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6 Best Joint Supplements for Cats {Guide + Reviews}

As your cat gets older, you may discover that it begins to have certain medical issues. Cats are susceptible to all kinds of health problems in later life, and arthritis is just one of them. Weak joints are more common in our fluffy felines than you might think, which is why it’s important to provide the best joint supplements for cats so that you can help alleviate joint pain and better yet – keep joint problems at bay.

Thankfully, as well as more holistic and physical remedies for your cat many companies have developed products that aim to ease their problems while having minimal impact on their lives

In this article:

  • How to Tell When Your Cat Has Joint Problems
  • What Are Joint Supplements for Cats?
  • Our Selection of the 6 Best Joint Supplements for Cats
  • Top Choice: Scruffy Paws Hip n’ Vitalize Joint Drops
  • Final Thoughts: Guide to Choosing the Best Joint Supplements for Cats

Read more below to learn about the problems cats encounter regarding their joints, how you might recognize when your cat is suffering, what joint supplements are, and what the best joint supplements for cats are!

How to Recognize When Your Cat Has Joint Problems

One of the most severe joint issues a cat can have is arthritis.

Up until it has been little-reported, but recent studies show that about 20% of the feline population either have or are at risk of this condition, the number increasing dramatically amongst elderly cats. [1]

Arthritis, and even basic joint degeneration, despite not being such a surface-level condition, is fairly easy to recognize.

Signs of joint problems in cats include:

  • Your cat sleeps more than usual
  • Generally less active
  • Disinterest in grooming themselves
  • Change in urination behavior

If you’ve noticed that your cat lies down and sleeps more than it often (admittedly, a harder one to confirm for some lazier kitties). They might also stop grooming themselves or change their pattern of urination.

These last two are of particular concern; not only do they affect hygiene but may cause digestion problems which can lead to further complications down the line.

Of course, not every joint disorder is as easily recognizable as others. In fact, it may take a consultation with your vet to properly diagnose.

Certain symptoms that you may not be able to spot on your own include any muscle wastage your cat might suffer from [2]. There also might be a detection of a grating sound in their joint itself.

A cat’s weight will also be a factor in a joint’s health. An overweight cat will put more pressure on their joints, even more so when they jump around.

What Are Joint Supplements for Cats?

Even the best joint supplements for cats will not be able to stop arthritis. However, a regular dosage of a joint health supplement should certainly ameliorate the condition without affecting lifestyle or diet too much.

Joint supplements for cats can come in many various forms: as powders, oils, drops, or capsules which can be sprinkled on to food.

The type you choose will depend largely upon the preference of your cat, how they ingest their food, and what kind of sensitivities they have in their diet (or how suspicious they are of foreign ingredients in their bowls!).

In any case, joint supplements are a far preferable alternative to the anti-arthritic drugs intended for dogs, that some vets prescribe for cats, despite the fact that they are more sensitive to (and potentially harmed by) the side-effects.

The Best Joint Supplements for Cats

Having discussed just what they achieve, let’s have a look at some of the best joint supplements for cats currently on the market.

Scruffy Paws Hip & Joint Vitalize – Drops

Hip n’ Joint Vitalize Drops

Buy 2 Get 15% off

The Scruffy Paws Hip & Joint Vitalize Drops are one of the best joint supplements for cats on the market.

It contains 5 of the most effective, scientifically-backed joint support ingredients into 1 formula to offer full-spectrum joint support in cats.

Just a couple of drops a day supports your cat’s joint flexibility and mobility and helps to maintain healthy cartilage and connective tissue.

Watch the pain, swelling, and stiffness lift from your cat’s joints as they return to their seemingly younger, energetic self.

Plus, these drops contain palatable organic beef flavor so your feline won’t even suspect they’re getting a dosage of joint meds!

  • 59 ml bottle ~ lasts approx. 2 months
  • $$
  • Save 15% when you buy 2 bottles

Testimonial

“My 16 year old Siamese was really struggling to get around and having a lot of pain in her hips and back legs (along with heart and urinary problems). We tried another Glucosamine product from our vet but the pills were too big to give her and when I mixed the powder with her food, she refused to eat it. On recommendation from a friend I ordered scruffy paws hip & joint drops and it has really helped improve my 16 year old Siamese’s mobility. In a week she went from constant discomfort and very limited mobility to RUNNING (yes, she ran for the first time in almost a year) this morning. Really happy to see this!”

-Eric M


Bottom line: Scientifically-backed (+ tasty) ingredients make the Hip n’ Joint Vitalise drops by Scruffy Paws the top-of-the-line choice for best cat joint supplements.


Nutramax Cosequin Joint Health Cat Supplement – Capsules

Joint Supplements for Cats | Fluffy KittySee Details

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.


Particular Paws Dog & Cat Joint Supplement – Powder

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A product designed both for dogs and cats, this could be the product for someone who has both animals which need a bit of mobility help.

This powder formula is a little easier to administer, and also contains Omega 3 and Omega 6, as well as other vitamins.

It can be given as a form of treatment in some cases, or as a preventative to younger animals to help stop them from developing arthritis in the first place. Owners recommend this after seeing the difference in energy levels that their animals have.

  • Powder joint supplement for dogs & cats
  • $$ 4-oz jar

Bottom line: Ideal for a multi-pet household and for cats who prefer powder of chews or tablets.


Zesty Paws Pure Salmon Oil for Dogs and Cats – Liquid

Best Joint Supplements for Cats | Fluffy KittyBuy on Chewy

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 doesn’t 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 (and dogs!).

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

Bottom line: A discrete and delicious way to maintain your cat’s joint health.


Paws & Pals Natural Salmon Oil for Dogs & Cats – Liquid

Joint Supplement CatsCompare Reviews

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 cat’s 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 (+ more) in your cat or dog.


VetriScience GlycoFlex Joint Support – Chews

Joint Chews for Cats

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Lastly, if your cat likes to chomp on chews, VetriScience offers a unique feline formula for joint support. Like their other products, VetriScience is all vet-made and vet-approved.

The GlycoFlex II formula is designed to meet the needs of aging cats or senior cats, who are beginning to slow down due to joint health issues or weight problems.

High-quality ingredients like glucosamine and MSM ensure to lubricate and support joint activity to keep your feline as active as possible.

  • 60 chicken + liver-flavored soft chews
  • $ extreme value for money

Bottom line: A tasty treat for your aging cat that optimizes hip and joint health (at a super affordable price).


Final Thoughts: 6 Best Joint Supplements for Cats

In this article, we’ve discussed how you might tell if your cat is suffering from joint discomfort, or is in the early stages of arthritis. 

We’ve also discussed what a joint supplement is and why you might give one. It’s tempting to try and give human painkillers, but be warned that these are incredibly bad for cats, and contain active ingredients that can be harmful to them.

The best joint supplements for cats are ones that suit their diets, their eating habits, and any other digestive concerns they may have.

Your best bet is to combine a supply of these with a healthy, active lifestyle, and to consult with your vet if you have any concerns!

Kathreen Miller

Friday 27th of April 2018

Great article.For providing more comfort to our pets we should feed our pets with food that is best suited for them.Supplements are very essential for treatment of cats and dogs from various health issues.I have been using supplement like pet bounce for cats for my cat who was suffering from joint pains.It turned out to be very effective as it is a natural pain relief for cats.

Brittany, Paul, & Yoda =^^=

Friday 27th of April 2018

That's wonderful news!!! Thanks for sharing! We just got Yoda some Lysine chews to improve his immune health. He loves 'em!