Last updated Dec 11, 2023
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Joint supplements aren’t a substitute for veterinary care, but they could help your aging cat feel their best. As a complement to a healthy diet, certain ingredients may help relieve joint stiffness, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain.
In this guide, we discuss the potential benefits of joint support supplements for cats and review the best ingredients. We’ll also provide a roundup of our top picks for cat joint supplements.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Joint Supplements for Cats
Want a quick look at the products reviewed in this article? In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Vetoquinol Flexadin Advanced with UCII Collagen Soft Chews
- Made with research-backed ingredients
- Appealing aroma and chicken liver flavor
- Soft texture makes it easy to chew
Nutramax Cosequin Hip & Joint Health Supplement for Cats
- Perfectly sized for cats
- Soft, squishy texture is easy to chew
- Long history of positive reviews
Nutramax Dasuquin Hip & Joint Health Capsules
- Easy to administer poured over food
- Capsule contents are very finely powdered
- Economical daily cost
Super Snouts Joint Power Powder Joint Supplement
- Finely powdered and easy to administer
- May be good for general joint support
- Rich in natural omega-3 fatty acids
Liquid Health Pets Joint Purr-Fection Cat Supplement
- Liquid supplement is easy to administer
- Clearly marked eyedropper for easy dosage
- Cats seem to enjoy the beef flavor
Nutri-Vet Cat Hip & Joint Paw Gel
- Tasty salmon and liver flavor
- Good option for cats with dental problems
- Carries the NASC quality seal
NaturVet Joint Health Advanced Care Powder Joint Supplement
- Easy to administer powdered form
- Cats seem to like the beef flavor
- Wide array of joint-supporting ingredients
Vetriscience GlycoFlex Stage II Chicken Liver Flavored Soft Chews
- Soft, chewy texture
- Moderately strong active ingredient concentration
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and MSM
PetHonesty Dual Texture Hip + Joint Health Supplement
- Crunchy exterior with soft inside
- May appeal to picky eaters
- Carries the NASC quality seal
Pet Naturals Hip + Joint Supplement Chews
- Cute fish-shaped soft chews
- Contains multiple joint-supporting ingredients
- Flavored with fish
Why Trust Cats.com
As the owner of three senior cats, I’ve spent a significant amount of time worrying about joint health. To supplement my personal experience and prior knowledge, I performed extended research on cat joint health (and the active ingredients that support it) before deciding which products to test. I read clinical studies, consulted veterinary experts, and collected anecdotal evidence from cat owners who have used joint supplements.
I personally purchased all of the products included in this roundup and tested them with my three cats Bagel, Munchkin, and Biscuit. In addition to analyzing the product information, I researched the brands and checked their rating on FakeSpot. During testing, I made observations about each supplement’s appearance, aroma, and ease of use while my cats provided their opinions on flavor and general appeal.
The 10 Best Cat Supplements for Joint Health
Before giving your cat any kind of supplement or medication, check with your veterinarian. While healthy cats prone to mobility issues may benefit from a daily supplement that contains joint-supporting ingredients, cats with chronic joint problems may be better served by vet-prescribed medications that reduce joint pain and inflammation.
#1 Best Overall: Vetoquinol Flexadin Advanced with UCII Collagen Soft Chews
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: Canada
- Type: Soft chew
- Recommended Daily Dose: 1 chew
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.93
- NASC Quality Seal: Yes
Featuring anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids as the primary active ingredients, these chicken liver-flavored soft chews are formulated for both dogs and cats. Vetoquinol has a nearly 30-year history in the industry and this product carries the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) quality seal.
These treats are consistently well-reviewed and made with research-backed ingredients. At nearly $1 a dose, they’re fairly pricey but they’re one of the few products on the market that includes undenatured type II. This collagen is the primary component of cartilage, and various studies in dogs have shown that it can reduce joint pain and improve joint mobility.
Because these chews are designed for both dogs and cats, they’re fairly large. The soft texture makes them easy to break into smaller pieces, however. My cats really enjoyed the flavor of these treats and they had just enough aroma to make them immediately interesting.
