Cats are known for their graceful movement, energetic play, and impressive feats of agility. However, if your cat is experiencing joint problems, you might notice that they don’t walk, jump, play or climb as easily as they once did. Read on to learn more about cat joint pain and the role joint supplements can play to help keep joints healthy and support mobility.

Understanding Joint Care for Cats

Your cat’s joints are the places where two or more bones meet — the shoulder, hip or knee, for example. When the tissues that support the joints are affected by injury or disease, your cat might start to experience joint pain.

How Do I Know if My Cat Has Joint Pain?

Cats are very stoic creatures and do not tend to express to us when they’re in pain. However, there are some changes or behaviours you can look out for in your cat. A very common sign is your cat having trouble walking, but other signs of cat joint pain can include:

• Occasional lameness, limping or leg stiffness
• Difficulty or hesitation when climbing or jumping, avoiding higher surfaces
• Difficulty going up or down stairs
• Difficulty using the litter tray
• Sleeping more than usual
• Reduced activity, playing or hunting
• Staying indoors more than usual
• Lack of grooming or over-grooming of painful joints
• Irritability or other changes in temperament
• Changes in appetite

These can be signs of joint disease or other problems in your cat, so you should always have them checked out by your vet.

The Role of Joint Supplements for Cats

To support your cat’s joints and keep them healthy you may consider adding a joint supplement. These supplements typically contain ingredients that are parts of the building blocks for healthy joint tissues, and elements that help keep joints healthy and flexible.

Here are some of the more common cat joint supplement ingredients and how they may benefit your feline friend:

• Omega-3 fatty acids: These healthy fats can help support a normal inflammatory response, maintain joint flexibility and improve joint mobility.

• Eggshell membrane: This novel ingredient has a joint-friendly nutrient content. Derived from the inner layer of an eggshell, the membrane is rich in ingredients like collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid, naturally found in joints.

• Collagen: Naturally found in the cartilage, a loss of collagen can be associated with mobility issues. Adding collagen to a supplement can therefore help support joint health.

• Glucosamine and chondroitin: These two ingredients often go hand-in-hand in joint supplements. They’re used to maintain the cartilage structure and lubrication. In addition, chondroitin can help prevent the breakdown of cartilage, keeping it strong and healthy.

• Hyaluronic acid: This water-retaining molecule helps to keep the joints well-lubricated. It’s been used for joint mobility for decades, both in humans and animals.

• Astaxanthin: This antioxidant helps to fight oxidative damage that could be responsible for joint degeneration and mobility issues. Some algae are a rich and natural source of this nutrient, so look for algae-derived astaxanthin as opposed to bacterial or synthetic.

Selecting the Right Supplement for Your Cat

When choosing a cat joint supplement, keep the following factors in mind:

• Age: Senior cats or kittens may need different ingredients or quantities, so choose a product formulated for their specific life stage for best results.

• Weight: If your cat is overweight, you may need to pair your supplement with a weight management plan to help ease the burden on their joints. Their weight may also influence the amount they need.

• Severity and type: If your cat is at risk of joint problems, you may want a supplement geared at preventing such problems. At the other end of the scale, cats with severe joint problems may need more care than just a supplement.

• Other health needs: If your cat has other health problems, joint health supplements may not be effective or suitable for them.

It can be difficult to assess whether a cat joint supplement is suitable for your cat without professional advice, especially if your cat has existing health problems or needs extra support. That’s why we always recommend working with your vet to choose the right joint supplement for your cat’s unique and specific needs.

Complementary Methods to Enhance Joint Health for Cats

In addition to cat joint supplements, you may find the following complementary methods helpful for managing your cat’s joint pain:

• Diet: The foundation of joint health for cats is a complete and balanced food. In other words a diet that contains all required nutrients in the correct amounts. Ask your vet if a food containing supportive joint health ingredients can help.

• Physical activity: Your cat may not be able to exercise and play in the way they used to, but physical activity can still benefit their joints. Try to encourage ground play, as opposed to jumping games and lower any climbing towers if possible.

• Weight management: If your cat is overweight, ask your vet to help you with an appropriate weight loss plan. This will help to ease the burden on their joints.

• Medicines: Your vet might recommend medications to ease inflammation and pain.

• Physiotherapy: Your vet might recommend a tailored physiotherapy plan to help improve your cat’s joint function, keep them mobile, and reduce pain.

• Home adaptations: Try elevating things like food and water bowls to a comfortable level and providing ramps for your cat to get to their favourite spots.

Conclusion: Ensuring a Comfortable Life for Your Cat

It’s never too early to start thinking about your cat’s joint health, so ask your vet about adding joint supplements to their daily routine, especially for active outdoor cats. If your feline friend is already having mobility issues you can still provide them with the great quality of life they deserve. Work with your vet to create a personalised treatment plan that includes quality nutrition, exercise, and effective cat joint supplements.