What is the best weight loss method for cats
Solensia for Cats: Overview, Dosage & Side Effects
Solensia is an injectable medication thats FDA-approved for use in cats to bring relief from arthritis pain. In this article, youll learn what Solensia is, how it works, potential side effects, and frequently asked questions.
Medication Type: Felinized monoclonal antibiody targeting NGF Prescription Required?: Yes Life Stage: Cats and kittens 7 mo of age and older. Common Names: Frunevetmab Available Dosages: 1ml vial containing 7mg of frunevetmab Expiration Range: Contents of the vial must be used immediately once punctured.Solensia for Cats Overview
About Solensia for Cats
The brand name for frunevetmab, Solensia is a drug used to help cats with osteoarthritis.
Solensia is a brand name for frunevetmab, manufactured by Zoetis. Frunevetmab is a felinized immunoglobulin monoclonal antibody.
An antibody is a protein created by the immune system to target a particular substance. Usually, we think about antibodies against something like a virus, which helps the body avoid or quickly eliminate a viral infection.
A monoclonal antibody is a synthetic antibody that is designed to target only one specific substance. Felinized simply means that the monoclonal antibody is designed to work specifically in a cats body and cannot be used in other animal species.
As a monoclonal antibody, Solensias target substance is something called nerve growth factor (NGF). In adult animals, NGF is elevated in response to injury, disease, and noxious stimuli and contributes to neurogenic inflammation and increased perception of pain.
NGF has been found in both humans and other animal species to be involved with types of chronic pain, such as that caused by osteoarthritis (OA), where NGF has been found to be elevated in arthritic joints.
Frunevetmab works by binding to NGF, thereby preventing NGF from binding to other receptors that are involved with furthering signals of pain and inflammation.
Solensia is FDA-approved for use in cats specifically for the treatment of pain associated with feline osteoarthritis. It is available only as an injection that is given under the skin at a veterinary clinic once a month.
Also Read:Arthritis In Cats: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment
What Does Solensia Do for Cats?
By binding to nerve growth factor (NGF) and preventing it from binding to receptors involved in the pain response, Solensia helps to keep your cat from experiencing the pain associated with osteoarthritis.
In recent years, it has become more apparent through research studies that osteoarthritis (OA) is more common in cats than previously thought. Studies have shown that although cats may have x-ray evidence of arthritis, far fewer of those cats show obvious signs of pain and decreased mobility at home. This can make arthritis in cats difficult to appreciate at home, or diagnose during veterinary visits.
But the treatment of arthritis is also challenging for cats and their caretakers. No non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication is approved for safe long-term use in cats, and the use of steroids has fallen out of favor given the association between long-term use and a higher risk of side effects.
Pain medications, like gabapentin or buprenorphine, may often be considered. But while they can reduce pain and help with comfort, they do not target the underlying joint inflammation causing the pain.
Orally medicating cats can also be challenging, so even in cases where a pain medication, such as gabapentin, can be used long-term to manage pain, the high affinity for many cats to sniff out medication hidden in food or treats as well as the difficulty of pilling/medicating directly by mouth can lead to major consistency problems with treatment at home.
Solensia provides a potential solution to many of these concerns with a focused drug that appears to be very well tolerated for longer-term use, even in older cats, as well as eliminating the oral route entirely since the injection must be given at the vets office.
According to early studies, a single Solensia injection provided significant pain relief as evidenced by increased activity for up to 6 weeks in cats with degenerative joint disease (DJD). Based on owner assessments alone, about of cats receiving 3 doses of Solensia were considered to be treatment successes.
While still a newer product as of the time of this writing, Solensia appears to be the first drug of its kind that can be tolerated by cats for long-term use for joint pain and inflammation with the added bonus of eliminating the stress and compliance issues of medicating at home.
Also Read:12 Warning Signs Your Cat Is In Pain And Crying For Help
Side Effects of Solensia for Cats
Several side effects have been reported for Solensia for cats.
Solensia has not been evaluated in cats less than 7 months of age or weighing less than 5.5 lb (2.5kg).
In cats, gastrointestinal signs appear to be the most commonly reported, though still relatively uncommon. According to the manufacturer, in a field trial involving nearly 200 cats over the course of about 3-4 months, vomiting was the most often reported at 13%. Diarrhea and loss of appetite were the next most common, at about 6.5%.
Injection site discomfort was noted in about 11% of cats. This was further explained to be seen as flinching noted occasionally, and most frequently with the first dose.
Local reactions at the injection site were reported in about 3-6% of cats. These reactions included scabbing, red skin, hair loss, swelling at the site, and itching/scratching.
Abnormal behavior was noted in about 6.5% of cats. This was clarified to be behavior recorded as being abnormal for the individual cat (about 12 of them in the study) but not any kind of recognized disorder.
