Best Cat Arthritis Pain Medications

Updated November 2019
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Onsior
Tablets for Cats, 6-mg, 3 tablets
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Controls Inflammation
Bottom Line

The ultimate solution for your poor kitty’s post spaying or neutering discomfort, Onsior works quickly to efficiently reduce swelling and soothe your cat after simple soft tissue surgeries.

Pros

Controls postoperative pain and inflammation. Non-narcotic. Nonsteroidal. Effective at relieving pain. Fast-acting. Once-per-day pill.

Cons

This is an expensive trio of pain relief pills, but this medicine is only intended to be taken for up to 3 days in a row anyway.

Methocarbamol
(Generic) Tablets for Dogs & Cats
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Treats Muscle Spasms
Bottom Line

If your little buddy is suffering from acute muscle spasms and needs help with resting or physical therapy, Methocarbamol may be the prescription solution your cat needs to jumpstart the healing process.

Pros

Affordable. Available in 2 strengths, 500mg and 750mg. Treats acute and painful musculoskeletal conditions and muscle spasms. Easy to hide in a cat’s food. Reduces muscle tremors. Relaxes muscles.

Cons

Although Methocarbamol is effective at reducing painful muscle spasms, the effects are not long-lasting.

Best Bang for the Buck
Dexamethasone
(Generic) Tablets for Dogs & Cats
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Bargain Pick
Bottom Line

Inexpensive and rapidly controls pain and swelling from inflammation for a wide range of ailments, Dexamethasone is a comprehensive prescription for treating a cat’s persistent pain or arthritis.

Pros

Extremely affordable. Available in 2 dosage sizes, 0.5mg and 0.75mg. Reduces inflammation. Helps to treat autoimmune diseases, blood disorders, bronchitis, some spinal cord diseases, certain types of colitis, and other inflammation-related conditions.

Cons

Side effects may include changes in appetite, increased thirst and urination, drowsiness, hyperglycemia, and muscle loss over long periods of use.

Prednisolone
(Generic) Oral Solution, 15 mg/5 mL, 16-oz
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Quick-relieving
Bottom Line

Despite its fruity flavor, Prednisolone’s liquid formula is a surefire way to rapidly treat a cat’s inflammation from arthritis, stomach problems, muscular pains, and a number of other uncomfortable feline issues.

Pros

Convenient liquid medicine. Treats pain and inflammation from autoimmune diseases, allergies, arthritis, breathing problems, skin issues, and other inflammatory conditions. Fast-acting formula.

Cons

Some cats may not appreciate the cherry or raspberry flavored medicine. Flavors are shipped out at random.

Piroxicam
(Generic) Capsules, 10-mg, 1 capsule
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Helps Arthritis Pain
Bottom Line

Specifically formulated for blocking ongoing arthritis pain and reducing inflammation at the source, we recommend asking your veterinarian if Piroxicam is right for your cat.

Pros

Made to relieve pain and inflammation stemming from arthritis. Effective at treating a fever. Non-steroidal. Anti-inflammatory. Moderate per-capsule price.

Cons

Unless your cat is a well-trained saint, you’ll have to hide these capsules in kitty’s food or treats.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

32 Models Considered
8 Hours Researched
1 Experts Interviewed
412 Consumers Consulted
Zero products received from manufacturers.

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

It doesn’t matter if your favorite cat in the whole world is dealing with acute arthritis, a recent surgery, or stubbornly lingering pain, because you’re going to do everything you can to make your kitty feel better. The good news is that your veterinarian is able to prescribe a wide range of pain and arthritis medicines that will rapidly dull your cat’s pain, reduce inflammation, and fight off other irritating symptoms. Although we highly suggest listening to the vet regarding your cat’s pain or arthritis medicine, there are a few options to inquire about, including its form, ease of feeding, dosage, potential side effects, and affordability.

The team that worked on this review
  • Arnold
    Arnold
    Writer
  • Melinda
    Melinda
    Web Producer

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