What is the best way to give my older cats gulocasimine?? I really cannot afford cat specific meds for them. They eat dry food only, so could I buy capsules and mix it in with their food? After researching online, it appears that human form is the same as animals, only real difference is dosage. Is there a somewhat inexpensive dry cat food that would contain enough to do the job. Any input would be appreciated! My one old girl (12) is very overweight (non-thyroid issue) and I do not need advice on weight loss for her.
According to this vet’s site you can give your cat up to 500mg. OTC glucosamine (I assume that’s what “gulocasimine” is supposed to be; please correct me if I am wrong) is pretty cheap, about $10/bottle.
There is no cat food that is supplemented with glucosamine, at least, no common, cheap cat food.
I am surprised to hear you say you cannot afford the cat-dosage pills. It is $15 for a box of 80 that lasts 3 months (or longer, depending on dosage). That is for Cosequin, the top brand. Less “name” brands are cheaper (I have not had luck with cheaper brands but I’m sure some do).
I give my cat his dose, in a teaspoon of meat baby food. If your cat normally eats dry food, a teaspoon of wet food would probably be exciting enough.
My understanding with cats is that they have slightly different metabolisms to dogs and dog/human glucosamine can be dangerous to cats.
Please check with your vet!!!
I had a cat go through a course of catrophen and glucosamine … unfortunately nothing was going to help with his spinal degeneration. My vets told me upfront that they have not had as much success with joint supplements with cats as they do with dogs - and that I could be basically throwing my money away. It might have given him another couple of months … but was definitely not as effective as I’ve seen with dogs and horses.
It’s safe…just the dosage…Is it Safe to Use Human Glucosamine for Dogs?
I think the possible danger with cats isn’t the glucosamine itself, but some of the non-active ingredients that may be OK for dogs (or humans) but not for cats. Some formulas are fine for both…googling “glucosamine for cats” brings up lots of results. Or you could ask your vet what he or she would recommend.
Even though you are not asking for weight loss advice for the cat, losing weight will help with joint issues, which I assume the glucosamine is for.
Also, cheap cat food is just like feeding your cat McDonald’s, Doritos and Pop-Tarts all the time. Investing in a healthier cat food can improve your cats health overall. Healthier food will decrease stool volume and odor and improve your cat’s coat.
Amazon has 80 count feline Cosequin for $12. I find quite a few veterinary supplements are much cheaper on Amazon than purchasing them from the vet.
Our 16 year old cat has been on glucosamine supplements for her arthritis for a couple of years now, and it has worked beautifully for her - to look at her, you wouldn’t even know she has arthritis. The vet gave us Canine Glucosamine HCL for her - she takes a very small amount sprinkled on her wet food daily (probably an eighth of a teaspoon on a tablespoon of food). The 200 gram container cost $32, but it has lasted for about two years now, and it will probably last another six months or so.
Thanks all! Goin online to shop!! 
Another vote for Cosequin.
My youngest cat (8 yrs old, 17 lb) gets it once a day. We can tell a real difference when we forget to give it to him. He has some difficulty jumping up on chairs and beds and stuff, we have to help him sometimes. But on the Cosequin, sometimes we even see him rolling around on the floor and chasing the other cat!
Good luck with your kitty!
And another vote for Cosequin and weight loss. My old boy was a stray and when he finally got a home, he got fat. I could tell that his hips were hurting him, so I put him on a diet and started giving him Cosequine in his spoonfull of canned food.
I am surprised to hear you say you cannot afford the cat-dosage pills. It is $15 for a box of 80 that lasts 3 months (or longer, depending on dosage).
[FONT=“Trebuchet MS”]I’m a little surprised you’re surprised. For some of us (old folks, disabled folks, etc.), even $15 can be a significant chunk of money.
That said, the price has gone down even further, and, thank Goddess, the vegetarian (non-shellfish-derived) form has come down with it. Swanson’s, whom I highly recommend, have a 90-day supply for under $7, so I’m putting me AND my older cat on it. (I have a really ferocious shellfish allergy and can’t even touch the regular glucosamine.) The veg form, by the way, appears to have fewer additives.[/FONT]
Here is a gallon with
Glucosamine Hydrochloride in a water soluble base, 5,000 mg/oz.
http://www.lambertvetsupply.com/Glucosamine-Joint-Liquid_p_2394.html
My mom gives missing link to our dog. The arthritis got a lot better and the dog is able to walk around much better.
They make a cat formulation too, and the stuff is powdered. My mom just mixes it in with the dog food.
http://www.missinglinkproducts.com/pet-solutions/petsolutions-cat