Liquid Glucosamine for Cats

As your cat ages, the level of glucosamine in his body diminishes, just as glucosamine levels drop in humans. This makes movement more difficult. Feeding your cat a high-quality liquid glucosamine supplement can help fight off joint damage and inflammation and make it easier for him to get around in his elderly years.

  1. Definition

    • Glucosamine is a derivative of glucose that occurs naturally throughout the bodies of humans and animals, including cats. It acts as a lubricant, helping joints move smoothly. Liquid glucosamine is a synthetic form of glucosamine sold as a dietary supplement.

    Function

    • As the body ages, it produces smaller amounts of glucosamine on its own. As this happens, joints can become inflamed and joint conditions can develop. In elderly cats, various types of joint problems are common, including autoimmune arthritis, degenerative joint disease, hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis. Liquid glucosamine helps to prevent and alleviate symptoms of these conditions by supplementing the body's level of glucosamine to provide joints with increased lubrication and ease of movement.

    Benefits

    • A cat who is getting older, experiencing lameness or stiffness during movement, and sensitivity getting up might be prescribed painkillers for her joint pain. However, many such drugs have undesirable side effects and do nothing to address the actual joint problem. Glucosamine targets the problem, stopping the pain at its source.

    Advantages

    • Liquid glucosamine is a particularly useful form because it's often difficult to give cats pills. Liquid glucosamine can simply be sprinkled on kitty's food each day, according to the specific formulation's instructions for dosing. Additionally, liquid glucosamine is more easily absorbed by the body than glucosamine in pill form, according to The Pet Arthritis Resource Center. A 10-lb. cat should get about 156 mg of liquid glucosamine daily, depending on the brand, according to the website.

    Considerations

    • Liquid glucosamine is not a magic cure for Fluffy's joint problems, just as it is not a miracle cure for humans' joint problems. It will prevent further joint damage and provide added joint lubrication, but at a very gradual rate, so effects might not be seen for weeks or even months.

      Liquid glucosamine supplements are not evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, so it's important to do your research and choose a high-quality product recommended by veterinarians and consumers who have purchased it. Your vet might recommend a product made for humans, as glucosamine is the same in cats as it is in humans.

      Lastly, consult your veterinarian before putting your cat on liquid glucosamine. What you take to be joint pain might be a different medical condition that requires veterinary attention and treatment.