Cat Food for Arthritis & Joint Health
Veterinarian Dr. med. vet. Franziska G. explains: Cat food for arthritis

"A joint is a movable connection between at least two bones that consists of cartilage tissue, synovial fluid and stabilising ligaments. The joint cartilage has the task of buffering the pressure caused by bearing weight. For cats with osteoarthritis, their damaged joint cartilage causes the bones involved to rub against each other. The result? The joint can become inflamed, and your cat will be in pain, especially when moving. This results in many cats with osteoarthritis moving less. If your cat gains weight due to immobility, the resulting excess weight can put additional strain on the joints.
Osteoarthritis is a progressive joint disease that does not heal. It is therefore important that you take measures to alleviate your cat's pain and prevent further joint damage. In addition to anti-inflammatory medication and painkillers for cats, feeding them cat food for arthritis and joint health can help to reduce symptoms."
This content is a translation of the original text published on zooplus.de, created by Veterinarian Dr. med. vet. Franziska G., in collaboration with our editorial team. The information provided is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your vet if you have any concerns about your pet’s health or wellbeing.
Veterinarian Dr. med. vet. Franziska G. explains: Cat food for arthritis

"A joint is a movable connection between at least two bones that consists of cartilage tissue, synovial fluid and stabilising ligaments. The joint cartilage has the task of buffering the pressure caused by bearing weight. For cats with osteoarthritis, their damaged joint cartilage causes the bones involved to rub against each other. The result? The joint can become inflamed, and your cat will be in pain, especially when moving. This results in many cats with osteoarthritis moving less. If your cat gains weight due to immobility, the resulting excess weight can put additional strain on the joints.
Osteoarthritis is a progressive joint disease that does not heal. It is therefore important that you take measures to alleviate your cat's pain and prevent further joint damage. In addition to anti-inflammatory medication and painkillers for cats, feeding them cat food for arthritis and joint health can help to reduce symptoms."
This content is a translation of the original text published on zooplus.de, created by Veterinarian Dr. med. vet. Franziska G., in collaboration with our editorial team. The information provided is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your vet if you have any concerns about your pet’s health or wellbeing.
What is arthritis and joint health cat food?
Arthritis and joint health cat food aims to support the joints of cats with osteoarthritis with special ingredients. In addition to anti-inflammatory ingredients and high-quality fatty acids, cat food for joints is usually calorie-reduced, which can help to reduce or prevent obesity. The use of joint-supporting substances can also contribute to overall joint health.
What is arthritis and joint health cat food?
Arthritis and joint health cat food aims to support the joints of cats with osteoarthritis with special ingredients. In addition to anti-inflammatory ingredients and high-quality fatty acids, cat food for joints is usually calorie-reduced, which can help to reduce or prevent obesity. The use of joint-supporting substances can also contribute to overall joint health.
What causes osteoarthritis in cats?
Osteoarthritis is usually the result of various triggers - including hereditary influences, mechanical overload and inflammatory processes:
- Joint inflammation in cats (e.g. due to infections or autoimmune diseases) can cause chronic joint damage
- Congenital joint misalignments can lead to osteoarthritis
- Obesity in cats increases the strain on the joints
- Age-related wear and tear
- Joint injury and excessive physical activity can cause cartilage degradation
- Osteophytes (bone spurs) can aggravate symptoms
What causes osteoarthritis in cats?
Osteoarthritis is usually the result of various triggers - including hereditary influences, mechanical overload and inflammatory processes:
- Joint inflammation in cats (e.g. due to infections or autoimmune diseases) can cause chronic joint damage
- Congenital joint misalignments can lead to osteoarthritis
- Obesity in cats increases the strain on the joints
- Age-related wear and tear
- Joint injury and excessive physical activity can cause cartilage degradation
- Osteophytes (bone spurs) can aggravate symptoms
How can I tell if my cat has osteoarthritis?
- Appears to be in pain, especially when getting up
- Gait appears stiff, signs of lameness
- Minimal grooming
- Reduction in jumping and playing
- Seeks less contact with you and other cats
How can I tell if my cat has osteoarthritis?
- Appears to be in pain, especially when getting up
- Gait appears stiff, signs of lameness
- Minimal grooming
- Reduction in jumping and playing
- Seeks less contact with you and other cats
How can osteoarthritis cat food help joints?
