9 Medications, Treatments, and Remedies for Cat Arthritis

Like dogs and humans, cats can develop arthritis in their joints. This happens when the cartilage between their bones is worn away. 

Arthritis often causes pain. But cats with this condition can usually live normal lifespans with good pain management. Let’s take a look at the treatment options for cats with arthritis.

Treatments and remedies for cats with arthritis

Arthritis in cats is typically addressed with a combination of treatments to slow the disease. Here are nine things your vet might recommend.

1. Solensia

Using certain pain medications long term in cats isn’t recommended for arthritis, because cats’ livers process medications slowly. But a newer monoclonal antibody treatment called Solensia (frunevetmab) was approved by the FDA in 2022. It’s a monthly injection specifically for long-term use in cats with arthritis. It defends against a substance in the body that causes chronic pain.

Solensia injections must be given by a veterinarian. Cats with an allergy to frunevetmab shouldn’t be given Solensia. Ask your vet if your cat would benefit from this treatment.

2. Other medications

Other medications may also be used to control pain related to cat arthritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are sometimes prescribed for cats. These medications quickly reduce inflammation in the body. The NSAIDs used for cats are:

• Meloxicam (Metacam)

• Robenacoxib (Onsior)

Only one NSAID can be used at a time. NSAIDs are generally used for only a short time in cats because they can cause serious side effects.

Other types of pain relievers can be used for cats with arthritis. These pain medications include:

• Amantadine (Symmetrel)

• Gabapentin

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Signs of pain: Cats are good at hiding their pain. But if you learn to recognize these common pain symptoms, you’ll be able to decode cat pain in no time.

• Solensia for cats: Solensia (frunevetmab) is often a first-choice treatment for cat arthritis. Learn how this monthly injection works to treat arthritis in cats.

• Vet visits for your cat: Cats should visit their veterinarian for a regular checkup at least once a year. Here’s why it’s important for your cat’s health.

Your veterinarian will use their judgment to decide how long your cat should take any of these medications. None are available over the counter for cats. Over-the-counter pain medications are dangerous for cats and shouldn’t be given to them.

3. Supplements

Supplements may be recommended to manage arthritis pain in cats. But it can take several weeks to see results. And supplements often provide only mild relief from arthritis pain.

Supplements that may help include:

• Chondroitin sulfate

• Creatine

• Glucosamine

• Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

Read more like this

Explore these related articles, suggested for readers like you.

Medications and Home Remedies to Help Your Dog’s Arthritis

What It’s Like to Treat My Dog’s Arthritis

Librela for Dogs: A Monthly Injection to Treat Arthritis

Asking Yourself, ‘Do I Need Pet Insurance?’ Here’s Why I Decided Not to Get It

View more

Most of these supplements work by helping a cat’s body repair cartilage. Creatine is a little different. It supports muscle strength and endurance.

There are other supplements that may help with inflammation. Their benefits are also mild, and they vary in how fast they act. These supplements include:

• Avocado-soybean unsaponifiables

• Cannabinoids

• Dried milk proteins

• Green-lipped mussel extract

• Omega-3 fatty acids

• Polyphenols like green tea extracts and turmeric

Supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA, so it’s important to shop for high-quality brands. Your veterinarian will help you pick ones that best fit your cat’s needs.

4. Weight loss

Cats who are overweight experience arthritis more often than cats who are a normal weight. The extra weight puts more pressure on the joints. 

You can help your cat lose weight through diet and exercise. There are therapeutic diets specifically for weight loss. Some are also formulated to provide support for arthritis. Your veterinarian will help you decide which diet your cat should follow and the proper portion sizes to give them.

You can also help your cat lose weight by encouraging them to exercise through play. Some things you can do to keep your cat active include:

• Provide them with cat trees to climb on.

• Hide their meals around the home.

• Install a “catio” if you have a backyard.

• Make an obstacle course.

• Play chase with a laser pointer.

• Give them interactive toys to play with.

• Train them to walk on a leash.

• Use puzzle feeders for meals.

It might take time to figure out which activities your cat enjoys most.

5. Physical therapy

Physical therapy can be part of a long-term plan to manage your cat’s pain. Physical therapy for arthritis has multiple goals:

• Increase a cat’s ability to move

• Rebuild function and strength in muscles and joints

• Improve balance

A therapist uses their hands to take your cat through exercises, such as passive range of motion (PROM) exercises. These exercises help improve stiff muscles, circulation, and retained fluid.

6. Laser and magnetic therapy

Therapies using lasers or pulsing magnetic signals can help reduce a cat’s pain. There are two options to choose from for cats:

1. Laser therapy: A noninvasive laser light is used to penetrate tissue to promote healing and circulation, and to decrease inflammation and pain.

2. Targeted pulsed electromagnetic field (tPEMF) therapy: This therapy reduces inflammation and pain by sending a signal into the tissue to trigger it to repair itself.

7. Exercise therapy

Different exercises can be used for different arthritis-related issues in cats, such as lack of endurance or poor balance. Exercise examples include walking on slopes, through obstacles, or on uneven ground.

Another exercise option for cats is hydrotherapy. Exercises in water — such as an underwater treadmill or swimming — are used to improve a cat’s range of motion, strength, and mobility. The water helps reduce the impact on the joints.

Not all cats will tolerate every form of therapy, especially hydrotherapy. Work with your veterinarian to determine what options will be best for your cat.

8. Environmental modifications

As their arthritis progresses, your cat might have a harder time getting around the home. You can make modifications to make them more comfortable. These include:

• Carpeted ramps or steps to their favorite spots

• Litter boxes with low walls

• Orthopedic beds

• Raised dishes for meals and water

• Rugs or mats covering slippery flooring

If you have stairs, keeping resources for your cat — such as water and litter boxes — on every floor can be beneficial.

9. Surgery

Your cat’s arthritis could have an underlying cause, such as a knee injury or hip dysplasia. Your veterinarian might suggest surgery to correct the issue and improve stability. Surgery options include hip replacement for hip dysplasia and joint fusion for arthritis in the ankles.

What causes arthritis in cats?

When the cartilage in joints is worn away, the bones grind against each other, causing pain. Different things can cause arthritis, including:

• Increasing age

• Hip dysplasia

• Injury

• Weight

Arthritis can develop at any age. But it’s more common in cats who are at least 10 years old.

Signs of arthritis in cats

It can be hard to tell when a cat is in pain. But they do show signs of pain, such as:

• Becoming reclusive

• Acting irritable

• Slowing down

• Struggling to get in and out of the litter box

• Struggling to go up and down stairs

• Being unable to groom their coat

If your cat has any of these symptoms, it might be best to take them to the veterinarian. A prompt diagnosis will help your cat feel better quicker.

How is arthritis in cats diagnosed?

Arthritis in cats is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical exams, and diagnostic images, if needed. During an exam, your veterinarian will likely feel for:

• Swelling in your cat’s joints

• Fluid within the joints

• Lack of range of motion

Diagnostic images that might be performed include X-rays and CT scans. These images can show:

• Bone spurs

• Elbow dysplasia

• Hip dysplasia

• Joint disorders

Your veterinarian will determine if your cat needs further testing to diagnose their arthritis.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Leah Thomason

Leah Thomason was an editorial intern on the GoodRx Health team. She is a writer from Houston, Texas, with an interest in pet health.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts