What is the best thing for joints/arthritis?

[Fatcatchat]

I have two cats, aged 6 and 2. Unfortunately, both of them sustained injuries to one of their legs which means arthritis is now developing. As they are so young, I really want to give them the best things that will help them the most. Any kind of food, supplements, medication etc? They aren’t at the stage where they need medication from the vet right now, but want to keep them as comfortable as possible until that point. What have people tried that you really recommend?

I use Flexwize. Used it for my last dog after a recommendation from someone else - he was 13 and on arthritis meds, but after 5 months on this I took him off the meds he was doing so well, and he never used meds again (died at 16.5 years). My current dog has it daily now as a preventative. Someone I know was recommended this for his 3 year old who had such severe juvenile joint problems that the vet recommended euthanasia because meds weren't helping. The dog has never been "bouncy" - that would have taken a miracle - but he died last year at 12, and was still able to walk short distances.
https://www.treasureyourhealth.co.uk/flexwize-for-pets/arthritis-cats-dogs-liquid-glucosamine.html?G_flex11&gclid=CjwKCAjwrpOiBhBVEiwA_473dKxApshFtYACao9JBi_CeKjt1CMHsnaEgR-OiAyVfr8XMx5gs25SZxoCRhoQAvD_BwE

That’s amazing, thank you!

Personally I would get them checked at the vets before doing anything.

Checked for what? They’ve just had surgery and been told they’re going to have arthritis developing. So I want to manage it now as a way of kind of slowing it down or making it less uncomfortable

To see their level of pain and whether they would benefit from prescription painkillers or whether it can be managed at home.

I have a young arthritic cat and we managed him at home until one day he woke up in so much pain he couldn't get out of his box. The vet said he'd likely been suffering for a fair amount of time but just not showing it.

There are some supplements that can cause issues with their livers and kidneys if taken long term so just something to be aware of as well if you're going to home-medicate.

I used salmon ill for my girls.

Ah I see, they are already currently being seen by the vet. I didn’t know about the liver and kidneys though so thanks for informing me!

@Fatcatchat no problem! I just wouldn't want you to wake up one day and realise your cat had been struggling like we did.

Most supplements should be absolutely fine for a young and otherwise healthy cat but it's just something to consider if they're going to be taking them long term.

Ours has Metacam from the vets and we use YuMove as well.

We used YuMove for Harry. He was also on Metacam but at the dose for a 3kg cat even though he was 5kg as he had kidney disease. The Metacam made a huge difference to him, one day he could barely walk, the next day he was back to normal