Ask Dr Claire

My cat is about 15 years old and is starting to limp and walk stiffly. Is it ok to give her 1/4 dose Joint Aid For Dogs and soluble aspirin?

Aspirin is a non steroidal anti-inflammatory medication that can be used at low doses in cats (for blood clotting, inflammation, and pain relief) but it can be toxic. Cats are particularly susceptible because they lack the enzyme that is critical to metabolise it. 

Signs of toxicity are loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea with blood (sometimes without), trouble walking, collapse and even death. 

I would NOT recommend using it for osteoarthritis as there are other safer pain relief options that your local veterinarian can prescribe for your cat. 

I’m not aware of the brand called Joint Aid. I looked it up and there is a rufus and coco brand called Joint Aid (I’m assuming this is the one you’re referring to) – its main ingredients are Glucosamine, chondroitin and MSN- these are not well tested in cats but they have been used safely for years.

Cats do require a differing ratio of the ingredients to dogs so just reducing the dose to 1/4 will still be a less optimal ratio.  It would be better to use a product specific to cats such as Joint Guard for cats.

A hands-on examination from your local vet would be a great place to start.

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Chat soon,

Dr Claire