Glucosamine?

lovemycats2

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Hi.  I just wanted to know any information that can be helpful regarding teh administration of Glucosamine for a senior kitty.  He is pretty mobile and has never limped or acted in pain.  Just in his later years, he preferrs to use an ottoman as a step to get on the bed as opposed to making the whole jump at once. 

I was just interested in using Glucosamine for him more as a preventative thing and if he has any joint stiffness, he can have the benefits.

Are there any adverse affects to using it?  All information is greatly appreciated.

Also, I am on a budget and hope to find this for him at the best price available... if possible.

   
 

jennyr

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Hi and welcome. Glucosamine is often prescribed for senior cats with joint problems. My 11 year old started on it 2 months ago as she was definitely suffering from joint pain and the vet confirmed arthritis in her hips. I buy it online mixed with chondroitin (that helps the absorption) in cat dosage capsules (Cosequin). You can open the capsules and sprinkle the powder on food, or I just pop the capsule down her throat once a day. My vet recommended two months on, then a month off to see the difference and check for any side effects. But searching online I could not find any reported side effects except for slight diarrhea, which Dushka has not had. And the positive effects have been great - she is no longer in pain when moved, and is jumping up on things much more freely. I found an online pharmacy which sells it in packets of 10x15 capsules for less than 50 euros, so that is around 5 months' supply.
 

simka

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I've used it on several fosters, as recommended by the shelter vet, and it produced good results in cats that are having some trouble moving around. In a young cat with early onset arthritis, it helped for a few months then not at all.   I've seen no side effects at all.  The shelter uses Cosequin on all their senior cats and I've heard of no ill effects.
 
 
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lovemycats2

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Thanks all!  I've seen the Cosequin and I think that is what I'll try.  I was under the impression that it was the same supplement that they make for us, but found and confirmed that the supplement for kitties is especially made for them.  I will let him try the Cosequin.    
 

night wing

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I have a 15 year old cat and since he's up in years now, I wanted to help him since he likes to sleep on our 30" high bed. He doesn't have arthritis (yet). But I watch for the first tell tale signs.

I bought him a 6 step cat step. This way he doesn't have to jump up or down on high things and this saves him from joint damage. They're made from high density polyurethane foam. He's used from the first day it arrived at our home. BTW, my cat weighs right around 12 pounds.

http://www.luckycatfurniture.com/lipetstsmdo.html

Once on the page, click on the photo to enlarge it. They come in different cat step models.
 
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lovemycats2

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That's a great model!  I will highly consider this for my little blue faced pride and joy.  He's using the ottoman right now and will be spoiled with whatever he needs to enjoy his life.  I mean, he can make the full leap up on the bed if he wants to but I really think he prefers the help.

He runs and walks and plays.  He just doesn't sprint around too much.  So I got him the Cosequin.  If he's in any discomfort or feeling stiff, hopefully this will now help to relieve it.
 
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