Main banner image Why do cats need joint supplements

Why do cats need joint supplements?

Our cats love to play and be active; however, as they age their mobility reduces and their cartilage can begin to break down. Cat joint supplements can be beneficial in repairing joint damage and soothe joint stresses, ensuring that your cat maintains an active lifestyle.

One of the ingredients that can help your cats’ joints is Glucosamine, which can be found in specialist joint supplements and is widely used to help aid joint stiffness in humans and dogs.  Along with Chondroitin, it helps to maintain healthy cartilage and we use both these ingredients in our GudFur Hip and Joint supplement for cats. 

You can buy cat joint supplements in liquid, chew, capsule or powder form and it is important that the ingredients include glucosamine, chondroitin, vitamin B12, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and Green Lipped Mussel to soothe joints and maintain mobility. 

Besides taking cat joint supplements, to promote joint health, it is important that we keep our cats at an ideal weight, from an early age, and ensure that they maintain an active lifestyle with routine veterinary check-ups. 

As cat parents we do not tend to worry about their health until something goes wrong.  Cats are brave little warriors who tend to avoid showing us that they are in pain so giving them a joint supplement can be beneficial at any age to keep them active and healthy as they age. 

Cats often show quite subtle signs that they might need some extra help, so keep an eye out for changes such as: 

  • Stiffness 
  • Reduced grooming 
  • Irritability
  • Reluctance to jump 
  • Accidents outside the litterbox 
  • Muscle wastage 
  • Swelling of the joints

Arthritis is one of the conditions where supplements can help to produce more joint lubrication to aid in shock absorption and may help aid in repairing damaged cartilage but it is not a cure. Supplements are most effective if used as part of an agreed plan with your vet and we would always recommend speaking to your vet about the best options for your pet.  Unfortunately, the supplement market is poorly regulated and there are many ineffective products available including well-known brands.  You may need to trial a few supplements to see what is right for your pet. GudFur products work best over time and with continued use before you will be able to observe your pet’s improvement. 

Supplements should state the amount of each ingredient on it, if it does not list the amounts it is unlikely to be effective and please make sure you stick to the recommended dosage on the pack.  Loading doses (an initial higher dose) is often recommended when your cats start taking supplements, this is normal.
Taking supplements alongside medication is safe, but always speak to your Vet if you have any concerns.