Last Updated: 06/08/2026
Best Joint Supplements for Cats in Australia: Vet Picks
Cats hide joint pain well. Our vet guide covers the best joint supplements for cats, what ingredients to look for, and how to actually get your cat to take one.
Author: Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 9 minutes - short read
If your cat has been a little slower to jump onto the couch lately, or seems stiff when they first get up from a nap, joint problems could be to blame. Arthritis affects up to 90% of cats over 12 years old according to radiographic studies, yet most cat owners never realise it's happening because cats are experts at hiding discomfort. Joint supplements won't reverse arthritis, but the right one can meaningfully support mobility and comfort, especially as part of a broader management plan.
This guide covers the best joint supplements available for cats in Australia, what to look for when choosing one, and how to actually get your cat to take it.
Want to browse the full range? Shop all cat joint supplements at Pet Circle.
At a glance: Our top picks
- Antinol Plus Capsules for Cats: Best for overall joint support. Capsule. Key ingredient: EAB-277 (green-lipped mussel extract and high phospholipid krill oil).
- 4Cyte Epiitalis Forte Gel for Cats: Best for easy daily dosing and cats with marine allergies. Gel. Key ingredient: Epiitalis plant seed oil extract.
- Vetalogica Feline Joint Support Chews: Best for cats who like treats. Chew. Key ingredients: glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM.
- Petz Park Hip and Joint for Cats: Best for fussy cats, easy to mix into food. Powder. Key ingredients: glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin.
- PAW Osteosupport Capsules for Cats: Best green-lipped mussel supplement. Capsule. Key ingredients: green-lipped mussel powder, chondroitin.
How We Review Our Products
Our Vet team use their health and husbandry knowledge, along with their own personal and clinical experiences to evaluate each product and provide detailed, informative reviews, free of any commercial bias. We then collate this information into our 'best of' recommendations.
Top Recommended Joint Supplement for Cats in Australia [Vet Reviewed]
Best overall
Antinol Easy Feed Capsules for Cats
Pros
- Backed by over 25 years of research into PCSO-524
- Easy Feed formulation opens and mixes into food
- Targets multiple inflammatory pathways (COX-2 and 5-LOX)
- High palatability when mixed into wet food
- Suitable for long-term daily use
- Also available in standard capsule form
Cons
- Higher price point than some alternatives
- Capsule format requires opening for food mixing
Antinol Plus is one of the most researched joint supplements available for cats. It contains two marine lipid extracts in a formula called EAB-277 -derived from New Zealand green-lipped mussel, and high phospholipid krill oil. What makes it stand out is how it works: rather than just adding omega-3s, it modulates both COX-2 and 5-lipoxygenase inflammatory pathways, two key drivers of joint inflammation. Research suggests the whole extract performs better than any single component in isolation.
The Easy Feed version is a game-changer for cats, because you can simply break open the capsule and stir the contents into wet food. Most cats don't notice it's there. If your cat has been reluctant to take other supplements, this is often a good option to try.
What our customers say: "Our 14yr old cat used to be grumpy, stiff and sleep a lot. She has been on Antinol for just under 2weeks and we have noticed she is doing zoomies, jumping and skipping around the house more. Also coming up for cuddles and generally happier." - Nameeta
Best gel
4Cyte Epiitalis Forte Gel for Cats
Pros
- Clinically proven to reduce inflammation and support cartilage repair
- Gel mixes easily into wet or dry food
- Safe for cats with marine protein allergies (plant-based active)
- Simple weight-based dosing (0.5ml under 5kg, 1ml over 5kg)
Cons
- Plant-based active ingredient, less research than marine-based alternatives in cats specifically
4Cyte Epiitalis Forte is the go-to recommendation for cats who can't tolerate marine-based supplements due to allergies or sensitivities. Its active ingredient, Epiitalis, is a naturally derived plant seed oil extract that has been clinically trialled and shown to actively support joint health and reduce inflammation. Unlike some supplements that passively provide building blocks, Epiitalis is described as actively maintaining joint tissue.
The gel format is one of the easiest to administer. It comes with an accurate dosing applicator and can be mixed straight into food. Palatability testing shows cats generally accept it well.
What our customers say: "Our 17yo cat has been on this for about 6 months now and the difference has been amazing. She has been having arthritis jabs at the vet’s for 18 or so months, but the addition of this supplement made such a difference. She sprints around the house chasing her toys! I never thought I’d see her do that again." - Jessica
Best chew
Vetalogica Feline Joint Support Chews
Pros
- Palatable chew cats often take willingly
- Multi-ingredient formula (glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, omega oils)
- Australian made
- Affordable entry point
Cons
- Some cats will still refuse chews regardless of flavour
- Dose requires giving 4 chews a day
If your cat is treat-motivated, Vetalogica's Feline Joint Support Chews are worth trying. They combine glucosamine and chondroitin (the classic cartilage-support duo) with MSM for connective tissue support and omega oils for their anti-inflammatory effect. The chewable format works well for cats who accept treats readily, and the Australian-made formulation gives added confidence around quality.
