ByPetMD Vet Advisory Panel
Updated Sep. 22, 2026
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 at any age. Fortunately, there are a number of cat supplements that can help support healthy joints.
The <a href="https://health.kporia.com/10-best-dog-foods-of-2026-recommended-by-vets/” title=”10 Best Dog Foods of 2026, Recommended by Vets”>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.
To help guide you in your choice, our panel of veterinary experts selected their picks for the best cat joint supplements whether you’re looking for a chewable joint supplement or the best option to support your cat’s joint health.
What To Look for When Buying Cat Joint Supplements
Before making a purchase, consider the type of joint supplement that may be easiest to give to your cat, the brand’s reputation for science-backed, quality ingredients, your cat’s health history, along with advice from your vet.
Type of Administration
Cat joint supplements are available in several forms, including capsules, powders, liquids, and chewables. Which will your cat best tolerate? What are you most comfortable administering? Even the best cat joint supplement won’t help if your cat refuses to take it.
Your Cat’s Health
While all joint supplements for cats target mobility concerns, some offer additional benefits, such as skin and coat health or more advanced formulas for senior cats or those with advanced arthritis; choose the product that best addresses your individual cat’s needs. Watch for behaviors like hesitating to jump, limiting play, 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 or even early signs of joint disease, which should be discussed with your vet.
Evidence-Backed Ingredients
You may have heard about glucosamine for cats, which is thought toimprove activity levels in some cats. You can look for this as well as other quality ingredients that are known to support joint health, such as chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids (like fish oil), MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), hyaluronic acid, andPerna canaliculus(commonly known as green-lipped mussel).
Brand Trust
Not all cat joint supplements are created equal. Choose one from a reputable company whose products underwent clinical trials and peer-reviewed testing. The NASC Quality Seal is one helpful indicator that products have met ingredient and quality control standards set by the National Animal Supplement Council.
Your Vet’s Input
Any signs of pain or discomfort in your cat should be evaluated and monitored by your veterinarian. If your vet recommends a joint supplement for your cat, it should be used as part of a broader approach tooverall joint health, which may also include weight management or physical therapy.
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 FAQs
Do joint supplements for cats really work?
You can trust joint supplements for cats that are backed by studies proving their effectiveness. Vets often recommend that cat joint supplements be combined with other therapies or lifestyle modifications, for the best results. Most joint supplements can be given daily and take several weeks for you to notice effects.
What is the best joint supplement for cats?
Our veterinary panel choseVetriScience Healthy Hip & Joint Soft Chewsas the best overall joint supplement for cats because of its multi-ingredient formula and high palatability. That said, the best supplement for your unique cat will depend on your pet’s overall health, preferences, and age. Choose a supplement from a reputable manufacturer that undergoes 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.
