Joint Supplement for Cats

Do you need a joint supplement for cats? Domestic cats can be agile, swift creatures. In their prime, they zip about and leap to great heights almost effortlessly. But cats grow old, and their physical prowess eventually drops off. Just like humans, cats can be affected by joint problems. Pet stores often offer special joint supplements for cats whose owners fear that they may suffer from joint pain.

Unfortunately, many of these supplements come in conventional tablets or chews. This means that the cat that ingests the supplement could be absorbing significantly lower amounts of nutrients than is listed on the supplement facts label. Liquid supplements, on the other hand, have proven to be highly absorbable and easy to administer, especially to picky pets. Thus, a liquid joint supplement for cats may be the best option. Let’s look at some of the ingredients that are most often featured in liquid joint supplements for cats.

Chondroitin For Cats
Chondroitin sulfate (commonly referred to as chondroitin) is a sulfated complex carbohydrate and a major component in cartilage, the connective tissues that keep bones together. Appropriately, chondroitin is most often used to treat osteoarthritis. In many European countries, chondroitin is classified an over-the-counter or prescription drug, but in the U.S. it is regulated as a dietary supplement. It can also be an important ingredient to consider when choosing a cat joint supplement.

Glucosamine For Cats
Glucosamine is a specialized simple sugar that can be derived from the exoskeletons of certain crustaceans (usually shellfish) or from certain grains, like corn or wheat. Glucosamine for cats is generally marketed as being able to support and sustain the joints through its complex anti-inflammatory action, and many cats and other animals with osteoarthritis use a glucosamine supplement in the hopes that it will alleviate their joint pain, though it is currently illegal in the U.S. for supplement manufacturers to claim that their supplements can treat or prevent any health condition.

Studies indicate that glucosamine is safe for animal consumption, with a few mild, infrequent adverse effects. Clinical trials conducted on the efficacy of glucosamine have yielded mixed results, so more trials are needed to better understand what health benefits glucosamine may offer. Glucosamine is an important ingredient contained in most joint supplements for cats.

Studies indicate that glucosamine is safe for animal consumption, with a few mild, infrequent adverse effects. Clinical trials conducted on the efficacy of glucosamine have yielded mixed results, so more trials are needed to better understand what health benefits glucosamine may offer. Glucosamine is an important ingredient contained in most joint supplements for cats.

Taurine
Taurine is an amino acid that is not directly concerned with joint health, but is nevertheless vital to a cat’s system. Humans and dogs naturally synthesize their own taurine, but cats cannot. In cats, taurine plays a role in fat digestion, eyesight, and cardiac function, to name a few.

Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid (formally known as hyaluronan) is a non-sulfated complex carbohydrate that is found in various tissues throughout the body, including the skin and connective tissues. Hyaluronic acid is sometimes used as a tumor marker for breast cancer and prostate cancer. It is also FDA-approved for use in certain eye surgeries. For osteoarthritis, hyaluronic acid can either be injected directly into the affected joints or taken orally.

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
MSM is an organic sulfur compound that is derived from certain plants. MSM is generally used to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis, and some studies conducted on both humans and animals have suggested that it may have a genuinely beneficial effect on osteoporosis and similar conditions, and more research is being conducted to allow us to better understand its efficacy. This too, can be an effective ingredient in a joint supplement for cats. As with any cat supplement formula, it is advised to consult your local veterinarian.