Arthritis Management for Cats: Supplements, Solensia, and Home Hacks

Dogs whine when they hurt. They limp. They make it obvious. Cats are different. In the wild, a predator that shows pain becomes prey. So cats are masters of masking discomfort.

This leads to a tragic statistic: 90% of cats over age 12 have radiographic evidence of arthritis, yet very few receive pain medication. Owners assume the cat is just "slowing down" or "sleeping more" due to old age.

It's not old age. It's pain. And we can treat it.

The Silent Signs of Feline Pain

Since they won't limp, look for behavioral changes:

1. The Jump Hesitation: Does your cat look up at the sofa, crouch to jump, but then give up? Or do they "scramble" up instead of landing gracefully?
2. The Elevator Route: Do they use a chair to get to the table, instead of jumping straight up?
3. Matting on the Back: Arthritis in the spine makes it painful to turn around and groom the lower back. If you see mats near the tail, think pain.
4. Litter Box Accidents: High-sided boxes are painful to step into. The cat may poop right next to the box because climbing in hurts.
5. Grumpiness: Does your sweet cat hiss when you pick them up? That's not a mood swing; you're pressing on a sore spot.

The Game Changer: Solensia

For years, pain management for cats was hard. NSAIDs (like Metacam) can damage kidneys if used long-term, and opioids make them sedated.

In 2022, a new drug changed everything: Solensia (Frunevetmab).

• What it is: It is NOT a drug. It is a monoclonal antibody (biological therapy).
• How it works: It targets Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a key driver of arthritis pain. It effectively blocks the pain signal before it reaches the brain.
• Safety: Because it's an antibody (basically a protein), it is processed like any other protein. It does NOT damage the liver or kidneys. This makes it safe for old cats with kidney disease.
• The Dose: A monthly injection at the vet.
• The Results: Many owners report their 15-year-old cat "acting like a kitten" after 2 doses.

If your cat has arthritis, ask your vet about Solensia. It is the gold standard.

Supplements (Nutraceuticals)

If not ready for injections, supplements can help support joint fluid.

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil):

   • Powerful anti-inflammatory.
   • Look for high EPA/DHA levels (Welactin for Cats).
   • Caution: High doses can thin blood (careful before surgery).

2. Glucosamine / Chondroitin:

   • Cosequin or Dasuquin are the trusted brands.
   • They help repair cartilage and increase joint fluid.
   • Form: Capsules can be opened and sprinkled on wet food.

3. Green Lipped Mussel (GLM):

   • Contains unique anti-inflammatory compounds. Found in "Antinol" or "YuMOVE".

Home Modifications (The "Ramp Life")

Medicine fixes the internal; you must fix the external environment.

1. The Ramp System

Don't make them jump.

• Pet Stairs: Place foam stairs next to the bed and their favorite window perch.
• Ramps: Better than stairs for severe cases. Carpeted ramps give grip.

2. Litter Box Hacks

• Low-Entry Box: Buy a plastic storage bin and cut a "U" shape in one side, leaving it only 2-3 inches high. This allows walk-in access while keeping high walls for mess.
• Location: Do not force an arthritic cat to go to the basement. Put a box on every floor.

3. Warmth

Arthritis aches in the cold.

• Heated Beds: A plug-in pet heating pad (set to low) is heaven for stiff joints.
• Sunbeams: Ensure window perches are accessible.

4. Food and Water Placement

• Elevated Bowls: Raising the bowl 3-4 inches means the cat doesn't have to crouch and shift weight to their front legs to eat.
• Accessibility: Don't put food on the counter if they can't jump up there anymore.

Weight Management

This is the hardest but most effective treatment. Fat creates inflammation. Adipose tissue secretes inflammatory hormones.

• Every extra ounce on a cat is like 5 pounds on a human knees.
• If your arthritic cat is overweight, a diet is the best painkiller you can give them.

The Bottom Line

Don't accept "he's just old" as an answer. Age acts as a multiplier for disease, but pain is not a requirement of aging.

Try the "Solensia Test": Give the injection for 2 months. If your cat changes behavior—starts playing, jumping, and interacting more—you'll know that "old age" was actually pain all along.

Related: Kidney Failure in Older Cats Related: Cat Grooming for Seniors