Active Ingredients
Omega 3 Fatty Acids (Flaxseed Oil and Fish Oil), dl-alpha Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), UC-II Brand Chicken Collagen, Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA).
Active Ingredients Per Serving
- Non-Hydrolytic UC-II: 40 mg
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Flaxseed Oil): 80 mg
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil): 20 mg
- Vitamin E: 42 mg
Inactive Ingredients
Arabic Gum, Brewer’s Yeast, Calcium Sulfate, Chicken Liver, Citric Acid, Citrus Pectin, Glycerin, Maltodextrin, Mixed Tocopherols, Oat Flour, Oat Meal, Propionic Acid, Rosemary Extract, Rye Flour, Silicone Dioxide, Sodium Alginate, Sorbic Acid, Soy Lecithin, Vegetable Oil, Water.
What We Liked
- Made with research-backed ingredients
- Appealing aroma and chicken liver flavor
- Soft texture makes it easy to chew
- Can be broken into smaller pieces
What We Didn’t Like
- Not appropriate for cats with chicken allergies
- Daily cost is around $1
#2 Best Soft Chew: Nutramax Cosequin Hip & Joint Health Supplement for Cats
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Type: Soft chew
- Recommended Daily Dose: 2 chews (initial), 1 chew (maintenance)
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.20–$0.50
- NASC Quality Seal: No
Easily one of the most popular cat joint supplements, Cosequin comes in soft chews and capsules. These soft chews are round and ideally sized for cats, with a soft, squishy texture. They have a noticeable aroma that made them my cat’s second favorite (check out their top choice as my recommendation for picky cats below).
These joint health soft chews feature glucosamine hydrochloride and sodium chondroitin sulfate as the primary active ingredients. Both ingredients promote the repair of damaged joint cartilage. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil provide anti-inflammatory support. While some cats respond more than others to supplementary glucosamine and chondroitin, these chews have a long history of favorable reviews.
Something to keep in mind with this supplement is that the initial dosage is twice the maintenance dosage. It may take a few weeks for your cat to respond, at which point you can reduce the daily dose from 2 chews (for cats up to 10 pounds) to 1 chew per day.
Active Ingredients
Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Omega-3s.
Active Ingredients Per Serving
- Glucosamine Hydrochloride: 125 mg
- Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate: 100 mg
- Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 30 mg
Inactive Ingredients
Fish Oil, Glycerin, Mixed Tocopherols, Natural Flavor, Rosemary Extract, Silicon Dioxide, Starch, Vegetable Oil.
What We Liked
- Perfectly sized for cats
- Soft, squishy texture is easy to chew
- Long history of positive reviews
What We Didn’t Like
- Some cats may not respond to glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation
- Make take 4–6 weeks to see results
#3 Best Capsule: Nutramax Dasuquin Hip & Joint Health Capsules
Powdered joint supplements are a convenient alternative for cats who refuse capsules and soft chews. Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Type: Capsule
- Recommended Daily Dose: 1 capsule
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.31
- NASC Quality Seal: No
Also made by Nutramax, these joint health supplements come in capsule form. Like the previous product, they feature glucosamine and chondroitin as the primary active ingredients. The key difference is that they also contain avocado and soybean unsaponifiable (ASU), an extract that some evidence suggests may complement the effects of glucosamine and chondroitin.
There are two ways to administer this supplement. One option is to offer the entire capsule and the other is to open the capsule and sprinkle its contents over food. My cats accepted it both ways.
Unless you feed your cat a chunky diet that will disguise the shape of the capsule, sprinkling it over food may be the most effective option. That said, opening the capsules requires a delicate hand. The best tactic is to pinch either end between your fingertips and twist while gently pulling the two halves apart.
Active Ingredients
Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiables, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Green Tea Extract.
