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Cat Arthritis Supplements:
Natural Relief for Your Cat’s Joint Pain


As cats age, their joints can become stiff and painful, leading to a gradual decline in mobility and overall quality of life. Many signs of arthritis in cats are subtle, and pet owners may not realize their cat is in pain. Arthritis is particularly challenging for senior cats, as it not only causes joint pain and inflammation but also affects their ability to perform simple, everyday activities. Your once-active cat may struggle to jump onto their favorite perch, hesitate to climb stairs, or even avoid using their litter box due to the discomfort of bending their legs. Other signs of arthritis in cats might include limping, stiffness, hiding, or increased irritability.

Since cats are independent and highly active creatures, the limitations arthritis imposes can be especially hard on them, impacting not only their physical abilities but also their emotional well-being as they struggle with the frustration of being unable to groom themselves or reach their favorite spots. Natural supplements like CBD oil, collagen, and omega-3 fatty acids offer targeted support to alleviate pain, help to reduce inflammation, ease joint discomfort, and promote joint health. By using cat arthritis home remedies, you can help your senior cat maintain their independence, comfort, and happiness as they age.

Why Give Your Cat Arthritis Supplements?


cat with arthritis climbing in a cat tree Reduce Inflammation - Arthritis causes joint inflammation, leading to discomfort and pain. Supplements with anti-inflammatory properties, like omega-3 fatty acids, may help reduce this inflammation and ease your cat’s pain.

Support Joint Health - Supplements containing collagen promote cartilage repair and regeneration, aiding in the recovery from injuries like limping or ACL tears. This can enhance overall joint health and slow the progression of arthritis.

Improve Mobility - Arthritis can lead to stiffness and reduced mobility in cats. Joint care supplements can help to improve joint flexibility and range of motion, helping your cat maintain an active lifestyle.

Natural Alternative To Medication - Some supplements provide a natural alternative or complement to prescription medications for cat arthritis. These supplements often have fewer side effects and most can be used alongside other treatments.

Prevent Further Joint Damage - Regular supplementation can protect against further joint damage, providing long-term benefits and helping to maintain your cat’s quality of life as they age.

What Are the Best Natural Supplements for Cat Arthritis?

Natural cat arthritis supplements contain ingredients like collagen, NEM (natural eggshell membrane), and hemp extract. At Ask Ariel, we use only the finest, human-grade ingredients so that you can feel confident about what you are giving your kitty. These ingredients have been extensively studied in human and animal research.

nem collagen for cats with arthritisNEM (Natural Eggshell Membrane) Collagen - A whole-food source of three types of collagen, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) like chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, and enzymes that support joint health. Collagen is a key component of the cartilage that cushions and supports the joints. Recent scientific studies [1] show that collagen from NEM® eggshell membrane is effective in managing pain and joint function loss in pets. Always choose a high-quality collagen supplement formulated for pets, as human products may contain ingredients that are harmful to cats.

hemp cbd oil for cats with arthritisCBD Oil Hemp Extract - CBD oil has anti-inflammatory properties that may help to reduce inflammation in the joints and support a healthy immune response. Hemp extract may help to reduce pain associated with arthritis, which can improve your cat's mobility and quality of life. Contains plant compounds such as terpenes and phenols that can help improve mobility and ease osteoarthritis pain [2].

omega3 fatty acids for cats with arthritisOmega-3 Fatty Acids - Omega-3s, found in fish and fish oil, decrease inflammation in your cat's joints. This can be helpful for senior cats and cats with arthritis. An article published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association shows that omega-3 fatty acids contain anti-inflammatory properties that are therapeutic for arthritis and joint pain [3]. Cats taking a high-quality fish oil supplement display increased mobility and activity.

green lipped mussels for cats with arthritisGreen-Lipped Mussel - Green-lipped mussels contain omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals as well as glucosamine and chondroitin. They are a natural anti-inflammatory, help strengthen bones and can reduce signs of arthritis in cats.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin - Glucosamine and chondroitin are building blocks for repairing and rebuilding cartilage and synovial fluid. Cartilage provides cushioning for the joints and synovial fluid reduces friction between the cartilage. Glucosamine supports the production of collagen, which is an essential component of cartilage. As cats age, their cartilage tends to wear thin because their bodies produce less glucosamine. Chondroitin helps prevent deterioration in the joints and may provide pain relief.

SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine) - SAMe is a powerful antioxidant widely prescribed by veterinarians for cats with osteoarthritis. It's promotes cellular growth repair and helps to protect the cartilage and joints. Very important to use if your cat has been on prescription pain medications or NSAIDs.

