Is your cat struggling to jump onto their favourite furniture or reach their usual window sill?
Difficulty jumping, climbing or moving around comfortably can be a sign that your cat's joints are becoming stiff or uncomfortable. Cats are also very good at hiding signs of pain, so subtle changes in movement or behaviour can sometimes be easy to overlook.
There are a number of natural nutritional supplements, herbs and other supportive options that may help maintain joint health and mobility in cats.
At Greenpet, we have been supporting animals with natural health and nutrition for more than 30 years and have seen many cats benefit from a holistic approach to joint care.
Signs of Arthritis and Joint Pain in Cats
Cats with stiff or uncomfortable joints may show changes such as:
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Difficulty jumping onto furniture or favourite resting places
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Hesitation before jumping
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Reduced activity or play
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Stiffness after resting
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Difficulty climbing stairs
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Spending more time sleeping or resting
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Changes in grooming habits
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Becoming less tolerant of being handled
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Changes in general behaviour or temperament
Because cats can be very good at hiding discomfort, even small changes in their normal routine are worth paying attention to.
Natural Supplements for Cat Arthritis and Joint Health
A combination of nutritional support, appropriate exercise, a healthy body weight and a species-appropriate diet can all form part of a natural approach to maintaining your cat's joint health.
Technyflex Feline
Technyflex Feline contains New Zealand green-lipped mussel and is designed to support healthy joints and mobility.
It is highly palatable and can be a convenient option for cats that are difficult to supplement.
Natural Pet Supplements Joint Support
Natural Pet Supplements Joint Support contains a blend of herbal ingredients traditionally used to support comfortable movement and healthy joint function.
Natural Pet Supplements Pain Support
Natural Pet Supplements Pain Support provides herbal support for cats experiencing periods of discomfort and contains a natural bacon flavour to make it easier to administer.
Australian Pet Nutrition Inflammation Support
Austalian Pet Nutrition Inflammation Support is formulated to provide nutritional support for healthy inflammatory balance and joint health.
It may be particularly useful as part of a broader nutritional approach for ageing or active pets.
Australian Pet Nutrition Collagen Plus
Austalian Pet Nutrition Collagen Plus contains hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides and is designed to support connective tissue, cartilage and joint health.
It may be suitable for ageing pets and pets requiring additional nutritional support following periods of increased physical stress.
HomeoPet Joint Stress
HomeoPet Joint Stress provides homeopathic support for cats experiencing joint discomfort and reduced mobility.
Support Your Cat With a Natural Diet
Nutrition is an important part of maintaining healthy joints.
A fresh, species-appropriate diet can provide the nutritional foundations needed to support your cat's overall health, healthy body weight and mobility.
You can learn more about feeding cats naturally in our guide to Cat Diet: Feeding Naturally.
Maintaining a healthy weight is particularly important for cats with joint problems, as carrying excess weight places additional stress on the joints.
A Holistic Approach to Cat Joint Health
Supplements are only one part of supporting an ageing cat or a cat with joint stiffness.
Consider your cat's:
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Diet and body weight
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Daily activity and gentle movement
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Sleeping and resting areas
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Access to favourite furniture and elevated places
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Overall comfort and behaviour
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Nutritional and supplement needs
Making favourite areas easier to access, such as providing steps or lower resting places, can also help a stiff cat continue to enjoy their normal environment.
When Should You Seek Veterinary Advice?
If your cat is showing persistent stiffness, difficulty moving, changes in behaviour or obvious signs of discomfort, it is important to have the cause investigated.
Arthritis is common in older cats, but mobility changes can have other causes too. Your veterinarian can help determine what is happening and discuss appropriate pain-management options where necessary.
Supporting Your Cat Naturally
Joint health is influenced by many factors, including nutrition, weight, activity, age and general wellbeing.
A combination of appropriate nutrition, lifestyle support and carefully selected natural supplements may help maintain your cat's comfort and mobility as they age.