Active Ingredients Per Serving
- Glucosamine Hydrochloride: 125 mg
- Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate: 100 mg
- Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiables: 25 mg
- Boswellia Serrata Extract: 11 mg
- Green Tea Extract: 9 mg
Inactive Ingredients
None
What We Liked
- Easy to administer poured over food
- Capsule contents are very finely powdered
- Economical daily cost
- Strong history of safety and customer satisfaction
What We Didn’t Like
- Opening the capsule requires a delicate hand
- Some cats may not respond to glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation
#4 Best Powder: Super Snouts Joint Power Powder Joint Supplement
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Type: Powder
- Recommended Daily Dose: One (300mg) scoop
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.11
- NASC Quality Seal: Yes
If you like the idea of mixing your cat’s joint supplement into their food but don’t relish the idea of struggling to open a capsule every day, a powdered supplement might be best. This Super Snouts Joint Power powder comes in a 5-ounce jar with a little scoop that makes it easy to administer. Just sprinkle and stir.
Unlike the previous supplements, this product isn’t made up of individual components. The only ingredient is powdered green-lipped mussel. Green-lipped mussels are a rich natural source of glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids.
While I found this supplement very easy to administer, my cats didn’t enjoy the mussel flavor as much as the chicken- and beef-flavored supplements. It’s also worth mentioning that this supplement doesn’t list the exact content of joint-supporting compounds per serving, so it may be better for general, proactive joint support than treatment of ongoing concerns.
Active Ingredients
Green Lipped Mussel
Active Ingredients Per Serving
- Green-Lipped Mussel: 300mg
What We Liked
- Finely powdered and easy to administer
- May be good for general joint support
- Rich in natural omega-3 fatty acids
- Carries the NASC quality seal
What We Didn’t Like
- Exact content of joint-supporting compounds isn’t listed
- Some cats may not enjoy the mussel flavor
#5 Best Liquid: Liquid Health Pets Joint Purr-Fection Cat Supplement
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Type: Liquid
- Recommended Daily Dose: 1–2 ml
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.35–$0.75
- NASC Quality Seal: No
Though my cats didn’t favor the mussel flavor of the previous pick, they barely noticed the beef flavor of this liquid supplement mixed into their food. Keep in mind, however, that it’s recommended you administer this product directly by mouth, if possible. The clearly labeled eyedropper makes it easy enough to do.
This liquid joint health supplement features glucosamine hydrochloride, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), and chondroitin as key active ingredients. MSM is included to help reduce joint pain and inflammation, while glucosamine and chondroitin provide overall joint support.
A significant number of cat owner reviews mention visible changes in their cat’s mobility. It’s also a popular pick among picky cats who refuse soft chews and capsules. This product carries the NASC quality seal.
Active Ingredients
Glucosamine Hcl, MSM, Taurine, Chondroitin Sulfate, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Manganese.
Active Ingredients Per Serving
- Glucosamine Hcl: 260 mg
- MSM: 120 mg
- Taurine: 100 mg
- Chondroitin Sulfate: 50 mg
- Ascorbic Acid: 50 mg
- Sodium Hyaluronate: 10 mg
- Manganese: 1 mg
Inactive Ingredients
Beef Liver Powder, Citric Acid, Organic Beef Flavor, Purified Water, Potassium Sorbate, Vegetable Glycerin (USP), Xanthan Gum.
What We Liked
- Liquid supplement is easy to administer
- Clearly marked eyedropper for easy dosage
- Cats seem to enjoy the beef flavor
What We Didn’t Like
- Some cats may refuse oral administration
- Some cats don’t respond to glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation
#6 Best Gel: Nutri-Vet Cat Hip & Joint Paw Gel
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Type: Paste
- Recommended Daily Dose: ¼–½ teaspoon
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.13–$0.27
- NASC Quality Seal: Yes
Yet another alternative to soft chews and capsules, paw gel is a type of supplement that sometimes works well for picky cats. Instead of mixing the product in food or administering it directly by mouth, you squeeze it onto your cat’s paw and they lick it off during grooming. Though described as a paw gel, I’d say it has more of a paste-like consistency.
This Nutri-Vet supplement features glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin as the key active ingredients. It’s marketed as an extra-strength formula, containing 350 mg of glucosamine and 250 mg of MSM per teaspoon. Note, however, that the recommended dosage is ¼ teaspoon once or twice per day.
In terms of administration, I found this supplement very easy to use. My cats weren’t particularly interested in it when I offered it to them but they didn’t mind licking it off their paws. It has a salmon and liver flavor, which may appeal to cats who don’t enjoy poultry flavors.