When choosing cat supplements for arthritis, it's important to use products that are specifically formulated for cats. Additionally, it is also important to consult with your veterinarian to determine which supplements are appropriate based on your cat's individual needs and health history.


How Can I Prevent Arthritis in My Cat?

Preventing arthritis in cats involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Ensure your cat stays at a healthy weight, provide regular exercise, and feed them a species-appropriate diet that is low in inflammatory ingredients. Starting joint supplements early, particularly for cats at risk due to age or breed, can help delay the onset of arthritis. Regular vet check-ups will also help catch any early signs of joint issues, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention strategies.

How Can I Make My Home More Comfortable for an Arthritic Cat?

Creating a comfortable environment for a cat with arthritis is key to managing their pain. Introduce ramps to help them access furniture and provide orthopedic beds for joint support. Ensure that litter boxes are easy to access, with low sides. Raise food and water dishes to a comfortable height to reduce strain on their joints. By making these adjustments, you can improve your cat’s quality of life and ease the discomfort associated with arthritis.

Are Holistic Therapies Effective for Cat Arthritis?

Holistic therapies can be an effective complement to traditional arthritis treatments. Acupuncture can help with pain management, while laser therapy reduces inflammation and promotes tissue healing. Gentle massage can improve circulation and relieve muscle tension around arthritic joints. When used in combination with natural supplements, these therapies offer a comprehensive approach to managing arthritis in cats, enhancing their comfort and mobility. Many veterinarians now offer holistic treatments such as acupuncture and laser therapy.

Common Causes of Cat Limping

Arthritis - While more associated with dogs, arthritis can affect cats too, especially in their later years. This can cause joint pain and stiffness that can result in limping.

Soft Tissue Injuries - Cats can suffer from sprained or strained muscles or ligaments, often due to sudden movements or jumps.

Pillow Paw (Pododermatitis) - This condition is more common in cats and can result in swollen, sensitive paws. Limping is a common response to the pain and sensitivity caused by the inflammation in the paw pads.

If your cat is limping, it’s important to have them examined by a veterinarian. Early treatment is essential to prevent the condition from worsening and to provide your cat with the best chance for recovery.


Recommended Supplements for Cats with Arthritis


Ultra-Flex Collagen for Pets – A natural “whole-food” cat joint care supplement that strengthens cartilage, rebuilds connective tissue and supports joint health. Contains food-sourced ingredients and enzymes. The key ingredient is NEM® brand eggshell membrane, a food source of glucosamine and chondroitin. It contains key bioactive proteins such as collagen, which have been shown to support joint comfort and flexibility. Excellent choice for cats that are allergic to glucosamine or that are picky about herbal cat joint supplements. Backed by research. Relieves joint pain and discomfort, strengthens and repairs. Tasteless powder provides allows for an easy once-a-day administration. One of the best cat supplements for arthritis.



Happy Paws Organic Hemp Extract For Cats - Happy Paws is the best CBD oil for arthritis in cats. These easy-to-use drops are an excellent anti-inflammatory for cats. Animal studies have suggested that hemp extract exhibits pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. This CBD oil can help cat limping, arthritis and pain. This arthritis pain treatment helps to promote a sense of calm. Professional veterinary strength. It contains simple ingredients: each bottle contains 550mg of full spectrum hemp extract in an unflavored all-natural coconut oil base. 100% organic. It’s rigorously tested for potency and purity. Made in the USA.



PureOcean Wild Omegas For Cats - PureOcean Wild Omegas are made from wild-caught sardines, anchovies & mackerel. They have a natural fishy flavor and many cats love the taste. Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and may provide relief from pain, stiffness, discomfort, and reduced mobility. Omega-3 fatty acids can promote overall joint health by supporting the maintenance of cartilage and joint fluid. This can help slow down the progression of arthritis and preserve joint function. Excellent value. One bottle lasts 4-6 months for cats.





ArthroStride For Pets - Our comprehensive joint supplement is now formulated for cats! Scientifically-proven ingredients like MSM, glucosamine, green-lipped mussels, collagen, resveratrol, hyaluronic acid, and curcumin may offer several potential benefits for cats with arthritis and mobility issues. ArthroStride can help support joint health by promoting cartilage integrity, reducing inflammation, and providing structural support to arthritic joints. Excellent value. One bottle lasts over 6 months for cats.



Sources
  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6044796/
  2. https://journals.lww.com/pain/Citation/2020/09000/A_randomized,_double_blind,_placebo_controlled.24.aspx
  3. https://avmajournals.avma.org/doi/abs/10.2460/javma.239.11.1441