# Librela vs Solensia for Cats: Which Arthritis Shot Works? If you are comparing Librela vs Solensia for cats, the short version is simple. Librela is licensed for dogs only, and Solensia is the version made for cats. Your cat cannot get Librela, but your cat may be a candidate for Solensia. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - Librela (bedinvetmab) is a canine product. It is not approved or labeled for cats, and veterinarians do not use it in cats. - Solensia (frunevetmab) is the feline product. It is a felinized monoclonal antibody given by injection for osteoarthritis pain in cats [1]. - Both drugs belong to the same family. They are anti-nerve growth factor (anti-NGF) monoclonal antibodies, but each is matched to its species [1][2]. - Solensia is given as a subcutaneous injection, and the dose is calculated by your veterinarian based on your cat's weight and health. - If your cat has arthritis, ask your vet about Solensia specifically, since Librela is not an option for cats. ## What Are These Medicines and What Are They Used For? ### Librela (bedinvetmab) is a dog medicine Bedinvetmab is a fully canine anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody developed for dogs with osteoarthritis pain [2]. It is given subcutaneously once a month in dogs [2]. In a large European study of veterinarians using bedinvetmab in dogs, satisfaction averaged 8.0 out of 10, adherence to monthly dosing was over 99%, and fewer than 1% of vets stopped using it because they were dissatisfied [3]. Those numbers describe dogs, not cats. There is no feline approval for this drug. ### Solensia (frunevetmab) is the cat medicine Frunevetmab is a felinized monoclonal antibody that binds nerve growth factor in arthritic joints and blocks the pain signaling cascade [1]. It produces marked improvement in clinical signs and quality of life in domestic cats diagnosed with osteoarthritis [1]. This is the product your veterinarian can legally and appropriately prescribe for your cat. ### Why the confusion exists The names sound similar, both are monthly injections, and both come from the same drug class. Owners hear about Librela from friends with dogs or see it online and assume it works the same way in cats. It does not. The two products are species-specific by design. ## How Do They Work? ### The nerve growth factor pathway Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a protein your cat's body releases in inflamed, arthritic joints. It attaches to nerve endings and turns up the volume on pain signals. Anti-NGF antibodies like frunevetmab bind that protein before it can trigger the pain response [1]. ### Why monoclonal antibodies are different from NSAIDs Traditional pain relief for cats often relies on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which work through enzymes in the body and can be hard on kidneys and the stomach. Monoclonal antibodies work outside that pathway. They target one specific protein. This matters in cats because kidney disease and difficulty giving oral medication are common reasons pain goes undertreated [1]. ### What the evidence shows In dogs, the canine version of this drug class has been compared head to head with meloxicam, a common NSAID. Both treatments reduced pain scores from baseline in that trial [2]. That study was in dogs, so it does not prove the same result in cats, but it supports the general concept of anti-NGF therapy for osteoarthritis pain. For cats, the evidence base is smaller and newer. Researchers have developed a quality of life and treatment satisfaction measure specifically for feline osteoarthritis because owner-perceived satisfaction affects whether owners keep up with treatment [4]. That tells you something practical. How you feel about your cat's response matters, and your vet should ask you about it at follow-up visits. ## Dosing Basics for Solensia in Cats ### Who decides the dose Your veterinarian does. The dose is calculated from your cat's body weight and overall health, and it is not something you can figure out at home. Never adjust the amount or the schedule on your own. ### How it is given Solensia is given as a subcutaneous injection, which means under the skin, usually in the scruff area. In most cases this happens at the clinic. Some veterinarians teach experienced owners to give it at home, but that is a decision your vet makes with you. ### How often it is given The canine product is dosed every 30 days [5]. The feline product follows a monthly schedule as well. Your veterinarian will set the exact interval for your cat and may adjust it based on how your cat responds. ### What to do about a missed dose Call your veterinary clinic. Do not double up to catch up. A late injection usually means the next one is rescheduled, and your vet will tell you the new date. If your cat misses a dose and seems more painful in the meantime, tell your vet so they can decide whether anything else is needed. ## Side Effects: What to Watch For | Side effect | How common or serious | What to do | |---|---|---| | Injection site reaction (small bump, tenderness, hair loss at the spot) | Uncommon, usually mild | Note it and mention it at the next visit. Call if it grows, drains, or bothers your cat. | | Vomiting or