Active Ingredients
Glucosamine (from Shellfish Source), MSM, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate (from Bovine Source), Yucca Schidigera Extract, Sea Kelp Extract, Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid).
Active Ingredients Per Teaspoon
- Glucosamine Hydrochloride: 10.5 mg
- MSM: 7.5 mg
- Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate: 1.5 mg
- Yucca Schidigera Extract: 3.5 mg
- Sea Kelp Extract: 1 mg
- Vitamin C: 1.5 mg
Inactive Ingredients
Cetyl Alcohol, Cmc Sodium Methylcellulose, Fiber, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Lecithin, Methylparaben (a preservative), Potassium Sorbate (a preservative), Salmon Flavor, Sodium Benzoate (a preservative), Soybean Oil, Stearic Acid, Water, White Fish Flavor, Xanthan Gum.
What We Liked
- Paw gel may work for cats who refuse other supplements
- Tasty salmon and liver flavor
- Good option for cats with dental problems
- Carries the NASC quality seal
What We Didn’t Like
- Dosing can be tricky
- Contains more inactive ingredients than other products
#7 Best Moderate Strength: NaturVet Joint Health Advanced Care Powder Joint Supplement
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Type: Powder
- Recommended Daily Dose: 1 teaspoon
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.28
- NASC Quality Seal: Yes
Featuring glucosamine, MSM, green-lipped mussel, and chondroitin (among an array of other joint-supporting ingredients), this NaturVet supplement comes in an easy-to-administer powder form. My cats found the beef flavor very appealing, and while some cat owners disagree, I didn’t find the aroma overpowering.
Compared to the contents of Dasuquin capsules, this powdered supplement isn’t quite as fine but it’s still easy enough to mix with food. It’s a particularly popular product among owners of senior dogs but the dosage can easily be scaled down for cats. Your veterinarian can help you adjust the dosage for your cat.
Active Ingredients
Glucosamine HCl (Shellfish Digest), MSM, Green-Lipped Mussel, Chondroitin Sulfate (Bovine Source), Yucca Schidigera, Boswellia Serrata, Calcium Ascorbate (Vitamin C), Type II Collagen, Zinc, Hyaluronic Acid (from Kolla2®), Vitamin E 60.
Active Ingredients Per Teaspoon
- Glucosamine Hydrochloride (Shellfish Source): 500 mg
- Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): 500 mg
- Green-Lipped Mussel: 200 mg
- Chondroitin Sulfate (Bovine Source): 200 mg
- Yucca Schidigera: 90 mg
- Boswellia Serrata: 90 mg
- Calcium Ascorbate (Vitamin C): 60 mg
- Type II Collagen: 32 mg
- Zinc: 7 mg
- Hyaluronic Acid (from Kolla2): 5 mg
- Vitamin E: 60 IU
Inactive Ingredients
Brewer’s Dried Yeast, Natural Flavoring, Rice Bran.
What We Liked
- Easy to administer powdered form
- Cats seem to like the beef flavor
- Wide array of joint-supporting ingredients
- Carries the NASC seal
What We Didn’t Like
- Some cat owners find the aroma unpleasant
#8 Best Extra-Strength: Vetriscience GlycoFlex Stage II Chicken Liver Flavored Soft Chews
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Type: Soft chew
- Recommended Daily Dose: 2 chews (initial), 1 chew (maintenance)
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.23–$0.46
- NASC Quality Seal: Yes
If your cat requires some extra-strength joint support, these GlycoFlex soft chews are a popular choice. They come in cute fish-shaped chews with a soft, slightly squishy texture. They’re chicken liver-flavored, though my cats didn’t seem to find the flavor as appealing as with other supplements they tried.
This recipe features Perna Canaliculus as the primary active ingredient—it’s simply a branded form of green-lipped mussel. The other main active ingredients are MSM and glucosamine hydrochloride (from seafood sources).
GlycoFlex joint supplements from Vetriscience come in multiple strengths, labeled according to the concentration of the active ingredients. This recipe is their mid-level formula. Like the Cosequin chews reviewed above, it’s recommended to feed 2 chews per day until your cat shows improvement then reduce to 1 chew per day to maintain the effects.
