Feline degenerative joint disease (DJD), commonly known as osteoarthritis (OA) , is a prevalent condition that affects many cats, especially as they age. This painful condition can significantly decrease mobility and impact your cat's quality of life.
While various treatments exist, many pet owners like you seek alternative approaches to manage DJD-associated pain and improve their cat's mobility. One particularly promising avenue is dietary modulation, specifically the use of omega-3 fatty acids . These essential nutrients have demonstrated potential in alleviating pain and enhancing activity in cats with OA, offering a natural complement to traditional treatments.
Given the valid concerns about using drugs such as NSAIDs in cats, particularly those with chronic kidney disease, dietary interventions like omega-3 supplementation present a safer, long-term management strategy for your feline companion.
Summary
Understanding feline osteoarthritis and what's happening in your cat's joints
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the joint cartilage in your cat's body. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones within a joint breaks down, resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. OA is characterized by an increase in matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which perpetuate the cycle of cartilage destruction and inflammation.
Radiographic evidence of DJD is remarkably common in cats, with studies revealing that 93 out of 100 randomly selected cats showed radiographic evidence of DJD in some part of their axial or appendicular skeleton. The prevalence of OA increases with age, making it a significant concern for your senior cat. Common joints affected by OA in cats include the vertebrae, elbows, hips, shoulders, and tarsi.
One of the greatest challenges in recognizing OA in your cat is that you might mistake their behavioral adaptations to pain as normal aging. Cats excel at hiding their discomfort , so subtle changes in behavior can be easily overlooked if you don't know what to watch for.
Recognizing the warning signs: behavioral changes in arthritic cats
Some common behavioral changes in cats with OA include:
Decreased mobility
Reduced grooming
Decreased activity level
Changes in litter box habits
How Omega-3 combats joint inflammation
Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have emerged as beneficial nutrients for your cat's joint health. These fatty acids possess potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help mitigate the inflammation associated with OA.
By reducing inflammation, omega-3 fatty acids can alleviate your cat's pain and improve joint function in those suffering from DJD. A therapeutic diet high in EPA and DHA, supplemented with green-lipped mussel extract and glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate, has been proven to produce pain-relieving and activity-enhancing effects in cats with painful, mobility-impairing DJD.
What Science tells us about Omega-3s for feline arthritis
Several scientific studies support the use of omega-3 fatty acids in managing feline OA. One key study evaluated a diet high in EPA and DHA, supplemented with green-lipped mussel extract and glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate, for its pain-relieving and activity-enhancing effects in cats with painful, mobility-impairing DJD over a 9-week period. The results clearly indicated that cats fed this test diet demonstrated greater objectively measured activity compared to cats eating a control diet.
Another important study revealed that cats receiving fish oil supplementation showed a higher activity level, walked up and down stairs more frequently, exhibited less stiffness during gait, interacted more with their owners, and jumped higher compared to those receiving corn oil supplementation. A systematic review of multiple studies confirmed that fish oil supplementation was associated with a proven benefit in managing canine and feline osteoarthritis.
Finding the right Omega-3s and best sources for your cat's supplementation
EPA and DHA are long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids primarily derived from marine animals (fish) and plants (algae). For your cat, the most effective sources of omega-3 fatty acids are purified fish oil products containing EPA and DHA.
While human fish oil supplements can be used, veterinary formulations are readily available and may be easier to administer to your cat, ensuring accurate dosing and improved palatability.
Implementing Omega-3 therapy
Before starting any supplementation, it is crucial that you consult with your veterinarian . Your vet can properly diagnose OA, assess its severity, and recommend an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your cat's specific needs. Omega-3s can be incorporated into your cat's diet through specialized foods or direct supplementation.
Look for diets specifically formulated with increased EPA and DHA levels for joint health. In one study, a supplement containing 1.53 g EPA and 0.31 g DHA per 1000 kcal ME was used with positive results.
For pruritic skin disease, an omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio of less than 5:1 can be effective, while proportionally larger amounts of fish oils giving ratios of 3.5:1 or lower may be needed for other conditions such as arthritis.
Important considerations and potential side effects
While omega-3 fatty acids are generally safe for your cat, there are some important considerations and potential side effects to be aware of. You should use caution in the immediate post-operative period due to potential detrimental effects on wound healing.
In one clinical study, some cats had to be withdrawn due to vomiting, indicating that some felines may not tolerate high doses of fish oil. Additionally, it's important to note that approximately one-third of older cats have a decreased capacity for fat digestion , which may affect their ability to absorb omega-3 fatty acids effectively. This is something your veterinarian can help you monitor and address.
Conclusion: Improving your cat's quality of life with Omega-3 supplementation
Omega-3 fatty acids offer a promising avenue for managing your cat's osteoarthritis by reducing inflammation and improving joint function. Scientific studies strongly support their use in alleviating pain and enhancing activity levels in cats with DJD.
By incorporating omega-3 supplementation as part of a comprehensive approach to managing your cat's OA , you can help improve their quality of life and ensure they live a more comfortable and active life for years to come.
Dr. Annina Müller
The information in this article is based on the following scientific publications:
Corbee, R.J., Barnier, M.M.C., van de Lest, C.H.A. and Hazewinkel, H.A.W. (2012). The effect of dietary long-chain omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on owner’s perception of behaviour and locomotion in cats with naturally occurring osteoarthritis. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 97(3), pp. 456-466.
Gajanayake, I. (2024). The use of fish oil supplements in small animal veterinary practice. In Practice, 46(9), pp. 405-410.
Henrotin, Y., et al. (2023). Oral supplementation with fish cartilage hydrolysate in an adult population suffering from knee pain. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 24(1), 748.
Lascelles, B.D.X., DePuy, V., Thomson, A., Hansen, B., Marcellin-Little, D.J., Biourge, V. and Bauer, J.E. (2010). Evaluation of a Therapeutic Diet for Feline Degenerative Joint Disease. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 24(3), pp. 487-495.
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