diarrhea after the injection | Uncommon, usually mild and short lived | Call your vet if it lasts more than a day or your cat stops eating. | | Reduced appetite or low energy | Uncommon | Call your vet if it lasts more than 24 to 48 hours. | | Itching, hives, facial swelling | Rare but serious (allergic reaction) | Call your vet right away. If breathing is labored, go to an emergency clinic now. | | Worsening lameness or new limping | Possible, cause unclear | Have your cat examined. A new problem may not be related to the injection. | | Signs of kidney or other organ problems (increased drinking and urination, weight loss) | Not well established as a direct effect of this drug | See your vet for bloodwork. Older cats often have other conditions. | Most cats tolerate the injection well. The most common complaints owners report are mild and short lived. Serious reactions are rare but possible with any injectable medicine. If your cat starts limping after treatment, it can be hard to tell whether it is arthritis, an injury, or something else. This guide on [cat limping: arthritis or something else](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/senior-and-chronic-care/cat-limping-arthritis-or-something-else) can help you sort out what to watch for before your appointment. ## Who Should Not Take It and Drug Interactions ### Cats who should not receive Solensia Talk to your vet about risks and benefits if your cat: - Is pregnant, breeding, or nursing (safety is not established in these cats) - Has a known allergy to the drug or any ingredient in it - Has an active infection or is unwell on the day of the injection - Has poorly controlled kidney, liver, or heart disease Your veterinarian will decide whether the benefits outweigh the risks for your individual cat. That decision belongs to you and your vet together. ### Drug interactions Monoclonal antibodies like frunevetmab are not processed by the liver the way most drugs are, so classic drug interactions are less of a concern than with NSAIDs. That said, your vet still needs a complete list of everything your cat takes, including prescription medicines, joint supplements, and any over-the-counter products. If your cat takes a joint supplement, read [cat joint health supplements](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/veterinary-technology/cat-joint-health-supplements) before adding anything new, and always tell your vet what you are using. ### Other treatments your vet may combine Arthritis care in cats is rarely one drug alone. Your vet may recommend weight management, joint supplements, environmental changes like ramps and low-sided litter boxes, and other pain control. A study of undenatured type II collagen in cats with mild to moderate degenerative joint disease evaluated mobility and pain using owner questionnaires, which shows how much owner-reported function matters in feline arthritis research [6]. That does not mean every supplement works, but it does mean your observations are useful data for your vet. For a deeper look at the feline product itself, see [Solensia injection for feline osteoarthritis](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/orthopedic-mobility/solensia-injection-for-feline-osteoarthritis-safe-joint-pain-relief-guide). ## Overdose and When to Call a Veterinarian or Poison Control If you think your cat received too much of this medicine, call your veterinarian or a pet poison control hotline immediately. Do not wait for symptoms. - ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 - Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 Because this drug is normally given by a veterinarian in a clinic, a true overdose at home is unlikely. It is more likely if a dose is given at home and the amount is mismeasured, or if a cat gets into a vial. Bring the vial or packaging with you if you go to the clinic. Signs that need urgent care include trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, collapse, severe vomiting, or a cat who will not eat or drink. ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian No injection works for every cat, and response varies. Some cats improve within weeks. Others need a few doses before you see a change. Some cats do not respond at all, and some cannot take the drug because of other health problems. Call your veterinarian the same day if: - Your cat vomits repeatedly or has diarrhea that does not stop - Your cat refuses food for more than 24 hours - You see swelling, redness, or drainage at the injection site - Your cat seems more painful after the injection instead of better Go to an emergency clinic now if: - Your cat has trouble breathing, wheezing, or noisy breathing - Your cat's face, muzzle, or throat swells - Your cat collapses, seems weak, or cannot stand - Your cat has a seizure Schedule a routine visit if: - Your cat's mobility has not improved after a few monthly doses - You are struggling to get your cat to the clinic for injections - Your cat's drinking, urination, or appetite has changed - You want to discuss other options, including supplements or different pain control Individual cases need a veterinarian. Your cat's age, kidney values, weight, and other conditions all change the plan. