Cat Treats For Joint Health

Zesty Paws Pure Salmon Oil For Dogs And Cats Liquid

Definitely one of the more intriguing offerings in terms of joint supplements, this is a bottle of salmon oil that can be added via a pump-dispenser to any food discretely.

Thanks to its natural ingredients, it doesnt contain any chemicals but is still packed full of fatty acids. As an added bonus, this will help them maintain a shiny coat too.

It requires refrigeration once opened, but all this without a fishy odor means it truly is one of the best joint supplements for cats .

• 8, 16, or 32-oz bottle
• $$ offers superior value for the price

Bottom line: A discrete and delicious way to maintain your cats joint health.

Other Treatments For Cat Arthritis

• Adequan is one of the medications that has been successfully used extra-label in cats suffering from arthritis . Adequan is an injectable therapy licensed to help dogs with certain types of arthritis. It acts by helping to protect the cartilage within joints and helps to reduce inflammation. Cartilage is the thin, smooth layer of cells that covers the bony surfaces within joints. Healthy cartilage is necessary to prevent the painful “bone on bone” rubbing that characterizes degenerative arthritis. Talk with your veterinarian to see if extra-label use of Adequan injections might help your arthritic cat.
• Stem cell therapy treatment, while still in its infancy and needing further scientific research, does seem to be showing some promise for helping cats with arthritis. Depending on the extent of your cats mobility problems and your finances stem cell therapy often costs in the $2,000-$3,000 range this could be something worth researching and discussing with your veterinarian. If you have pet insurance, some policies cover this type of treatment. You can see this recent Washington Post article and this wonderful synopsis of veterinary stem cell therapy on the Data For Good website.

How Is Cat Arthritis Diagnosed

If a veterinarian suspects arthritis, theyll review your cat’s medical history and complete a physical exam. The veterinarian will specifically look for:

• Visible joint deformity
• Grating when the cat moves its joints
• Fluid in the joints
• Joint instability

To confirm an arthritis diagnosis, your veterinarian will complete an X-ray to take pictures of the inside of the cat’s body and especially their bones.

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Liquid Capsules Or Chewable Tablets

Choosing between the types of joint supplements available depends on your cats preferences. Each of these supplement forms appeals to cats with varying tastes.

Liquid

Available with a dropper or a measuring cup, liquid supplements can be more easily mixed with your cats food. For cats that notice powders too easily, liquid options can blend in better and be almost unnoticeable. Droppers also give you the option of giving your cat the supplement directly rather than mixing it with their meal.

Capsules

Many capsule supplements arent designed to be used in pill form, although they can be. Theyre often too big for cats to swallow comfortably or for placing in pill pockets . You can open the capsules and sprinkle the contained powder on your cats meal.

Chewable Tablet

If your cat prefers chewy, soft textures and isnt afraid to wolf down supplements in treat form, chewable tablets enable you to avoid both liquids and powders. Some chews can be too big to offer to your cat as a whole, especially when the formula is suitable for both cats and dogs. While such chews are great for multi-pet households, you may have to break them into smaller pieces for your feline.

Does Glucosamine For Cats Work

Cats usually take glucosamine for one of two reasons. The first is to treat joint problems, primarily arthritis. The second is to support the lining of the bladder and defend against urinary tract disease.

Glucosamine supplementation may be able to help with both of these conditions, but that possibility is slimmer than you might expect given glucosamines popularity and frequent recommendation by veterinarians.

In both cases, the theory behind glucosamine supplementation lies in the fact that glucosamine is present in the body and naturally does good things there, so it must be helpful if you provide more as a supplement. The only problem is that glucosamine doesnt necessarily work that way.

Lets take a closer look at how and if glucosamine supplements work, starting with glucosamine for cats with arthritis.

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Best Cat Joint Supplements Of 2022

If youve ever come home to find your cat perched on top of your bookcase or doing zoomies around your apartment, you probably already know that your cat loves to jump, climb, run, and otherwise be mobilewhen they want to, of course. .

But cats, like people, can develop joint pain and stiffness, which can make them uncomfortable and irritable. Thats why some pet parents look to cat joint supplements to help support their cats mobility, protect joints from wear and tear, and manage pain and inflammation, if and when it starts. Here are some of the best cat joint supplements you can find to help your feline family member.

Best Joint Supplements For Cats: Our Top 5 Recommendations

The following supplements contain well-researched ingredients with known benefits for joint health. Most of them are frequently recommended by veterinarians and all have overwhelmingly positive customer reviews.

According to the company, Nutramax is the number one joint supplement brand recommended by veterinarians. Nutramax adds that theyre the only brand shown effective, safe, and bioavailable in published, controlled US studies. They note that their products are manufactured following standards similar to those practiced in the pharmaceutical industry.

Overall, Cosequin is a well-regarded brand with adherents in the veterinary community and throngs of believers. On Chewy, 96% of reviewers say theyd recommend these Cosequin joint supplement capsules. Reviewers share stories about their cats becoming more active, running, jumping, and playing more after a couple weeks on the supplement.

While some customers say the product didnt work, most negative reviewers complain that their cat didnt eat it at all, saying the powder tasted bad or that the capsules were only partially full.