Early studies for Solensia appear to largely demonstrate safety for cats in terms of kidney function, including cats with early-stage IRIS 1 or 2 of chronic kidney disease, though a small number of cats did have some mild changes in kidney lab parameters.
Twelve of the cats in the study showed evidence on lab work of worsening of existing mild kidney disease. In a separate safety study looking at Solensia use in a small group of very young cats, bloodwork creatinine values were seen to increase within the normal range, but never exceeded the upper limit of normal.
In a pilot clinical study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science in 2021 titled Efficacy and Safety of an Anti-nerve Growth Factor Antibody (Frunevetmab) for the Treatment of Degenerative Joint Disease-Associated Chronic Pain in Cats: A Multisite Pilot Field Study, Solensia was used in 126 client-owned cats with a mean age of 12-13 years. The authors indicated that about half of the cats in the study, just given their age, were in stage II of chronic kidney disease.
Of those cats in the study receiving Solensia injections, two had elevations in lab work parameters while still staying at the same level of kidney disease, with one cat increasing to stage 3 of kidney disease.
Other side effects mentioned by the manufacturer were seen in about 4% or less of cats.
As of this writing, Solensia has not been studied in combination with other medications, including NSAIDs.
Solensia should not be used in pregnant or lactating queens.
If you are ever concerned that your kitty may have developed side effects following a Solensia injection, make sure to contact your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435), or Pet Poison Helpline (1-855-764-7661) immediately for further advice.
The use of monoclonal antibodies is relatively new within the last several years but shows much promise in both human and animal medicine. However, a phenomenon called immunogenicity has been seen. Immunogenicity occurs when a patients body develops its own antibodies to the monoclonal antibody drug, thereby making the drug less effective over time.
In a study mentioned by the manufacturer, immunogenicity was detected in only 4 cats out of about 260 total cats.
Also Read:The Best Homemade Cat Food Recipes For Kidney Disease
Solensia for Cats Dosage
Solensia must be administered by a veterinarian or a trained veterinary staff member under a vets supervision.
Solensia is FDA-approved for use in cats, but can only be administered legally by a veterinarian or a trained veterinary staff member under the supervision of a DVM.
Dosing of Solensia is based on weight and is injected subcutaneously under the skin once a month. Each 1ml vial of Solensia contains 7 mg of frunevetmab. Cats weighing 5.5 to 15.4 lb (2.5-7 kg) receive one vial with cats exceeding 15.5 lb receiving two vials.
Following an initial dose, Solensia is designed to be continued as a monthly injection.
Also Read:What Can You Give A Cat For Pain? 6 Vet-Recommended Options
Conclusion
A relatively new medication at the time of this writing, Solensia is approved for use in cats to help ease pain and inflammation in cats with osteoarthritis.
Solensia is an injectable medication approved for use in cats to treat osteoarthritis. It provides the only current longer-term treatment option for cats that can address both pain and components of inflammation arthritis causes.
The long-acting injection also eliminates the need for oral dosing, which can be difficult for many kitties and their caretakers. Though it is still relatively new, early pilot field and safety studies suggest Solensia has a favorable safety profile.
Also Read:Drug Poisoning In Cats: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take Solensia to Work in Cats?
The pain relieving effects of Solensia have been described by cat owners in studies to be apparent after about 2-3 weeks after administration. This would be expected after the first, initial dose. If Solensia is continued long term, consistent pain relief would be expected.
Is Solensia Available Yet for Cats?
Yes. The FDA gave approval of Solensia on January 13, 2022 and is currently available for use in cats. However, since it is a relatively new drug, not all veterinary practices may currently carry it yet.
How is Solensia Administered to Cats?
Solensia is administered to cats as a subcutaneous injection under the skin. It is only approved for administration by, or under the direct supervision of, a licensed veterinarian and is administered to a cat during the course of a veterinary visit.
Is Solensia an Anti-inflammatory?
Solensia (frunevetmab) is not an anti-inflammatory in the traditional sense, as it is not a steroid or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). However, its action as a monoclonal antibody (mAb) does have some anti-inflammatory effect.
The target of frunevetmab for treating feline osteoarthritis (OA) is felinized nerve-growth factor (NGF). In adult cats, NGF is not only involved with the bodys perception of pain and noxious stimuli, but it also assists in the release and perpetuation of certain inflammatory mediators that further inflammation in the body. When frunevetmab as a monoclonal antibody binds to NGF, it not only reduces the sensation of cat OA pain but also interferes with the continuation of inflammation that NGF contributes to.
The 7 Best Cat Foods For Overweight Cats
Regardless of their current weight, your cat is at their best when they eat like a lean, trim carnivore. The best cat food for overweight cats is rich in high-quality protein without too much fat or starch.