Cats’ joints affected by osteoarthritis can be supported by an adapted diet. Specialised cat food for joints often has the following properties that can have a positive effect on joint health:
| Feature- | Omega-3 fatty acids |
|---|---|
| Description | EPA and DHA have an anti-inflammatory effect and can support joint health. |
| Feature- | Joint-supporting agents |
| Description | Cat food for osteoarthritis often contains special substances (e.g. chondroitin or glucosamine) that can strengthen joint cartilage. |
| Feature- | Low in calories |
| Description | In order to prevent obesity, osteoarthritis cat food is usually low in calories. |
| Feature- | Collagen |
| Description | Hydrolysed collagen can promote joint elasticity and cartilage regeneration. |
| Feature- | Antioxidants |
| Description | Cat food for osteoarthritis can contain antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, which strengthen the immune system. |
Feature- | Description |
|---|---|
Omega-3 fatty acids | EPA and DHA have an anti-inflammatory effect and can support joint health. |
Joint-supporting agents | Cat food for osteoarthritis often contains special substances (e.g. chondroitin or glucosamine) that can strengthen joint cartilage. |
Low in calories | In order to prevent obesity, osteoarthritis cat food is usually low in calories. |
Collagen | Hydrolysed collagen can promote joint elasticity and cartilage regeneration. |
Antioxidants | Cat food for osteoarthritis can contain antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, which strengthen the immune system. |
How can osteoarthritis cat food help joints?
Cats’ joints affected by osteoarthritis can be supported by an adapted diet. Specialised cat food for joints often has the following properties that can have a positive effect on joint health:
| Feature- | Omega-3 fatty acids |
|---|---|
| Description | EPA and DHA have an anti-inflammatory effect and can support joint health. |
| Feature- | Joint-supporting agents |
| Description | Cat food for osteoarthritis often contains special substances (e.g. chondroitin or glucosamine) that can strengthen joint cartilage. |
| Feature- | Low in calories |
| Description | In order to prevent obesity, osteoarthritis cat food is usually low in calories. |
| Feature- | Collagen |
| Description | Hydrolysed collagen can promote joint elasticity and cartilage regeneration. |
| Feature- | Antioxidants |
| Description | Cat food for osteoarthritis can contain antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, which strengthen the immune system. |
Feature- | Description |
|---|---|
Omega-3 fatty acids | EPA and DHA have an anti-inflammatory effect and can support joint health. |
Joint-supporting agents | Cat food for osteoarthritis often contains special substances (e.g. chondroitin or glucosamine) that can strengthen joint cartilage. |
Low in calories | In order to prevent obesity, osteoarthritis cat food is usually low in calories. |
Collagen | Hydrolysed collagen can promote joint elasticity and cartilage regeneration. |
Antioxidants | Cat food for osteoarthritis can contain antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, which strengthen the immune system. |
What to feed cats with osteoarthritis
Cat food specially developed for osteoarthritis is rich in joint-supporting substances and can help to alleviate your cat's symptoms. Ask your vet for advice on which are the most suitable food and oils for your cat with osteoarthritis.
What to feed cats with osteoarthritis
Cat food specially developed for osteoarthritis is rich in joint-supporting substances and can help to alleviate your cat's symptoms. Ask your vet for advice on which are the most suitable food and oils for your cat with osteoarthritis.
What helps arthritis in cats?
Even if osteoarthritis in cats cannot be cured, you can optimise your cat's quality of life with medicinal therapy and an adapted diet with anti-inflammatory substances. Talk to your vet about this.
What helps arthritis in cats?
Even if osteoarthritis in cats cannot be cured, you can optimise your cat's quality of life with medicinal therapy and an adapted diet with anti-inflammatory substances. Talk to your vet about this.
What type of collagen helps osteoarthritis?
Up to 28 different types of collagen are currently known. However, non-denatured type II collagen is particularly helpful for osteoarthritis, as it is a main component of joint cartilage.
What type of collagen helps osteoarthritis?
Up to 28 different types of collagen are currently known. However, non-denatured type II collagen is particularly helpful for osteoarthritis, as it is a main component of joint cartilage.