The capsules contain a trademarked blend of at least 125 mg glucosamine hydrochloride, 100 mg sodium chondroitin sulfate, and 1 mg manganese, which is added to support glycosaminoglycan and mucopolysaccharide production. It also acts as an antioxidant.

Pros

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A Variety Of Cat Joint Supplements

You can buy cat joint supplements in liquid, chew, capsule, or powder form . They can include just a few ingredients, or a long list of components such as glucosamine, chondroitin, vitamin B12, methylsulfonylmethane , and omega-3 amino acids. Here are some that get top ratings from pet parents unless otherwise noted, they are made in the U.S.:

How To Reduce Arthritis Symptoms In Cats

While you can’t prevent feline arthritis, there are some steps you can take to reduce the severity of signs and maintain a good quality of life for your cat.

Maintaining your cat at a healthy weight is essential. If an arthritic cat becomes overweight this places additional strain on already painful joints. If your arthritic cat is already overweight, talk with your veterinarian about how to safely encourage weight loss. Regulating your cat’s diet and encouraging exercise are the best ways to maintain your cat’s body weight. Your veterinarian may recommend a specific diet that promotes weight loss. Ration your pet’s food and treats and experiment with different types of toys to figure out which ones your cat prefers and keeps your cat the most active.

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Is Glucosamine Safe For Cats

Among veterinarians, the general attitude towards glucosamine is that it might not help, but it certainly cant hurt, and hence its recommended as a harmless step in the right direction.

Glucosamine doesnt conflict with any drugs and isnt contraindicated for cats with any health conditions.

There are limited reports that starting a glucosamine supplement may cause gastrointestinal upset, but this is purely observational and theres no concrete evidence of a connection. In humans, these symptoms appear just as frequently among patients given a placebo.

How Msm Helps Dogs Joints

MSM, also known as Methylsulfonylmethane, is a naturally occurring form of sulfur that comes from several processes involving phytoplankton. However, most commercial MSM is created through chemical processes in a laboratory or manufacturing facility. It has been proven to significantly decrease the pain associated with degenerating joints. It is also used for a variety of other ailments, as it can have a significant, positive impact when treating things like diabetes, cancer, autoimmune disease, neurological disorders, and more.

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What Are Joint Supplements

Most joint supplements use a range of ingredients to keep your cats joints in top shape. They can come in various forms liquid, chewable tablets, or capsules with pre-portioned powder that you can sprinkle on your cats dinner but the recommended products always use similar ingredients to help boost your pets joint health.

Glucosamine

Derived from shellfish for use in supplements, glucosamine is a naturally occurring compound found in your cats joints and yours too. This substance helps repair the cartilage surrounding your cats joints. For older cats especially, producing enough glucosamine to keep their joints working properly can be a challenge, which is where these supplements come in.

A deficiency in glucosamine leads to pain and discomfort from inflamed and damaged cartilage. Boosting your cats glucosamine levels can help repair any damage caused by aging or surgery.

Chondroitin

Often partnered with glucosamine, chondroitin is another naturally occurring compound. Instead of repairing damaged cartilage, though, chondroitin focuses on removing the enzymes that damage the cartilage in the first place. It also helps lubricate your felines joints by enabling fluid retention.

Methylsulfonylmethane

MSM is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory chemical. Like glucosamine, its a naturally occurring substance that cats struggle to produce as they age. You can find it in most high-quality cat foods, along with glucosamine and chondroitin in joint supplements.

A Quick Comparison Of Our Favorites

The best overall joint supplement for cats is the Nutramax Cosequin Capsules Joint Health. Available at Chewy.com, these capsules are convenient, reasonably priced, and super effective. As a result, these supplements can help cats of any age feel comfortable playing and jumping.

Many cat owners and cats have tried Nutramax Cosequin Capsules Joint Health with great results. People report positive experiences in terms of capsule flavor and effectiveness. Many cat owners note that they have been using this supplement for decades, proving how effective it is over the long run.

Although the supplement is a bit pricier than some others, the price is not outrageous, especially considering its effectiveness. If you are looking for the best joint supplement for your cat, Nutramax Cosequin Capsules Joint Health is right for you.

The best joint supplement for cats for the money is the NaturVet VitaPet Senior Glucosamine Cat Soft Chews. Although specifically designed for seniors, this supplement can help your cat have loose and comfortable joints without spending a fortune. Cat owners on a budget will appreciate this supplement as a result.

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Glucosamine For Cats Final Thoughts

Glucosamine for cats may be worth a try if your cat has joint problems or bladder inflammation, but theres no guarantee that it will help.

Instead of relying on glucosamine alone, consider a system of anti-inflammatories, exercise, a healthy diet, and perhaps a joint supplement containing glucosamine.

The same applies to those looking for something to treat their cats bladder inflammation. Glucosamine may be able to help, but you shouldnt rely on it alone. A combination of stress reduction, a high-moisture diet, and anti-inflammatories will do a lot more than glucosamine alone.

With so much confusion over glucosamines efficacy as a supplement for cats, wed love to hear your thoughts! Let us know in the comments if you have used glucosamine for your cat and whether or not you think it helped.

