Cat Hip and Joint Support Formulas

Cat hip and joint problems can lead to arthritis, hip dysplasia and other devastating diseases that can reduce your cat's mobility and increase pain during movement. There are many supplements available to ease these pains, which vary in cost and effectiveness.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Glucosamine and chondroitin are found naturally in cartilage, connective tissue and joint fluid and can serve as a natural way to soothe joint pain. Recent studies have shown that glucosamine and chondroitin from supplements can be reabsorbed into the connective tissue and distributed to the joints for anti-inflammatory and regenerating purposes.

Not all cats experience decreased symptoms from glucosamine and chondroitin supplements, but there's no harm in trying since these supplements occur naturally in your cat's body anyway. There are many supplement cocktails available with glucosamine, chondroitin and other elements, but glucosamine tablets from the grocery store can be effective as well.

Cosequin for cats is a popular joint supplement that combines glucosamine and chondroitin with a chicken flavor that can be easily sprinkled over your cat's food once or twice daily. Dr. Fosters and Smith also has several joint supplements available with glucosamine and chondroitin.

Muscle and Joint Support

Native Remedies produces a natural supplement called Muscle and Joint Support, which contains many herbs that combine to relieve joint pain.

Ingredients include Devil's Claw, which is known to support muscle, cartilage and joint strength, Spirulina, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Calc flor, which improves elasticity in cells and tissues, and other herbs that support a healthy body and immune system.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Just as humans benefit from their omega-3 fatty acids, so can your cat. Omega-3s have an antioxidant property that reduces pain in joints as well as providing many other health benefits. Cats can obtain their omega-3s many ways, including fish oils, which are particularly appealing to cats.

A product called Berrier Feline combines tart cherries and cranberries, which have demonstrated support of healthy joints, with omega-3 fatty acids in the form of fish and flaxseed oils to provide joint health to your cat in the form of a treat.

Pet Naturals also offers a hip and joint treat that combines glucosamine, chondroitin and omega-3 fatty acids to reduce hip and joint pain.

Other Supplements

Duralactin Feline utilizes a milk protein called MicroLactin, which is formulated for joint support and can be combined with glucosamine and chondroitin for additional support.

Synovi has three different supplement options that combine antioxidant vitamins in liver-flavored tablets to reduce joint pain. These supplements include omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, perna mussel, creatinine, which is used for muscle growth, and vitamins such as vitamin C.

There are many natural products available that reduce hip and joint pain in cats. Some will work better than others, so if one supplement doesn't help your cat show improvement, try a different supplement. They are available online through medical web sites and at local pet store chains, so they are easy to obtain and could help your cat tremendously.

 

Comments