Goal

Support joint comfort and a normal inflammatory response during a short-term flare-up or recovery phase.

How Supplements May Be Used

Baseline reference:

• Continue the same supplements used in the Maintenance routine
  

During acute discomfort:

• Temporarily increase the daily amount
• Commonly increased to twice the maintenance amount, and in some cases up to four times the maintenance amount, for a limited period
  

Once movement comfort improves, the amount is reduced back to the regular maintenance level.

BSAVA principle: Adaptive physiological support during periods of increased demand.

Step 1: Temporarily Reduce Physical Load

Goal

Limit further strain so joints and muscles can settle during a short-term discomfort phase.

Lower Effort Without Full Rest

Helpful habits

• Encourage shorter, calmer movement rather than bursts of activity
• Avoid play that involves fast turns, chasing, or repeated jumping
• Pause access to high shelves or large height differences temporarily
• Allow extra rest between activity periods
• Keep handling gentle and unhurried
  

Reducing load gives joints time to recover while maintaining comfortable, controlled movement.

BSAVA principle: Short-term load reduction during flare-ups.

Step 2: Prioritise Gentle, Controlled Movement

Goal

Support circulation and comfort through calm, controlled movement rather than complete rest.

Encourage Low-Impact, Predictable Movement

While physical load should be reduced during acute discomfort, complete inactivity can slow recovery.

Helpful habits

• Allow short, calm movement around familiar areas
• Encourage walking on stable, non-slip surfaces
• Avoid fast turns, sudden direction changes, or rushed movement
• Let your cat choose when and how much to move
• Avoid lifting or repositioning unless necessary

BSAVA principle: Controlled movement during recovery phases.

Step 3: Adjust the environment to protect the joints

Goal

Reduce unnecessary strain during routine movements while joints are temporarily sensitive.

Limit High-Impact Movement Temporarily

Helpful habits

• Temporarily block access to high shelves, cupboards, or tall furniture
• Use steps or intermediate platforms for commonly used areas
• Avoid encouraging jumping up or down from height
• Keep play calm, low to the ground, and short
• Ensure walking surfaces are stable and non-slip
  

BSAVA principle: Mechanical load reduction during acute phases.

Step 4: Monitor Comfort and Response

Goal

Assess whether current support is helping and guide next steps.

Compare Progress Over Several Days

Helpful habits

• Notice whether movement becomes easier compared to previous days
• Observe willingness to walk, change position, or use familiar spaces
• Watch for reduced stiffness after rest
• Avoid changing multiple things at once, so responses are easier to interpret
  

BSAVA principle: Ongoing assessment during acute phases.

Step 5: Gradually Return to the Maintenance Routine

Goal

Transition safely from acute support back to ongoing mobility care.

Helpful habits

• Reduce supplement amounts step by step back to the maintenance level
• Restore normal access and activity in stages rather than immediately
• Resume regular play and movement patterns gradually
• Return to the Mobility Maintenance routine once movement feels stable
  

BSAVA principle: Gradual rebalancing after acute stress.

When to Seek Veterinary Guidance

Acute support is intended for short-term discomfort and gradual improvement. Veterinary guidance is recommended if progress is limited or concerns increase.

Contact your veterinarian if you notice:

• Persistent or worsening discomfort despite several days of support
• Marked lameness or reluctance to move
• Sudden loss of mobility or unwillingness to bear weight
• Signs of pain, distress, or behavioural change
• No clear improvement over time
  

Early veterinary input helps clarify the cause and ensures appropriate care.

This guide supports recovery but does not replace professional assessment or treatment.