EXPRESS: Undenatured type II collagen enhances mobility in cats: a randomized placebo controlled cross over field study.

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a complementary feed containing undenatured type II collagen on mobility and degenerative joint disease (DJD)-associated pain in client-owned cats with mild to moderate DJD. Methods This prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over clinical study (coded 3361) included twenty cats (13 females, 7 males; mean age 8.7± 3.5 years; mean weight 4.8 ± 0.8 Kg). After Ethical Committee approval (n. 01/2021/DETO) and written informed consent, cats underwent physical and radiographic examination. Cats with confirmed DJD and no significant comorbidities were randomized to receive either undenatured type II collagen or placebo chews once daily for 12 weeks, followed by a six-week washout period and crossover to the alternate treatment. Client-specific outcome measurements (CSOM), the short form of the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index (FMPI-sf) and quality of life (QoL) assessments were completed at baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks. Results Fourteen cats completed all study visits. Cats receiving undenatured type II collagen showed significant reductions in absolute CSOM and FMPI-sf scores at 6 and 12 weeks compared to baseline (P=0.006 and P=0.009, respectively), reflecting improved mobility and reduced musculoskeletal discomfort. QoL scores improved significantly (P=0.002). After 12 weeks, percentage variation in CSOM and FMPI-sf scores had a higher reduction in the collagen group than placebo (-27% and -30% vs +0.4% and +40%). Furthermore, 57% of cats in the supplemented group achieved a clinically meaningful reduction in CSOM (≥ 2 points) after 12 weeks, compared with 28% in the placebo group. Conclusions and relevance Daily supplementation with undenatured type II collagen improved caregiver-reported mobility and reduced DJD-associated pain in cats with mild to moderate DJD, supporting its potential role as a complementary feed for feline musculoskeletal health.