The Benefits of Cosequin for Cats

Our blog is reader-supported, if you purchase any products through the links below we may receive a small commission. Learn more

**Important- The information in this blog post is for informational purposes only and shouldn’t be deemed as medical or veterinary advice. Before administering any drugs or supplements for your cat I highly suggest you seek the advice of your vet.**

As our cats get older they suffer from age-related issues these can vary depending on if your cat is an outdoor or an indoor cat.

Something that is common in both cats and dogs as they age is joint issues. Cats are active animals they rely on their reflexes and legs to run and jump on different surfaces. As the years pass by this takes its toll on their joints and as a result, they can suffer pain and become less active.

Both of my cats are still young (both are under the age of 3) and thankfully neither suffers from any joint related issues. However, I’ve heard about the potential issues in cats and was recently speaking to a reader of the blog who has a Persian cat that is 10 years old and has started suffering with joint issues. She mentioned how Cosequin had helped her cat massively. As a result, I wanted to investigate this product further to see if this was a one-off or if this product can actually help your cat with their joint issues.

What Is Cosequin For Cats?

Cosequin is a veterinarian recommended product that’s primarily used to help cats with joint problems and maintain healthy cartilage. It’s said to also help support urinary bladder health.

This is a joint health supplement that’s designed for cats. Often products that are suitable for other animals such as dogs are dangerous for cats.

Cosequin is said to help support and improve cartilage production and protect existing cartilage from breakdown.

What are the Ingredients?

• Glucosamine Hydrochloride 125mg
• Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate 100mg
• Boswellia Serrata Extract 10mg
• Manganese (Manganese Ascorbate) 1mg

Learn More at Amazon

Does Cosequin Work?

When it comes to supplements the market is awash with different supplements for animals so I’m always cautious of their claims. What you normally see is some flashy marketing campaign, this is rife in the health and fitness industry.

Something to look for with any product is endorsements from medical or veterinary organisations. Cosequin is recommended by vets in the USA so it does have some decent credentials.

Overall the reviews for this product online are very positive and most people have stated that it has actually worked really well and help their cat walk and jump more freely without the pain that comes with joint problems in elderly cats.

I suppose the burning question in my mind is whether or not Cosequin as a brand is actually effective or whether it’s just the Glucosamine Hydrochloride that’s in Cosequin that’s effective. Glucosamine is clinically proven to help with joint issues in both humans and animals.

The other ingredients will also add to the effectiveness of this product.

Is Cosequin Safe For Cats?

Cosequin does appear to be a safe product to use, the ingredients are natural and it’s said to be safe for long-term use. Again I would consult your vet before you prescribe Cosequin for your cat.

Cosequin Side Effects

There aren’t many side effects with this supplement and it’s generally tolerated well, however, some people have noted the following side effects.

• Diarrhoea
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Allergic reactions
• Blood-thinning

How Long Does It Take For Cosequin To Work In Cats?

Due to Cosequin being a natural supplement and not a prescription drug it does take a while to see the effects. On average 4-6 weeks would be the average time frame to see a significant difference in your cat’s behaviour. It’s also worth noting that some people have seen faster results with them seeing a difference in a few weeks of taking the supplement.

When using any supplement you need to be mindful that more often than not they are less powerful than drugs that are prescribed by a vet. If your cat is in severe pain then Cosequin may not help.

Final Thoughts

There’s no doubt about it Cosequin is proven to help support joint health, there are many stories and reviews online about this supplement. It’s important to manage your expectations with any supplement and not expect too much. If your elderly cat is struggling with joint problems then it’s definitely worth speaking to your vet and seeing if Cosequin could be a supplement that will make your cats live that little bit easier and help to reduce any joint pain they may have.

Cosequin comes in the form of capsules which can be difficult to administer sometimes, however you can open the capsules and mix this with their wet food which will make the process much easier for you.

There are also some soft chews available but I believe these work out more expensive than the capsules.

Let me know your experiences with Cosequin, did it solve your cat’s joint problems?