Understanding Cat Joint Health

Normally, in healthy cats, the cartilage acts like a buffer that prevents bone friction and enables smooth gliding.

If the buffer is damaged or starts degenerating, the two bone surfaces forming the joint will rub from each other, resulting in pain and inflammation.

The pain is mostly accented when the cat is moving. In fact, joint health decline is the most common cause of reduced cat mobility.

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Paws & Pals Natural Salmon Oil For Dogs & Cats Liquid

Paws & Pals is another brand of pet products providing joint health for cats and dogs alike. Their formula boasts all-natural Wild Alaskan Salmon, purified to be chemical-free and rid of any harmful agents.

The fishy flavor is nice as a lickable treat or simply squirt and mix with your cats kibble or wet food at mealtime. Serving size is based on pet weight, so make sure to check directions before serving.

• 32-oz squirt bottle
• $ slightly less money than Zesty Paws

Bottom line: An affordable and wholesome oil to support joint health in your cat or dog.

Nutramax Cosequin Joint Health Cat Supplement Capsules

These capsules from Nutrimax are designed to counter one of the main causes of joint problems in cats cartilage breakdown.

In supporting healthy cartilage, they contain a mixture of glucosamine, sodium chondroitin sulfate, and magnesium.

The part your cats will enjoy, however, is the fact that it is tuna and chicken flavored. Numerous reviews attest to the fact that felines will eat these gladly from your hands! Cosequin has also been proven to provide cartilage safely to cats.

• 55 or 80-count bottle
• $ remains very affordable

Bottom line: These are highly-rated capsules and undoubtedly one of the top 6 best joint supplements for cats with joint issues.

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Best Cat Joint Supplement Powder

If youre looking for a supplement you can sprinkle on your cats food without having to break open a capsule, this is a good option to considerthough it is on the pricier side. However, if youre a multi-pet household, the price might be worth it because you can give this supplement to both cats and dogs. Veterinarian recommended, made in the USA, and clinically tested, this powder supplement is designed for pets that have more serious joint problems and contains several effective active ingredients, including glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, green lipped mussel, and hyaluronic acid. Plus, if you dont see results in your pet, you can get a full refund because the product comes with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.

Highlights

• Also available in chewable tablets and soft chews

How To Tell If Your Cat Needs A Joint Supplement

“Cats are absolute experts at hiding their pain, and it can be difficult for anyone, including veterinary professionals, to consistently identify pain in cats without additional diagnostic tools like x-rays,” says Ushi Phillips.

“That means it can be difficult for cat parents to just look at their cat and understand the degree of joint issues that they have. But a 2002 study found that 90 percent of cats over 12 had some degree of degenerative joint disease based on x-rays.”

Since age is a major indicator, it’s a good idea to ask your vet about joint supplements if your kitty friend is over eight years old. You should also talk to your vet if your cat has been noticeably struggling with jumping and running. Paying attention to possible signs of pain is a great way to get ahead of the issue.

” could be obvious like spending more time sleeping in spots that are low to the ground, but it could be more subtle like taking an easier route to the top of the cat tree,” says Ushi Phillips.

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How Is Cat Arthritis Treated

There are a few different treatment options available for cats with arthritis:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs . The most common treatment for cat arthritis, NSAIDs are prescribed by a licensed veterinarian who can help determine the duration and type of treatment.
• Pain management medication. In some cases, cats will be given painkilling drugs in cases where non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are not appropriate or not sufficient.
• Injectable joint protectants. This treatment helps relieve arthritic pain. It involves a veterinarian giving injections of glycosaminoglycans every four weeks or so to the cat.
• Acupuncture. Although the studies regarding acupuncture for cat arthritis are limited, some cats may benefit from it. Acupuncture is an old healing practice in Chinese medicine where needles are placed at specific points in the body to relieve pain.
• Cold laser therapy or photobiomodulation . This noninvasive and painless treatment allows a vet to move a small device that emits therapeutic light waves across your pets body, on top of their fur. This type of treatment has been shown to ease pain and decrease inflammation.

If you suspect your cat has arthritis, a licensed veterinarian can help determine the best treatment option for your cat.

Understanding The Driving Force Behind Cat Arthritis: Inflammation

Arthritis, which literally means inflammation of the joint, is a slow and progressive disease with many causes that affect the ENTIRE JOINT . One of the largest driving factors for the development of arthritis is inflammation. It doesnt matter where in the body it occurs or the cause. And one of the most significant causes of inflammation in a cat is obesity.

One of the most important things you can do is help prevent and control inflammation in your cat’s body. Here are a few ways to do this:

The sooner you detect a condition that causes inflammation, such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or kidney disease, the sooner it can be addressed and treated. With a thorough examination and history, and certain laboratory and other diagnostic tests, your veterinarian can thoroughly and fully evaluate your cat for the presence of conditions that could be causing your cat pain or other problems.

Many cat owners hesitate to bring their cat to the vet due to the stress they feel it causes. Here are some tips to help lessen the stress of a vet visit for your cat:

Also speak with your veterinarian to see if they recommend a calming sedative for your cat.

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