These are a solid everyday maintenance option, particularly for cats who are starting to show early signs of joint stiffness rather than those with advanced arthritis. The lower price point also makes them an accessible starting point if you're new to supplementing your cat's joint health.
What our customers say: "All my cats love this product and think its their daily treat and come running when they see me with the container. My vet who is a cat only vet for 20 + years uses it on her cats and recommends it too." - Denise
Best powder
Petz Park Hip and Joint for Cats
Pros
- Fish-flavoured powder most cats accept on food
- No pilling or capsule opening required
- Glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin
- No fillers or preservatives
- Australian made
Cons
- Powder can separate or clump in wet food if not stirred well
- Some very fussy cats may detect and avoid it
Petz Park's Hip and Joint Powder is one of the simplest supplements to give a cat who refuses everything else. The fish flavour is designed to blend into meals naturally, and the sprinkle-on-food format means no wrestling with pills or capsules. It combines glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin, which together support cartilage structure, connective tissue formation, and joint lubrication.
This is a practical pick for multi-cat households or for owners who want a fuss-free daily routine. It works especially well mixed into wet food, where the fish flavour integrates rather than sitting on top.
What our customers say: "I was very sceptical this would help my very elderly cat. The reviews were great so I figured it couldn't hurt to try. Previously he struggled to even get onto the sofa and basically dragged his back legs up. We noticed an improvement by week 2 of using this, and he is now very agile and jumping and playing again. Definitely recommend!" - Kate
Best green-lipped mussel supplement
PAW Osteosupport Capsules for Cats
Pros
- Green-lipped mussel is one of the most studied natural joint ingredients
- Provides chondroitin sulfates alongside omega-3s
- Scientifically formulated for arthritis symptom management in cats
- Trusted PAW by Blackmores brand
Cons
- Capsule format requires opening and mixing for most cats
- Not suitable for cats with shellfish allergies
- Some cats may not like the fish taste and smell
PAW Osteosupport uses green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) as its primary active, providing chondroitin sulfates and potent omega-3 fatty acids. Green-lipped mussel has a solid body of evidence behind it for joint support, partly because it provides omega-3s in a particularly bioavailable lipid form alongside naturally occurring chondroitin. The formula is described as scientifically developed for arthritis management in cats, making it a good choice for cats with confirmed OA who need targeted support.
The capsules can be opened and the powder mixed into food for cats who won't take a capsule whole.
What our customers say: "The capsules are pretty large, but it is meant to be opened the sprinkled on to food. My cats loves it and tend to eat more of her food because of the fishy taste. Highly recommended" - Cathy
What to look for in a cat joint supplement
The most important things to look for in a cat joint supplement are evidence-based active ingredients at therapeutic doses, palatability for your individual cat, and suitability for their specific health conditions.
The ingredients with the strongest evidence for cats are omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), green-lipped mussel extract (a particularly bioavailable source of omega-3s and naturally occurring chondroitin), glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate (which together support cartilage structure and joint lubrication), MSM (a natural sulfur compound for connective tissue), and Epiitalis (a plant seed oil extract, good for cats who can't have marine-based products).
Look for products that list actual quantities per dose - a product that doesn't specify how much glucosamine it contains may not be providing enough to make a difference. If your cat has kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, or is on medication, check with your vet before starting anything new.
What are the signs my cat has joint problems?
Most cats with arthritis don't limp the way dogs do - they just quietly do less.
Watch for:
- Reluctance to jump
- Sleeping more
- Reduced grooming (especially the back end and tail)
- Grumpiness when touched along the spine or hips
- Hesitating over a high-sided litter tray
- Stiffness after rest that eases once they get moving
These signs are often put down to "just getting old" but they're worth a vet visit. See our full guide to arthritis care for cats.
How to get your cat to take a supplement
This is the real challenge with cats. A few things that help:
- Mix into strongly flavoured wet food. Tuna, salmon, or sardine-flavoured foods tend to mask supplements better than chicken or beef.
- Start with a tiny amount and build up to the full dose over a week or two. Cats are more likely to accept something new if it's introduced gradually.
- Try a different form. If powder isn't working, try a gel or a chew. If capsules need to be opened, mix the contents with a small amount of tuna oil to help it blend.
- Don't put it in their full meal. Give the supplement in a small teaspoon of food first, then offer the rest of the meal once they've eaten it.
- Ask your vet. If your cat is really resistant, your vet may have palatable prescription options or can advise on combining supplements with something your cat loves.
FAQs
For more on keeping your cat comfortable as they age, see our guide looking after your senior cat.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Thu 6 Aug 2026
Written by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr. Gillian graduated from the University of Sydney in 2005 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science. She worked in a number of small animal clinics, before joining the Pet Circle Vet team in 2020. Dr. Gillian has special interests in ultrasonography, surgery and behaviour. Her favourite part of being a vet is being an advocate for the animals. She loves helping owners to make the best, evidence-based decisions for their pets, and seeing the beautiful bond that people have with their fur-babies.
