10 Best Joint Supplements for Active Cats: Vet-Approved Guide 2025

Lazar Jovanovic Lazar Jovanovic · Updated February 27, 2025

Cats love to jump, play, and explore their world with agility and grace. As your feline friend ages, their joints may need extra support to maintain that natural athletic ability and zest for life.

Joint supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin can help your cat stay active and maintain healthy joint function as they age. These supplements work best when given before signs of joint issues appear, making them a smart choice for active cats who want to keep doing what they love most – playing, climbing, and exploring their territory with confidence.

1. Nutramax Cosequin Chicken Flavored Capsules

Nutramax Cosequin capsules are the #1 veterinarian-recommended joint supplement for cats. Each capsule contains 125 mg of glucosamine and 100 mg of chondroitin sulfate to support healthy joint function. The chicken flavor makes it easier to give these supplements to your cat. You can open the capsules and sprinkle the contents over your cat’s food, which is helpful if your cat refuses to take pills.

2. Vetriscience GlycoFlex 3 for Cats

GlycoFlex 3 for cats contains a powerful blend of 10 active ingredients designed to support joint health and mobility. The formula includes 250 mg of glucosamine, 250 mg of MSM, and green-lipped mussel to provide comprehensive joint support. The chicken-flavored chews make it easy to give your cat their daily supplement. Each soft chew is specifically sized for cats and has a taste they enjoy.

A tabby cat struts on a table in a sunlit room with large windows and a cityscape view, embodying the spirit of active cats.

3. Scruffy Paws Hip & Joint Vitalize Drops

Scruffy Paws Hip & Joint Vitalize drops contain five key ingredients that work together to support joint health in cats. These include glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, taurine, chondroitin, and methylsulfonylmethane. The drops are manufactured in the USA and come in an easy-to-administer liquid form. You can add them directly to your cat’s food or water.

4. Pet Naturals Hip + Joint Chews

Pet Naturals joint supplement chews contain glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin sulfate to support your cat’s mobility and joint health. These fish-flavored chews are easy to give and cats enjoy the taste. The recommended dose is one chew per day for regular maintenance. For extra support, you can give two chews daily during the first 4 weeks.

5. FlexiCat Maximum Strength Formula

FlexiCat Maximum Strength Formula contains green-lipped mussel extract and glucosamine to support your cat’s joint health. These ingredients work together to reduce inflammation and create cushioning around the joints. The supplement was created by veterinarians who understand cats’ specific joint health needs. You can give it to your cat daily to help maintain healthy joint function and mobility.

6. ProSense Glucosamine Soft Chews

ProSense Glucosamine Soft Chews offer a tasty way to support your cat’s joint health. These chews contain glucosamine and MSM, two key ingredients that help maintain healthy cartilage and joint function. Your cat will appreciate the soft texture of these chews, making them easy to eat. The fish-flavored formula helps make the supplement more appealing to picky eaters.

7. Zesty Paws Pure Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil

Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil delivers essential omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA to support your cat’s joint function and mobility. This liquid supplement makes it easy to add to your cat’s food. The natural fish oil helps reduce joint inflammation while supporting brain health and immune function. Your cat can benefit from better mobility and less stiffness during playtime and exercise.

8. Hepa Seasonal Liquid Formula

The Hepa Seasonal Liquid Formula offers a simple way to support your cat’s joint health. The liquid format makes it easy to mix into food or water, which can be helpful for picky eaters. This supplement contains natural ingredients that target joint mobility and comfort. Glucosamine and chondroitin work together to maintain healthy cartilage and joint function in your active cat.

9. Feline Joint Support by NaturVet

NaturVet’s Hip & Joint Cat Soft Chews offer a tasty way to support your cat’s joint health. These chews contain glucosamine from shellfish sources to help maintain joint flexibility in cats over 12 weeks old. Your cat can benefit from NaturVet’s Hemp Joint Health formula, which combines glucosamine and MSM with hemp seed. The added omegas and antioxidants work to fight harmful free radicals while supporting hip and joint function.

A tabby cat stretches gracefully on a colorful stack of toy rings, basking in the sunlight—a picture-perfect moment showcasing the vitality of active cats.

10. ArthriEase-Gold Soft Chews

ArthriEase-Gold soft chews provide daily joint support for cats of all sizes. These chewable supplements can help maintain your cat’s flexibility and mobility. The dosage is simple to follow based on your cat’s weight. For cats up to 10 pounds, give 1-2 soft chews daily. Cats between 11-39 pounds need 3 soft chews per day. You can split the doses between morning and evening.

Benefits of Joint Supplements for Cats

Active cats need strong, healthy joints to maintain their agility and playful nature. Joint supplements provide essential nutrients that support mobility and comfort as your cat ages.

Improved Mobility and Flexibility

Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements help maintain cartilage health and joint function in cats. These ingredients work together to rebuild and protect joint tissue. Your cat’s ability to jump, climb, and play depends on flexible joints. Quality supplements increase joint lubrication, making movement smoother and more natural.

Studies show that cats taking joint supplements often display:

  • Better jumping ability
  • Improved stair climbing
  • More confident landings
  • Increased playtime activity

Reduction of Joint Pain

About 60% of cats over age 7 experience joint issues that can cause discomfort. Joint supplements help reduce inflammation and ease pain. Key ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids fight inflammation at its source. This means less stiffness after rest or play sessions.

Regular supplementation can help your cat:

  • Move more freely
  • Stay active longer
  • Sleep more comfortably
  • Return to normal activity levels

The right supplement makes a noticeable difference in your cat’s comfort and willingness to stay active.