Thats why we recommendSmalls Fresh Ground Birdas the overall best cat food for overweight cats. Its high in protein, low in carbohydrates, moisture-rich, satisfying, and doesnt have too much fat or starch, both of which can contribute to weight gain in adult cats.
If you want to make weight loss as easy as possible,Smallsis an outstanding option. But its not for everyone. To help you find a product that works for you, weve chosen 8 great foods for cats that need to lose weight.
At a Glance: Best Cat Foods for Overweight Cats To Buy
Overall Best
9.8
Picked by 31 people today!
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Limited list of digestible ingredients
- Adjust your cats meal plan as needed
Value Pick
9.5
Picked by 25 people today!
- Chicken is the sole source of animal protein
- Rich in moisture to support your cats hydration
- Affordably priced
Best For Indoor Cats
9.4
Picked by 21 people today!
- Formulated for indoor cats and low in calories
- Made primarily from highly digestible animal protein
- Most cats enjoy the flavor
Best Ethically-Sourced
9.4
Picked by 31 people today!
- Made with a single source of premium animal protein
- Formulated with 100% human-grade, traceable ingredients
- Contains the moisture your cat needs for hydration
Best For Gravy Lovers
9.3
Picked by 18 people today!
- Primarily made from animal protein
- Very low in calories
- Hydrating food helps to keep your cat satisfied
Best For Sensitive Stomach
9.2
Picked by 31 people today!
- Primarily made from rabbit, a novel protein for many cats
- Rich in species-appropriate animal protein
- Contains herring oil as a source of omega-3 fatty acids
Best For Portion Control
9.1
Picked by 31 people today!
- Packed with protein, real chicken first ingredient
- Rich in moisture, highly digestible
- Contains fish oil for omega-3 fatty acids
Top Picks Explained
Heres How To Pick the Best Cat Food for Overweight Cats
The ideal weight loss diet has high protein content with moderate fat levels and minimal carbohydrates.
In general, if your cat is overweight, they might have been eating the wrong food for a long time. For overweight cats, just switching to a species-appropriate diet is often enough to make a difference. This type of diet helps to prevent obesity, and the transition alone may be enough to help your cat shed some extra pounds.
A species-appropriate diet mimics the nutritional content of your cats prey.
Its rich in the right amino acids, contains low to moderate levels of animal-derived fat, and has little to no starch. This macronutrient distribution is at the heart of every good cat food. It helps cats maintain lean muscle mass, achieve appropriate blood sugar levels, and experience overall well-being.
Wet Cat Food Is Ideal for Weight Control
Most overweight or obese cats live on dry cat food, which leaves them under-stimulated, over-sugared, and at risk for serious health conditions.
In contrast to kibble, high-moisture cat food is bulkier and will help your cat feel full for longer, even if they are eating fewer calories. Think of it as a bowl of grapes versus a handful of raisins. Youll get fewer calories in the bowl of grapes, but it feels more substantial and will leave you full for longer.
The switch to wet food might be a challenge, especially if your cat has eaten kibble since they were a kitten. But in the long run, its the best option to support your cats healthy body weight.
Free Feeding Is Out for Overweight Cats
Allowing your cat to freely nibble from a full bowl of food might seem to be the kindest choice, but few things could be less natural for a cat. Cats naturally eat multiple small meals throughout the day, fasting between each successful hunt.
In addition to discouraging your cat from gorging, feeding multiple meals during the day will allow you to closely monitor your cats calorie intake.
You Are Not Limited to Diets Marketed for Weight Management
Most indoor-specific recipes and diet cat foods follow a similar blueprint. They decrease the protein and fat while bumping up levels of carbohydrates and fiber. Foods with high carb and fiber content promise to keep your cat satisfied on roughage alone, but they fail to honor your cats needs as an obligate carnivore.
As a bright spot, these diets are formulated to meet your cats minimal nutritional requirements with fewer calories. Also, some of these diets have a high protein content with minimal carbohydrates.
However, given the blueprint mentioned above, weight loss diets for cats are generally engineered for disappointment.
By restricting protein intake, these diets might cause muscle loss.
Secondly, because cats are obligate carnivores, theyre hardwired to feel satisfied by protein and fatnot carbohydrates or fiber. This means that while these diets are low-calorie, theyre not as satisfying as diets that are rich in the protein and fat that your cat instinctively craves.
To help your cat lose weight while maintaining healthy muscle mass, put their carnivorous needs first. From their claws to their metabolism, your cats body is optimized to hunt and eat animals. That doesnt change if the cat is overweight, obese, or underweight.
Why Trust Cats.com
Before selecting products for testing, I spent several hours researching the subject of obesity in cats and gaining insight from members of our panel of veterinary advisors. With the understanding that diet is just one piece of the weight loss puzzle for cats, I selected an assortment of high-moisture cat foods with moderate calorie content between 20 and 35 calories per ounce.
