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If your cat has been diagnosed with arthritis, you’re probably doing everything you can to make life less painful for them. Raised food and water bowls, easy-access cat trees, and large orthopedic beds where they can stretch out—you’ve tried it all. But what about cat arthritis supplements? They include glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3, and B12 (often sold in combination), ingredients often touted as helpful for joint conditions (for humans too).
Many of us with older cats have tried them—and had mixed results. A brand of glucosamine, chondroitin, and manganese recommended by our vet seems to do wonders for my arthritic tabby, Zoe. But Max, our Siberian mix, dropped out of the experiment after three months—he didn’t seem to get much benefit from the supplement.
The problem is, there are few (if any) large-scale studies supporting the effectiveness of joint supplements for cats with arthritis. So we don’t know why the supplements seemed to help one arthritic cat and not the other. Veterinarian Cailin Heinze, an assistant professor of nutrition in the department of clinical sciences at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, says that vets are recommending cat joint supplements on the basis of the experiences of cats like Zoe.
“The good news is that there are studies in other animals and anecdotal reports indicating that these substances may improve comfort in some situations—perhaps through an anti-inflammatory mechanism,” Heinze says in a comprehensive article on cat joint supplements for Bay State Animals. “And if you’re using a high-quality product from a reputable source—a product that actually contains what the supplier says it contains—then the safety level is pretty high.”
How to Choose a Cat Arthritis Supplement
Your veterinarian is the best source of guidance for what, if any, supplements your cat needs. Ingredients in some herbal supplements can interact with prescribed medication, which is why it’s important to tell your veterinarian about all of your cat’s medications and supplements before adding an arthritis supplement to the mix.
If you do decide to try a cat arthritis supplement for your fluffy friend, it pays to be picky. Check out online reviews and you’ll discover upset pet owners who feel their cats were harmed by contaminated or fake supplements from questionable brands.
These tips from Dr. Gary Richter, award-winning vet, and member of Rover’s Dog People Panel, will guide you to high-quality supplements for your cat:
- Look for brands that have commissioned clinical studies of their products.
- Read labels carefully to ensure quality and safety.
- Look for a lot number on the product. This is a sign that the company uses quality control checks.
- Choose brands with confirmed expertise.
- Be wary of claims that sound too good to be true. Vitamin supplements are just that—supplements. They are not cure-alls or medications.
- Do not give human supplements to your cat, as they may contain ingredients that are harmful to cats.
- In general, the best options will be available through your veterinarian.
The bottom line about arthritis supplements for cats: Talk to your vet first before introducing any nutritional supplement into your pet’s diet.
A Variety of Cat Arthritis Supplements
Cat arthritis supplements come in many forms: liquid, chew, capsule, and powder. Most of the capsules are designed to be opened and the oil or powdered contents sprinkled into food. You’ll find some products with just a few ingredients, and others with a long list of components such as glucosamine, chondroitin, vitamin B12, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), and omega-3 amino acids. Here are several arthritis supplements that get top ratings from cat parents.
Nutramax Cosequin Joint Health Cat Supplement Capsules
Cosequin helps support cartilage production and protect existing cartilage from breakdown; it’s manufactured following standards similar to those practiced by the pharmaceutical industry. You can give your cat a capsule, or sprinkle the capsule contents onto their food. Made in the U.S.
Vetoquinol Triglyceride Omega Dog and Cat Liquid Supplement
Add omega-3 fatty acids to your cat’s food using this pump bottle—one pump adds 1000 milligrams of fish oil—along with vitamins A and D3. Made in Canada.
Shop on ChewyNaturVet Glucosamine DS Plus Dog and Cat Soft Chews
This chew-type supplement includes glucosamine, chondroitin, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), vitamins, and omega-3. You’ll want to give your cat this chew with or after a meal to reduce the chance of stomach upset. Made in the U.S.
Shop on ChewyVetriScience GlycoFlex Stage II Joint Support Cat Chews
GlycoFlex bite-size chews are formulated specifically for cats and are tailored to the stage of the cat’s joint issues. This stage II, moderate strength, product contains glucosamine, Perna canaliculus (green-lipped mussel, a bivalve touted for arthritis relief), and other joint-support ingredients. Made in the U.S.
Shop on ChewyNordic Naturals Omega-3 Cat Arthritis Supplement
Nordic Naturals offers an omega-3 arthritis supplement made from sustainable anchovies and sardines. The dropper allows you to measure the dosage based on your cat’s body weight. It stays fresh for three months after opening. It’s made in the U.S.
Shop on ChewyVetriScience Omega Dog & Cat Softgel Capsules
This comprehensive fatty acid arthritis formula for cats and dogs is rich in ALA, GLA, EPA, and DHA from borage seed, flaxseed, and fish. It combines the health benefits of omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acids. The recommended dose for cats is a capsule every other day—the caps can be opened and the contents mixed with food. Made in the U.S.
Shop on ChewyNutramax Welactin Feline Omega-3 Arthritis Softgels
This cat arthritis supplement delivers omega-3 fatty acids in a soft gel capsule. Twist or break the capsule and squeeze the oil onto the cat’s food. Made in the U.S.
Shop on ChewyFurther Reading
- Canned Pumpkin for Dogs and Cats: Is It Really Good for Them?
- The 10 Healthiest Cat Food Options to Dish Out on a Budget
- Can My Dog Eat Fish Oil?
Featured image via Brett Jordan/Unsplash