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can I get Librela for my cat? No. Librela is a canine product and is not approved for cats. If a clinic offers it for your cat, ask questions and consider a second opinion. Solensia is the feline option. ### Is Solensia the same drug as Librela? They are close cousins, not the same drug. Both are anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibodies, but one is made for dogs and one is made for cats [1][2]. Each is matched to its species so the cat's immune system is less likely to reject it. ### How long until I see a difference in my cat? Some owners notice changes within the first month, and others need more time. Your veterinarian will set a realistic timeline and check your cat's response at follow-up visits. Keep notes on jumping, stairs, grooming, and litter box use so you have something concrete to report. ### Can my cat take Solensia with other pain medicines? Sometimes, but only if your veterinarian says so. Combining treatments can be helpful for some cats and risky for others, depending on kidney and liver health. Never add a new medicine or supplement without asking your vet first. ### What if my cat misses a monthly injection? Call your clinic and let them reschedule. Do not try to make up the dose yourself. Your vet will tell you when the next injection should happen and whether anything else is needed in the meantime. ### Is Solensia safe for older cats with kidney disease? Many cats with arthritis also have kidney disease, and that combination is exactly why this drug class gets attention [1]. Your veterinarian will review bloodwork and decide whether your cat is a good candidate. Safety in every individual cat cannot be guaranteed, so follow your vet's monitoring plan. ## Related Articles - [Solensia Injection for Feline Osteoarthritis: Safe Joint Pain Relief Guide](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/orthopedic-mobility/solensia-injection-for-feline-osteoarthritis-safe-joint-pain-relief-guide) - [Cat Limping: Arthritis or Something Else? How to Tell](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/senior-and-chronic-care/cat-limping-arthritis-or-something-else) - [Cat Joint Health Supplements](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/veterinary-technology/cat-joint-health-supplements) - [Revolution Plus For Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/revolution-plus-for-cats) - [Megacolon in Cats: Subtotal Colectomy vs Lactulose and Cisapride Therapy](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/internal-medicine/megacolon-in-cats-subtotal-colectomy-vs-lactulose-and-cisapride-therapy) - [Cat Arthritis: How to Tell If Your Cat Is in Pain](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/senior-and-chronic-care/cat-arthritis-pain-signs) - [Is There a Librela for Cats? Arthritis Options Explained](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-medication-guide/librela-for-cats-alternatives) - [Adequan vs Solensia for Cats: Which Joint Pain Option Fits?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-medication-guide/adequan-vs-solensia-cats) - [Senior Cat Joint Pain: Arthritis Care and Support Options](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/senior-and-chronic-care/senior-cat-joint-pain-arthritis) ## References 1. [USE OF SOLENSIA (FRUNEVETMAB) IN NONDOMESTIC FELIDS (PANTHERA TIGRIS, LYNX RUFUS, PANTHERA UNCIA) GUIDED BY PROTEIN SEQUENCE ANALYSIS](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39255222/). Journal of zoo and wildlife medicine : official publication of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, 2024. 2. [A randomised, parallel-group clinical trial comparing bedinvetmab to meloxicam for the management of canine osteoarthritis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40196808/). Frontiers in veterinary science, 2025. 3. [Use of Bedinvetmab (Librela®) for Canine Osteoarthritis in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK: Quantitative Analysis of Veterinarian Satisfaction and Real-World Treatment Patterns](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39123757/). Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 2024. 4. [Development and validation of a Quality of Life and Treatment Satisfaction measure in feline osteoarthritis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42631010/). Frontiers in veterinary science, 2026. 5. [Osteoarthritis in Dogs and Cats - Musculoskeletal System](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/musculoskeletal-system/osteoarthritis-in-dogs-and-cats/osteoarthritis-in-dogs-and-cats). Merck Veterinary Manual. 6. [EXPRESS: Undenatured type II collagen enhances mobility in cats: a randomized placebo controlled cross over field study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42779179/). Journal of feline medicine and surgery, 2026. ## Further Reading - [American Veterinary Medical Association: First Aid Tips for Pet Owners](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/emergencycare/first-aid-tips-pet-owners) - [Merck Veterinary Manual: Cat Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners) - [Cornell Feline Health Center: Health Information](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information)