To test these products, I purchased them at full retail price and tried them at home with my two cats, Wessie and Forest. While my cats provided their input on the products taste, texture, and general appeal, I made observations on the appearance, aroma, consistency, and packaging.
Top 8 Best Cat Foods for Overweight Cats
All our top picks are meat-rich foods that emphasize animal ingredients over anything else. Theyre protein-packed, made from relatively high-value ingredients, and promise to keep your cat satiated without loading them up on unnecessary calories.
What to Consider: Feeding Recommendations To Help Overweight Cats Lose Weight
My vet is recommending a therapeutic diet. Does my cat really need a special food?
Not necessarily. Prescription diets from brands like Royal Canin, Purina, and Hills Science Diet offer weight-loss diets. These low-fat foods might be lower in calories than the average cat food, but prescription weight-loss diets make heavy use of carbohydrates and non-nutritive fillers your cat might be better off without.
Simply put, its possible to choose a high-quality cat food and promote weight loss by reducing your cats daily portion and increasing their activity level.
Your cat should lose weight at a slow, steady rate of about 1 to 2% of their current weight each week. For example, if your cat currently weighs 25 pounds, they should lose between 4 and 8 ounces during their first week of dieting.
You probably wont notice such a small rate of weight loss from week to week. But slow and steady weight loss is preferable to rapid weight loss. Your cat is more likely to maintain the weight loss if it is done gradually, and losing weight too quickly can create its own health consequences.
The 80% Technique
Assuming your cat is currently maintaining an unhealthy body weight, determine the number of calories they eat now and gradually cut back to 60 to 80% of that amount.
If you dont know how much your cat presently eats, consult with your vet or try one of the other two methods.
The Crystal Ball Method
The following formula will give you an estimate of your cats maintenance calorie intake at an ideal weight. The variable W represents your cats weight in pounds.
(13.6 x W) + 70 = Calories required to maintain your cats ideal weight
If your cats ideal weight is 11 pounds, then their maintenance intake will be roughly 220 calories per day. When your cat is eating for a slimmer body, they are living with a calorie deficit. This encourages gradual weight loss until your cat reaches their goal weight.
Remember that a highly satisfying, moisture-rich,high-protein pet foodwill help you out here.
Keep this in mind, though: Cutting calories with your cats current diet could also reduce their nutrient intake. Your cats weight loss should be not come at the expense of their nutritional needs.
Your vet will be able to provide you with the most accurate calorie counts that your cat will need to achieve a healthy weight.
With the Right Food and a Solid Strategy, You Can Help Your Cat Reach a Healthy Weight
Weight loss isnt an arcane pursuit. Once youve established a strong strategy and chosen a nutritious diet, your biggest challenge is to stay disciplined and consistent.
When changing your cats diet make the transition slowly, feeding both their old food and the new food. Over the course of a week or two, gradually increase the amount of new food and decrease the amount of old food until there are eating only the new food.
If youre trying to convert your cat from dry food to wet cat food, sure your cat is eating the new food. Cats can develop very strict food preferences depending on what they were exposed to early in life, and it can be difficult for some cats to switch to eating a different type of food later in life.
Give it a good try, but make sure your cat is eating the new food. Cats can become very sick if they dont eat enough, and your cat is not going to benefit from the good nutrition of a food they wont eat.
Track your cats weight loss from week to week. Also, talk to your veterinarian about your cats weight loss. If your cats weight has plateaued, your vet might recommend trying a different food or adding in extra exercise to stimulate weight loss.
Regarding exercise, physical activity is a critical component of weight loss. In combination with fewer calories from the new diet, physical activity will help increase your cats metabolism, helping your cat burn more calories.
Want to learn more about feline obesity? Read our vet-written guide to this condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cat food for losing weight?
The best cat food for weight loss isnt necessarily a prescription diet or a diet labeled for weight loss. In fact, you can help your cat lose weight on just about any food as long as it is nutritionally balanced and you control the portions. If youre looking for best cat food for weight loss, we recommend a high-protein, low-carbohydrate wet food with moderate fat and calorie content.
How do I get my indoor cat to lose weight?
Indoor cats tend to be less active than outdoor cats, so cat owners might need to be more proactive when it comes to helping indoor cats lose weight. The first step is to choose a diet that supports your cats weight loss and determine the appropriate number of calories per day. On top of adjusting your cats diet, also make an effort to increase your cats activity level with daily play sessions.
Is wet or dry cat food better for weight loss?
You can help your cat lose weight using either dry food or wet food. However, wet food tends to be the better option because it is higher in protein and moisture, which make it more satisfying for your cat you can feed less without your cat feeling deprived. Wet food also tends to be higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates, which can also support healthy weight loss.
