6 Best Cat Joint Supplements of 2025, Recommended by Vets
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All products in this article have been reviewed by our trusted vets and experts. PetMD is owned by Chewy.
As pet parents, we want to do everything we can to keep our feline friends gracefully moving and grooving well into their golden years. Fortunately, there are a number of cat supplements that can help support healthy joints.
To help guide you in your choice, our panel of veterinary experts selected their picks for the best cat joint supplements, based on ingredients, brand reputation, and research, among other factors.
What To Look For When Choosing Cat Joint Supplements
The best joint supplements for cats will be easy to administer, suit your individual cat’s needs, contain quality ingredients, and come from a reputable company that participates in research. Consider the following when choosing cat joint supplements:
Type of Administration
Cat joint supplements are available in a number of forms, including capsules, powders, liquids, and chewables. Which will your cat best tolerate? What are you most comfortable administering?
Your Cat’s Health
Choose a product that best addresses your individual cat’s needs. Watch for behaviors like no longer jumping up onto things, hesitating to jump, ignoring play activities, and overgrooming hips and legs in an attempt to self-soothe. These kinds of behaviors may be early indicators that your cat’s mobility is decreasing.
Talk to your vet, because these behaviors may even be early signs of joint disease.
Evidence-Backed Ingredients
Look for quality ingredients that are known to support joint health, such as glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids (like fish oil), MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), hyaluronic acid, and perna canaliculus (commonly known as green-lipped mussel).
The Manufacturer’s Reputation
Not all cat joint supplements are created equal. Choose a product from a reputable company whose products underwent clinical trials and peer-reviewed testing. The NASC Quality Seal identifies products that meet standards set by the National Animal Supplement Council.
Your Veterinarian’s Input
Any signs of pain or discomfort in your cat should be evaluated and monitored by your veterinarian. Supplements, when used, should be part of a multimodal approach to joint health, meaning they should be used in combination with other treatments and strategies for the best results.
Your veterinarian can help you determine the best care plan tailored for your individual cat.
How We Selected the Best Cat Joint Supplements
This list of the best cat joint supplements was meticulously curated by a panel of veterinary experts who are employed by Chewy, the publisher of PetMD.
They were asked to choose the best cat joint supplements in their honest opinion, across multiple categories, based on the following:
- Quality and combination of ingredients
- If it’s backed by science-based research
- Brand reputation
- Whether it has earned the NASC Quality Seal
- Ease of administration
Opinions and product recommendations in this article belong solely to the review panel of vets and animal health experts. Manufacturers and vendors cannot buy placement in Vet Verified content, or exert influence on our panelists as they evaluate products.
Our sole goal with this program is to provide pet parents with the information they need to make the best decision for their pets.
Cat Joint Supplements FAQ
What is the best joint supplement for cats?
The best supplement for your cat will depend on your pet’s overall health, preferences, and age. Choose a supplement from a reputable manufacturer that under goes clinical trials and/or has earned the NASC Quality Seal.
Your veterinarian can help you identify a product that meets your pet’s needs.
What supplements are good for cats with arthritis?
There are many cat joint supplements that can help support cats with arthritis. When shopping for a supplement, look for a product from a reputable manufacturer that undergoes clinical trials and/or has earned the NASC Quality Seal.
But remember, cats displaying symptoms of joint pain should always first be evaluated by a veterinarian, who can recommend an appropriate supplement to complement a complete care plan.
When should cats start taking joint supplements?
There is no one-size-fits-all age for when a cat should begin taking joint supplements. If your cat’s breed or health makes them predisposed to joint problems, your veterinarian may recommend starting supplements early as a preventive measure. Other cats may wait until their senior years, or when they begin displaying symptoms.
What oil is good for cats’ joints?
Cat joint supplements may include fish oil, which is rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. Never add oils—including olive oil, hemp oil, or coconut oil—to your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian.
