Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Cosequin for cats?

[theevilshiftkey]

I have an older cat who I can tell has some pain getting around, probably arthritis. She doesn't run or jump any more and it's been a several year slow decline for her. Because of it she's getting fat(er) as well.

I ran across some joint suppliments for cats and was surprised but obviously interested too. So the question is, has anybody here had success with such suppliments?

Example: http://amzn.com/B000F4W02M

THX

[STOICH]

I don't have experience with cats, but in dogs, these types of supplements are almost miracle "drugs" in dogs with joint issues.

The biggest issue with this type of treatment is managing the animals activity. In a lot of case -- at least with canines -- when positive responses are shown, the owners tend to increase activity since the animals seems to have a good reaction to the supps. The key is managing activity in a conservatory manor to leverage quality of life.

Again, I don't know how cats will react or if this is even a concern for them, but it's worth mentioning.

[NZTIGUAN]

Our Maine Coon has bad arthritis in his front elbows. We've tried EVERYTHING imaginable and in his case it hasn't helped EXCEPT he's now on a constant course of Cartrophen injections form the vet (now once a month, initially it was once a week for a month). This is quite effective as it actually encourages cartilage growth. Next step for our boy is direct injection of Cartrophen into the joint which has proven very successful in dogs but hasn't been tried with cats as yet by our vet (he'll need to be knocked out for that though). Mac's a VERY active outdoor cat and runs on 3 legs to keep weight off the worst front leg BUT is as happy as a sandboy !! The other thing to try IF your cat will take it (ours wouldn't) is any source rich in Omega 3 (fish oil, oily fish itself etc). Our vet has suggested that Glucosamine and Chondroitin are just a rip off !!!! Oh and when either of them get heated or compressed (as in when blending with food) they lose effect TOTALLY !!!

Good luck