sure that they can romp around carefree or jump on the highest cupboards. In this article we tell you how you can prevent unnecessary damage to your cat's musculoskeletal system and why glucosamine and chondroitin can support it.

What does the term “musculoskeletal system” actually mean?

In medicine, this is used to describe the entirety of all structures that help living beings to perform any type of movement. Of course, jumping and running are part of it, but turning the head is also carried out by it. So we're talking about joints, muscles, tendons and fascia. Incidentally, the latter describes the soft tissue components of the connective tissue, which covers muscles and tendons, among other things.

What are glucosamine and chondroitin?

These two ingredients are finding increasing use in animal feed. While glucosamine is derived from chitin, cartilage from various animals is used to obtain chondroitin. The former is an amino sugar found in connective tissue, cartilage and synovial fluid. Chondroitin belongs to the group of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) and occurs naturally in cartilage tissue.

What effect can these two substances have on the musculoskeletal system?

While glucosamine is said to have an anti-inflammatory effect, for example, chondroitin is said to have a positive effect on the elasticity of the cartilage. While there are already many studies in humans, this is unfortunately not the case in cats. Nevertheless, more and more pet owners are giving their cats glucosamine and chondroitin.

Does my cat need support?

Older cats in particular often do not show that they are in pain. So how can you tell, for example, that your furry friend´s hip hurts? The following signs may indicate this:

• Apathy
• Aggression when touching the affected area
• Limping
• Reluctance to move
• Loss of apetite

How can you give your cat relief?

Are you unsure if your cat is in pain? Please see your vet first! He can carry out further examinations and prescribe the appropriate medication for your animal. No one should have to live with chronic pain, especially our loved pets. Of course, you can support your house cat in addition to his medical treatment. The following tips should help you:

• Evaluate your cat's weight. Obesity is often a triggering factor for diseases such as arthritis, an inflammation of one or more joints. Discuss with your vet how you can slowly but steadily reduce its body weight.
• Customize your home to her needs. Your pet should stop making high jumps and any other movements that cause pain. So make sure that all feeding and watering places are easily accessible and that there are enough lying places at a low level. Also reorganize your play time so that your cat is not encouraged to run fast or, for example, brake hard with its paws.
• The right support. In addition to administering the right medication, which of course should always come first, glucosamine and chondroitin can make your cat's everyday life easier. A gentle massage of their paws and back can also be beneficial.

Not only older,but also young cats benefit from supporting their mobility.