Solensia (frunevetmab) is a monthly injection for the control of pain associated with osteoarthritis in cats. Made by Zoetis and licensed in the UK since 2022, it is the feline equivalent of Librela and the first monoclonal antibody therapy available for cats. It has transformed arthritis management in cats, which historically had very few safe pain relief options.

What Does Solensia Cost?

  • At your vet: £60–£80 per monthly injection
  • Online pharmacies: Not available — must be given by a vet
  • Annual cost: £720–£960 per year

Like Librela for dogs, Solensia is administered as an injection by a vet and cannot be bought online or given at home. The standard 40–70% online pharmacy savings do not apply to this medication.

What Does Solensia Treat?

Solensia is licensed for the alleviation of pain associated with osteoarthritis in cats. Studies suggest that up to 90% of cats over age 12 have radiographic evidence of arthritis, making this a very common condition. Before Solensia, treatment options were limited because cats cannot safely take most NSAIDs long-term — meloxicam carries significant kidney risks in cats.

How It Works

Frunevetmab is a felinised monoclonal antibody that targets nerve growth factor (NGF). By binding NGF, it interrupts pain signalling without the kidney and liver risks of NSAIDs. Effects last approximately 4 weeks per injection.

Side Effects

  • Mild injection site reactions
  • Occasional skin reactions (dermatitis, pruritus, alopecia at injection site)
  • Rare vomiting
  • Generally very well tolerated compared to the limited alternatives

Prescription Requirements

Solensia is POM-V and must be prescribed and administered by a veterinary surgeon. No home administration is possible.

Alternatives

  • Metacam/Loxicom (meloxicam): Can be used short-term in cats but carries kidney risks long-term — £10–£25 per month from online pharmacies
  • Gabapentin: £5–£15 per month, often used as an adjunct for pain and anxiety
  • Joint supplements: £8–£20 per month — may provide modest benefit
  • Environmental modifications: Steps, ramps, heated beds — no cost for medication

How to Save

  • Compare vet prices: Injection pricing varies — use VetCost to compare practices
  • Ask about multicat discounts: Some practices offer reduced rates when treating multiple cats
  • Combine with environmental changes: May allow reduced injection frequency for some cats

Last updated: March 2026. Sources: VMD product datasheet, CMA provisional decision (October 2025), VetCost data.