Green lipped mussel has been a popular ingredient in joint health supplements for humans for some time now. It has also garnered attention in recent years as a supplement for dogs, but many people are unaware of the amazing benefits of green lipped mussel for cats as well. Let’s take a look at what this all natural ingredient is and how it can help improve joint health and mobility in our feline friends.
What is green lipped mussel?
Green lipped mussel is a type of shellfish native to New Zealand. While it doesn’t have literal lips, it is easily identified by the green color that is brightest around the edges of its top and bottom shells.
Green lipped mussel plays an important part in farming aquaculture in New Zealand. Not only do mussel farms provide jobs for local communities, but research has shown they actually benefit local ecosystems by providing habitats for local species and increasing biodiversity.
But what is it about green lipped mussel that makes it such a unique and beneficial ingredient in supplements for cats?
Benefits of green lipped mussel for cats
Green lipped mussel contains many nutrients that provide support for our cats’ health. They include:
- Long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are known to provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Inflammation is a key component of many painful joint conditions, like arthritis, so providing anti-inflammatory support can soothe your cat’s painful joints and lead to increased mobility.
- Glycosaminoglycans. While their name isn’t easy to pronounce, these compounds play key roles in supporting cartilage. They maintain collagen and elastin and have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Chondroitin. This is a specific type of glycosaminoglycan that is known to prevent cartilage breakdown and may even build up existing cartilage.
- Glucosamine. Often seen in supplements alongside chondroitin, this amino sugar can help lubricate joints and provide anti-inflammatory support.
- Essential minerals. Green lipped mussels are rich in essential minerals like iron, zinc, and selenium, which supports your cat’s overall health.
All those anti-inflammatory and cartilage-related benefits come together to give green lipped mussel its deserved reputation as a great natural supplement for joint health.
So how can you tell if your cat needs the joint support that green lipped mussel provides?
Signs your cat may benefit from green lipped mussel
As our cats get older, their risk of arthritis and related joint issues increases. In fact, by the age of 6 nearly 60% of cats show signs of arthritis.
Arthritis is a degenerative disease that gets progressively worse, so the earlier treatment begins the better. While it can’t be cured, it can be slowed and its symptoms alleviated.
That’s why it’s important for pet parents to know the early signs of this potentially debilitating disease.
Signs of joint discomfort in cats
Cats may be natural predators, but if they’re in the wild they’re small enough to also be prey for larger animals. Because of this place in the food chain, their natural instincts are to hide any signs of pain or weakness.
This can make it very difficult for even the most attentive pet parent to know if their cat is experiencing pain from arthritis.
Here are some signs to look for:
- Decreased activity. It’s unlikely your cat will start limping when they first start having joint discomfort. Instead, you may notice more of a hesitation to jump up like they used to or less desire to play.
- Stiffness. They may move a little more stiffly, especially right after waking up. They also may not stretch as much or as deeply as they did before.
- Grooming changes. Arthritis and joint pain can make it more painful for a cat to groom themselves, so you might notice their fur becoming more matted or unkempt.
- Litter box issues. If it’s painful to climb in and out of the litter box, your cat may start having accidents outside of the litter box.
- Personality changes. Your cat may start hiding more. They also may become more irritable or get upset when you touch them or pick them up.
Whether your cat shows one of these signs or all of them, it paints a picture of an animal trying to hide its pain or discomfort.
When to talk to your veterinarian
Any time your cat is not acting like themselves, it’s important to speak to your veterinarian. Because, as we mentioned above, cats are so good at hiding signs of pain or illness, changes in their behaviors or habits should be investigated.
Trust your gut. You know your cat better than anyone. If you feel like your cat isn’t moving or acting like they used to, let your vet know.
If your vet determines that your cat has arthritis or another joint issue, they will create a treatment plan that is tailored to your cat’s situation. It may include things like laser therapy, weight management, medication…
And, you guessed it, green lipped mussel.
How green lipped mussel can help
The joint-protecting and -nourishing nutrients found in green lipped mussel make it a go-to recommendation for many vets when discussing joint care and arthritis in cats.
Given the prevalence of arthritis in cats as they age, some vets recommend starting cats on a joint health supplement containing green lipped mussel well before any signs of arthritis appear.
Our own Dr. Dody is firmly in that camp. “Green lipped mussel is rich with Omega-3s, amino acids, chondroitin, and glucosamine, making it particularly helpful for cats with osteoarthritis. It can delay the progression of that horrible disease and even reduce the cat’s reliance on prescription medication. It also protects healthy joints, which keeps our cats healthy and happy.”
Why we include green lipped mussel in Holistic Vet Blend’s Feline Mobility Plus
At Holistic Vet Blend, we believe mobility support shouldn’t just mask discomfort. Rather, it should nourish and protect the joints at the deepest level. That’s exactly why our Feline Mobility Plus includes green lipped mussel as its primary ingredient.
We love that including green lipped mussel in our mobility support supplement means we’re using a whole food to give your cat the joint-supportive nutrients they need, all working together as nature intended.
In Feline Mobility Plus, green lipped mussel works with other vet-selected ingredients to:
- support healthy cartilage and joint function
- ease pain and discomfort in arthritic joints
- lower inflammation
- encourage comfortable movement and flexibility
As Dr. Dody explains, “Mobility challenges don’t happen overnight. Supporting joints before severe degeneration sets in can make a meaningful difference in our pets’ long-term comfort and quality of life.”
And that’s truly our ultimate goal. We want to help your pet not only have a long lifespan but a long healthspan.
That is, we want them to be healthy and happy and enjoy life for as long as possible. Providing them with the nutrients and support they need to remain mobile and pain-free is a great way to do just that.
Conclusion
Green lipped mussel for cats is a wonderful, natural, whole-food ingredient that provides a variety of vital nutrients to joint supplements for cats. It can not only protect the joint health of younger cats but also alleviate pain and increase mobility in cats afflicted with joint issues like osteoarthritis. And for our cats, being able to jump, stretch, groom, and play isn’t just about movement–it’s about preserving their joy for years to come.
