Solensia Review: The Arthritis Treatment That Gave My Senior Cat a New Lease on Life

When our pets get older, their needs change—and sometimes those changes are harder to spot than others. My 13-year-old cat, Hope, started showing the subtle signs of arthritis: hesitating before jumping, moving a little slower, and not quite being her playful self. That’s when we turned to Solensia, and it has made a world of difference in her quality of life.

What Is Solensia?

Solensia (frunevetmab) is the first FDA-approved injectable medication for managing arthritis pain in cats. It’s not a pill or a supplement—it’s a monthly injection given at your vet’s office. Solensia works by blocking a protein called nerve growth factor, which plays a key role in pain signaling. By quieting those pain signals, cats can move more comfortably and naturally.

When Is Solensia Appropriate?

This treatment is designed specifically for cats with osteoarthritis (OA). Your vet may recommend it if your cat:

  • Is middle-aged or older (arthritis is more common after 7–8 years).

  • Has trouble jumping onto furniture or climbing stairs.

  • Seems stiff or reluctant to move after naps.

  • Shows changes in grooming habits because certain movements hurt.

  • Is less interested in play or seems irritable when touched.

In Hope’s case, she was slowing down and avoiding her favorite perch. Within weeks of starting Solensia, she was jumping again and moving with the ease I hadn’t seen in years.

The Cost Factor

Solensia isn’t the cheapest option—it runs about $86 per injection for my cat. The cost is based partly on weight, so it may vary from one cat to another. That said, I consider it money well spent. For the difference it has made in Hope’s mobility and comfort, the monthly expense feels like a worthwhile investment in her well-being.

Why I Recommend It

Arthritis doesn’t just slow our cats down—it can rob them of the simple joys of being a cat. Solensia isn’t a cure, but it gives them back mobility, comfort, and dignity. Watching Hope move without hesitation and reclaim her favorite sunny spots has convinced me that this treatment is more than just another injection—it’s a gift of quality of life.

Final Thoughts: If your cat is slowing down, don’t chalk it up to “just getting old.” Talk to your veterinarian about whether Solensia might be the right choice. Like me, you may find the cost is worth every penny when you see your beloved companion thriving again.

Next
Next

The $10 Cat Grass Wake-Up Call: Why I Grow My Own (and You Should Too)