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Quick answer: Of the joint supplements sold for cats, omega-3 fatty acids have the best, though still limited, evidence for easing arthritis pain. Glucosamine and chondroitin, the most common ingredients, showed no meaningful effect in a 2022 review of the research. For a cat in pain, the most effective options come from your vet: weight management, prescription pain relief, and since 2022 a monthly injection, Solensia, approved by the FDA for arthritis pain in cats.
How we put this guide together: We are not vets and we didn’t test products. This guide summarises a 2022 systematic review of arthritis diets and supplements in dogs and cats (Barbeau-Grégoire et al., International Journal of Molecular Sciences) and the FDA’s approval summary for Solensia. We don’t rank supplement brands, because the research doesn’t support picking one product over another.
What the evidence says, at a glance
| Option | Evidence for arthritis pain | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil, green-lipped mussel; omega-3-enriched diets) | Best of the supplements, though most studies were in dogs | Ask your vet about dose; some joint diets already contain them |
| Glucosamine and chondroitin | No meaningful effect found | The 2022 review recommends against using them for arthritis pain |
| Weight management | Widely advised by vets | Less weight means less load on sore joints |
| Prescription pain relief (from your vet) | Strongest options | Includes Solensia (frunevetmab), FDA-approved in 2022 |
How common is arthritis in cats, and how do you spot it?
Arthritis (osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease) is common in older cats, but cats hide pain well, so it’s often missed. Rather than limping, many cats simply do less. Signs to watch for include:
- No longer jumping up to favourite high places, or hesitating first
- Using stairs more slowly, or avoiding them
- Less grooming, especially of the back and hindquarters, leading to a scruffy or matted coat
- Peeing or pooping outside the litter box, sometimes because climbing in hurts
- Sleeping more, playing less, or being grumpier when handled
If you notice these changes, book a vet check. They aren’t a normal part of ageing that you have to accept.
What the research says about joint supplements
In 2022, researchers pooled the results of controlled trials of arthritis diets and supplements in dogs and cats. They found “evident clinical analgesic efficacy for omega-3-enriched diets, omega-3 supplements and cannabidiol (to a lesser degree)”. For glucosamine and chondroitin they found “a very marked non-effect”, and concluded these “should no longer be recommended for pain management in canine and feline osteoarthritis.”
One important caveat: of the 72 trials included, only 3 were in cats. The findings for omega-3s are encouraging, but much of the evidence comes from dogs. Cannabidiol (CBD) products for pets are also largely unregulated and their quality varies, so don’t use them without talking to your vet first.
Treatments from your vet
The most effective arthritis care for cats comes through your vet:
- Weight management. Helping an overweight cat slim down reduces the load on painful joints.
- Prescription pain relief. Your vet may suggest an anti-inflammatory pain medicine licensed for cats, used under monitoring.
- Solensia (frunevetmab). In January 2022 the FDA approved Solensia, a monthly injection, as the first treatment for controlling arthritis pain in cats. It’s a cat-specific antibody that targets nerve growth factor, a protein involved in pain, and is available only on prescription from a vet.
- Home changes. Ramps or steps to favourite spots, a litter box with a low entry, and soft, warm bedding all help.
Should you buy a joint supplement for your cat?
Our verdict: If you want to try a supplement, an omega-3 product, or a vet-recommended joint diet enriched with omega-3s, has the best evidence behind it. Agree the product and dose with your vet, since cats need appropriate amounts and some products aren’t designed for them. Glucosamine and chondroitin on their own aren’t worth paying for to ease pain, based on the current evidence.
Don’t rely on a supplement alone for a cat that’s clearly in pain. Weight management and prescription treatment from your vet do far more. Never give a cat human pain medicines: some common ones are toxic to cats.
Frequently asked questions
Do joint supplements work for cats?
Omega-3 fatty acids have the best evidence among supplements, though most studies were in dogs. A 2022 systematic review found glucosamine and chondroitin had no meaningful effect on arthritis pain and recommended against using them for it.
Is glucosamine good for cats?
It’s generally considered low-risk, but a 2022 review of the research found glucosamine-chondroitin products had no meaningful effect on arthritis pain in dogs and cats. If your cat has joint pain, ask your vet about options with better evidence.
What is Solensia for cats?
Solensia (frunevetmab) is a monthly injection approved by the FDA in January 2022 to control pain from osteoarthritis in cats. It’s a cat-specific antibody that targets nerve growth factor, and is available only on prescription from a vet.
How can I tell if my cat has arthritis?
Cats rarely limp. Look instead for reluctance to jump, slower movement on stairs, less grooming, accidents outside the litter box, and less play. A vet exam can confirm arthritis and rule out other causes.
Further reading
- Pet Health Products Worth Buying
- Wet vs Dry Cat Food: Which Is Better for Your Cat?
- Pawp Review: Vet Telehealth Explained
Sources
- Barbeau-Grégoire M, Otis C, Cournoyer A, Moreau M, Lussier B, Troncy E (2022). “A 2022 Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Enriched Therapeutic Diets and Nutraceuticals in Canine and Feline Osteoarthritis.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences 23(18):10384. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Freedom of Information Summary for Solensia (frunevetmab injection), NADA 141-546, approved January 13, 2022. animaldrugsatfda.fda.gov
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