If your cat has stopped leaping onto the windowsill or hesitates at the bottom of the stairs, arthritis may be the reason. At Muncy Veterinary Center in Muncy, PA, we help stiff, aching cats feel like themselves again with Solensia, a once-monthly injection built specifically to ease feline osteoarthritis pain. Dr. Lloyd Reitz and our team take the time to confirm what is really going on before we treat, then build a comfort plan around your individual cat instead of a one-size-fits-all script. We would be glad to help your cat move, rest, and play more comfortably again.

Solensia is the first and only FDA-approved medication designed to control feline osteoarthritis pain, and it comes as a single monthly injection rather than a daily pill. Its active ingredient, frunevetmab, is a monoclonal antibody that closely mimics a protein a cat’s own body already makes, so it is processed gently and does not lean on the liver and kidneys the way many older drugs do. For anyone who has fought to give a sore, unwilling cat a pill every morning, this cat arthritis medication is often a genuine relief for both of you.

Cats almost never limp the way dogs do, so arthritis usually shows up as quiet changes in how they move and behave. Because cats are so good at masking pain, these signs are easy to brush off as normal aging. Common clues include:

• Hesitating before jumping up or down, or giving up favorite high perches
• Taking stairs one at a time, or avoiding them altogether
• Sleeping more, playing less, and hiding away
• A dull or matted coat, since grooming starts to hurt
• Grumpiness when touched, brushed, or picked up
• Trouble getting into a litter box with tall sides

Many cats show these changes that signal joint pain by middle age, and by their senior years the condition is extremely common. If any of this sounds like your cat, it is worth a closer look.

The monthly arthritis shot for cats works by quieting pain signals at their source. Worn, arthritic joints pump out high levels of a protein called nerve growth factor, which keeps that deep, chronic ache switched on. Solensia binds to that protein so far fewer pain messages ever reach your cat’s brain. One small injection under the skin keeps doing its job for about four weeks, which is why a single dose can replace a whole month of daily medication.

Most cats do best with one Solensia injection for cats every four weeks, given for as long as it keeps them comfortable. We handle each dose here at our office during a short visit, so there is nothing to measure out or remember at home. When arthritis is part of a bigger mobility picture, we may fold the injections into a broader rehabilitation and long-term care plan, and we will map out a simple schedule that fits your routine and your cat’s needs.

For many older cats, including those living with kidney disease, this is one of the safest arthritis options available, and that is a big reason we reach for it so often. Traditional anti-inflammatory drugs can be hard on the kidneys and liver, which takes them off the table for a lot of the senior patients we see. Because frunevetmab is broken down like other natural proteins instead of being filtered through those organs, it sidesteps much of that risk. Thoughtful senior cat arthritis care still starts with the full picture, so we review your cat’s history and recent bloodwork before the first dose.

Many families notice their cat moving more freely within the first few weeks, though every cat responds on its own timeline. In studies, most cats showed real improvement within the first few months of starting treatment. Some perk up quickly, while others gain ground gradually over two or three monthly doses. We track specific, concrete signs of better cat joint pain relief, like whether your cat is jumping again or grooming more, so we can tell together whether the treatment is doing its job.

Solensia is generally very well tolerated, and most cats have no reaction at all. When side effects do show up, they tend to be mild and short-lived. Reported ones include:

• Irritation, swelling, or a small scab at the injection site
• A brief dip in appetite or mild stomach upset
• Occasional itchiness or extra grooming

Serious allergic reactions are rare but possible, which is one more reason the shot is given in a veterinary setting where we can keep an eye on your cat. We will always walk you through exactly what to watch for before the first injection.

The best candidates are cats with confirmed or suspected osteoarthritis, especially those who cannot tolerate daily pills or liquid medication. A cat arthritis injection like Solensia for Cats is not a cure, but for the right patient it can noticeably improve day-to-day comfort. During an exam we gently feel the joints, talk through the changes you have seen at home, and usually recommend bloodwork before starting. Cats with a known sensitivity to the medication are not candidates, and it is not used in kittens or in pregnant or nursing cats.

The cost of feline arthritis treatment depends on your cat’s weight and how many doses they need, since the dose is based on size. Because the injection is given monthly, we usually talk about it as a manageable ongoing cost rather than one big number, and we are always upfront about pricing before you commit to anything. If you carry pet insurance, many accident and illness plans help cover the injections, and our team is glad to provide whatever records you need to file a claim. We will never recommend treatment your cat does not truly need.

A Solensia visit is quick and low-stress, and it usually fits into a standard appointment slot. Here is what a typical visit looks like:

• A short exam and a check of how your cat is moving and feeling
• The injection itself, given under the skin in just a few seconds
• A few quiet minutes of reassurance so the visit ends on a calm note

Most cats handle the shot easily and head home the same visit. Our office was designed to feel warm and homey, right down to the welcome board that greets each patient by name, so these regular check-ins stay something your cat can take in stride.

Families across the area trust our practice because we treat every cat like one of our own and back that up with genuinely advanced medicine. We pair progressive tools, from digital radiography to cold laser therapy, with honest, education-first conversations about what your cat actually needs. Dr. Lloyd Reitz leads each case personally, and his research-driven approach means you get current, carefully considered recommendations rather than guesswork. You can explore our full range of veterinary services to see how arthritis care fits alongside everything else we offer for your pet.

Your cat does not have to slow down and suffer in silence. If you have noticed stiffness, hesitation, or a fading spark, let’s find out whether Solensia can bring back their comfort and confidence. Call Muncy Veterinary Center or request an appointment online to schedule a consultation, and our compassionate team in Muncy, PA will help your cat get back to the windowsills, the stairs, and the sunny naps they love.