Active Ingredients
Perna Canaliculus (Glycomega Brand Green-Lipped Mussel), MSM, Glucosamine HCl (Shrimp and Crab), N,N-Dimethylglycine HCl, Manganese (as Mn Proteinate).
Inactive Ingredients
Brewer’s Yeast, Canola Oil, Chicken Liver Flavor, Citric Acid, Glycerin, Mixed Tocopherols, Propionic Acid, Proprietary Blend (Maltodextrin, Sodium Alginate, and Calcium Sulfate), Rosemary Extract, Silicon Dioxide, Soy Lecithin, Vegetable Oil, Whey.
What We Liked
- Soft, chewy texture
- Moderately strong active ingredient concentration
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and MSM
- Carries the NASC quality seal
What We Didn’t Like
- Flavor may not appeal to some cats
#9 Best For Picky Cats: PetHonesty Dual Texture Hip + Joint Health Supplement
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Type: Crunchy treat
- Recommended Daily Dose: 1 chew per pound of body weight
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.50
- NASC Quality Seal: Yes
Picky cats who don’t enjoy soft chews or won’t take powdered or liquid supplements may find these dual-texture treats appealing. They have a satisfyingly crunchy exterior and a soft middle. These PetHonesty treats were by far the favorite among my cats.
Similar in size to traditional cat treats, these joint supplements feature glucosamine and green-lipped mussel as the primary active ingredients. Because they’re small, the concentration of active ingredients per treat is very low. Cats really seem to like them, however, so they could be a good tool for general daily joint support.
Active Ingredients
Glucosamine HCl (Shellfish Source), Green-Lipped Mussel, Calcium Fructoborate, Manganese Sulfate.
Active Ingredients Per 10 Chews
- Glucosamine Hydrochloride: 127 mg
- Green Lipped Mussel: 123 mg
- Calcium Fructoborate: 8 mg
- Manganese Sulfate: 7 mg
Inactive Ingredients
Barley Flour, Brewers Yeast, Brown Rice Flour, Chicken Fat, Chicken Meal, Citric Acid, Cultured Whey, Dl-Methionine, Fish Oil, Glucono-Delta-Lactone, Lecithin, Mixed Tocopherols (preservative), Natural Flavor, Pork Fat, Potassium Chloride, Rosemary Extract, Tapioca Starch, Taurine, Whey.
What We Liked
- Crunchy exterior with soft inside
- May appeal to picky eaters
- Carries the NASC quality seal
What We Didn’t Like
- Lower concentration of active ingredients than other products
- Some cats may not respond to supplemental glucosamine
#10 Budget Pick: Pet Naturals Hip + Joint Supplement Chews
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Type: Soft chew
- Recommended Daily Dose: 2 chews (initial), 1 chew (maintenance)
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.27–$0.54
- NASC Quality Seal: Yes
Very similar in appearance and formulation to the GlycoFlex soft chews above, these supplements are fish-shaped and bite-sized for cats. They have a soft, slightly chewy texture and a fishy aroma.
These Pet Naturals joint supplement chews feature glucosamine and MSM as the top two active ingredients. Like the GlycoFlex treats, they also contain Perna Canaliculus, a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and natural chondroitin.
The recommended serving is two chews for the first four weeks, then one chew per day for maintenance. While my cats had no trouble tolerating these chews, Pet Naturals recommends offering them after mealtime to reduce the potential for digestive upset.
Active Ingredients
Glucosamine, MSM, Perna Canaliculus (Green-Lipped Mussel), Chondroitin Sulfate, Ascorbic Acid, Manganese (Mn Proteinate).
Active Ingredients Per 2 Chews
- Glucosamine: 200 mg
- MSM: 100 mg
- Perna Canaliculus: 100 mg
- Chondroitin Sulfate: 75 mg
- Ascorbic Acid:5 mg
- Manganese:25 mg
Inactive Ingredients
Barley Flour, Brewers Yeast, Chicken Liver Flavor, Citric Acid, Corn Oil, Fish Oil, Glycerin, Mixed Tocopherols, Oat Flour, Oat Meal, Propionic Acid, Proprietary Blend (Maltodextrin, Sodium Alginate, and Calcium Sulfate), Rice Flour, Rosemary Extract, Rye Flour, Silicon Dioxide, Soy Lecithin, Vegetable Oil.
