Does your senior cat avoid jumping onto the counter she used to own? That’s not just old age. Cats hide pain brilliantly, and feline arthritis is wildly underdiagnosed. Studies cited by the AVMA suggest the majority of cats over age 12 have arthritis on x-rays, yet most never get treated for it.
Solensia changed that. It’s a monthly injection built specifically for cats, and it’s often the first effective option owners hear about. Here’s what it costs and how to budget for it.
Solensia Cost Per Injection
Solensia (frunevetmab) is a monoclonal antibody from Zoetis, FDA-approved for cats in the U.S. in 2022. It blocks nerve growth factor, the same pain pathway its canine cousin Librela targets. Because cats are small, dosing is simpler than in dogs, and most cats fit into one or two dose tiers.
| Option | Low | High | Typical |
|---|---|---|---|
| Injection only (small cat) | $45 | $70 | $58 |
| Injection only (large cat) | $60 | $95 | $75 |
| Injection plus exam fee | $70 | $140 | $105 |
| Yearly (monthly dosing) | $540 | $1,020 | $780 |
Whether you pay the higher end usually depends on whether your clinic charges a separate office visit or lets a tech give the shot quickly.
Why It’s Priced Like a Premium Drug
Solensia is a biologic, manufactured rather than chemically made, and there’s no generic. It’s also species-specific, engineered to match feline biology so a cat’s immune system doesn’t reject it. That precision costs money, and Zoetis prices it accordingly.
The American Pet Products Association reported U.S. owners spent over $38 billion on vet care in 2024, and cat-specific chronic treatments like this are a fast-growing slice. Demand is real, partly because there are so few safe long-term pain options for cats, which makes Solensia worth the premium for many owners.
How to Keep the Cost Down
This is an in-clinic injection, so online pharmacies are off the table. Your savings come from:
- Avoiding redundant exam fees. Once your cat is established, ask if a quick tech visit works instead of a full appointment.
- Comparing clinics. Per-shot prices vary $20-$40 between practices.
- Treating seasonally if appropriate. Some cats flare more in cold months. Discuss whether year-round dosing is necessary.
- Pairing with other meds. A joint supplement may let some cats stretch intervals, though only your vet should adjust the schedule.
- Solensia costs $45-$95 per monthly injection, or $540-$1,020 a year.
- It’s a cat-specific biologic with no generic and can’t be bought online.
- Most cats over 12 have arthritis, but it’s badly underdiagnosed, so the shot fills a real gap.
- Skipping redundant exam fees and shopping clinics are your best savings moves.
Solensia vs. