Arthritis pain in cats: treatments compared
Checked against FDA approval records and veterinary references: October 2026
Short answer
Most older cats have some arthritis, but few show obvious limping, so it often goes untreated. Solensia, a monthly injection approved by the FDA in 2022, is the main approved option for arthritis pain in cats. Vets may also use gabapentin, buprenorphine or carefully dosed meloxicam, alongside home changes such as ramps and low-sided litter boxes. Never give a cat human pain relievers, which can be fatal.
Arthritis treatments for cats at a glance
- Solensia (frunevetmab)FDA-approved for arthritis pain in cats, 2022How it is given: Injection at the vet every monthWhat to watch for: Vomiting, injection-site pain, scabs or itching on the head and neck; not for breeding catsWhere to get it: Given at the vet
- Anti-inflammatory with a boxed warning in catsHow it is given: Only as your vet directs, at very low dosesWhat to watch for: Repeated use has been linked to kidney failure in catsWhere to get it: Vet
- Used off-label for chronic painHow it is given: Once or twice a day, often in the eveningWhat to watch for: Sleepiness, wobbliness; never use liquids with xylitolWhere to get it: Regular pharmacy
- BuprenorphineOpioid, controlledHow it is given: Liquid on the gums, for flares or short periodsWhat to watch for: Sleepiness, dilated pupils, excitement in some catsWhere to get it: Vet
- Add-on, used off-labelHow it is given: Once a dayWhat to watch for: Restlessness, stomach upsetWhere to get it: Regular pharmacy or compounder
- Omega-3s and joint dietsSupplement or prescription foodHow it is given: Daily with foodWhat to watch for: Stomach upset at high dosesWhere to get it: Vet or pet store
| Treatment | How it is given | What to watch for | Where to get it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solensia (frunevetmab)FDA-approved for arthritis pain in cats, 2022 | Injection at the vet every month | Vomiting, injection-site pain, scabs or itching on the head and neck; not for breeding cats | Given at the vet |
| MeloxicamAnti-inflammatory with a boxed warning in cats | Only as your vet directs, at very low doses | Repeated use has been linked to kidney failure in cats | Vet |
| GabapentinUsed off-label for chronic pain | Once or twice a day, often in the evening | Sleepiness, wobbliness; never use liquids with xylitol | Regular pharmacy |
| BuprenorphineOpioid, controlled | Liquid on the gums, for flares or short periods | Sleepiness, dilated pupils, excitement in some cats | Vet |
| AmantadineAdd-on, used off-label | Once a day | Restlessness, stomach upset | Regular pharmacy or compounder |
| Omega-3s and joint dietsSupplement or prescription food | Daily with food | Stomach upset at high doses | Vet or pet store |
Signs are easy to miss
- Hesitating before jumping, jumping less high, or using a chair as a step.
- Grooming less, especially the lower back, so the coat looks scruffy there.
- Urinating or passing stool outside the litter box, often because the sides are hard to climb.
- Sleeping more, playing less, or becoming irritable when touched.
About Solensia
Solensia is an antibody that blocks a protein involved in pain signaling. It is given as an injection at the vet once a month; in its field study, more owners of treated cats than of untreated cats reported improvement. Its label says it should not be used in breeding, pregnant or nursing cats, has not been evaluated in cats under seven months, and that safe use alongside anti-inflammatories has not been established. Tell your vet about any change in your cat after a dose.
It is a sibling of Librela, the similar injection for dogs; see arthritis medicine for dogs.
Why most pain relievers are off-limits for cats
Cats process many medicines differently from people and dogs. Acetaminophen can be fatal to cats even in small amounts, and ibuprofen and naproxen cause kidney failure and stomach ulcers. Meloxicam carries a boxed warning in cats for kidney failure with repeated use, so only a vet should decide whether and how to use it. See human medicines that are dangerous for pets.
Home changes that help
Ramps or steps to favorite spots, a litter box with a low entry, food and water on the floor rather than a counter, soft and warm bedding, and nail trims help arthritic cats as much as some medicines. Gentle play keeps muscles working, and keeping your cat lean takes load off the joints.
Arthritis and kidney disease often come together
Many older cats with arthritis also have kidney disease, which affects which pain medicines are safe and at what dose. Your vet will usually check kidney values before and during treatment. See kidney disease in cats.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best arthritis treatment for cats?
Solensia, a monthly injection, is the main FDA-approved option for arthritis pain in cats. Many cats also benefit from gabapentin, weight control and home changes. Your vet will choose based on your cat’s health, especially the kidneys.
Can I give my cat ibuprofen or Tylenol for pain?
No. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be fatal to cats in small amounts, and ibuprofen can cause kidney failure and ulcers. Only use pain relief your vet prescribes.
How do I know if my cat has arthritis?
Look for less jumping, grooming less over the lower back, accidents outside the litter box, and more sleeping or irritability. Your vet can confirm it with an exam and sometimes X-rays.
Is Solensia safe?
It is FDA-approved and well tolerated in its studies, with vomiting, injection-site pain and skin scabs or itching the main side effects. It is not used in breeding, pregnant or nursing cats. Report any change after a dose to your vet.