What We Liked
- Cute fish-shaped soft chews
- Contains multiple joint-supporting ingredients
- Fish flavor
What We Didn’t Like
- Only contains 30 chews per bag
What To Consider When Buying Cat Joint Supplements
Before giving your cat any kind of supplement or medication, it’s essential to do your research. As with supplements intended for human consumption, supplements for pets are less closely regulated than pet food. Here are a few key considerations to take into account.
Look for Evidence-Based Active Ingredients
While joint research involving pets (especially cats) is somewhat lacking, some of the same ingredients shown to support joint health in humans may provide similar benefits for your cat.
Some of the best ingredients to look for include:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids could benefit cats suffering from inflammatory joint issues. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) may be particularly useful in blocking enzymes that break down joint cartilage.
- MSM: A naturally occurring chemical, supplemental MSM has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis patients.
- Undenatured Collagen Type II: Derived from chicken sternum collagen and unexposed to heat, acids, or enzymes, this type of collagen may help control progressive joint damage, particularly in the case of autoimmune-related arthritis.
- Microlactin: A protein extracted from the milk of hyperimmunized cows, miralactin reduces inflammation in a way similar to corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Some evidence suggests, however, that it may do so with fewer gastrointestinal or kidney-related side effects.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin Concerns
These ingredients are touted for their supposed joint health benefits, but research that supports any definitive benefit is limited. As key components of cartilage, glucosamine helps make up the structure of joint cartilage, while chondroitin supports its resistance to compression.
While both are necessary elements of healthy joint cartilage, studies involving supplementary forms of glucosamine and chondroitin yield inconsistent results. Some cats may benefit from these supplements and others may not. When shopping specifically for these supplements, some experts recommend looking for low-molecular-weight chondroitin to optimize absorption.
Fake Reviews
Customer reviews are a great resource when shopping for supplements, but there are a lot of fakes out there. To weed out suspicious reviews, check the brand’s listing on FakeSpot.
It’s pretty safe to assume that products sold by major retailers like Chewy (especially those that require a prescription) have been vetted to some degree, but glowing reviews for products from unknown brands should be taken with a grain of salt. Budding supplement brands sometimes pad their ratings by offering free products in exchange for favorable reviews.
Look for the Nasc Quality Seal
The National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) seal identifies products made by companies that adhere to certain standards for quality. In addition to demonstrating ongoing compliance with these standards, companies must pass an independent third-party audit every two years in order to display the NASC seal.
Participation in the NASC quality seal program is voluntary. So, while the lack of an NASC seal doesn’t necessarily mean a product is unsafe or ineffective, it’s a good metric for quickly deciding which products are worth considering.
Learning all about joint supplements in cats can seem daunting. Remember that your veterinarian is an excellent source of information about joint supplements. They can address your questions and concerns about the supplements, instruct you on how to administer the supplement to your cat, and potentially recommend the most appropriate joint supplement for your cat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do joint supplements for cats work?
The efficacy of joint supplements depends on the type of active ingredients and their concentration. Certain ingredients may be more effective for reducing specific symptoms like pain or joint degradation while others may be better for general inflammation. Your vet is the best person to advise you on which ingredients will benefit your cat most.
What are good joint supplements for cats?
Joint supplements for cats are a mixed bag. To decide which product is right for your cat, start by talking to your veterinarian. Once you have an idea of what active ingredients are best suited to your cat’s needs, consider your cat’s individual preferences for supplement type and flavor when making your decision.
At what age should cats start taking joint supplements?
There is no specific recommended age and some cats don’t need to take joint supplements at all. If your cat starts showing signs of joint stiffness, pain, or mobility issues, it may be time to broach the subject of joint supplements with your veterinarian.
How long does it take cat joint supplements to work?
Every cat is different but it may take a few weeks for your cat to experience the full effects of a supplement or medication. Follow the dosing instructions and be consistent about administering it.
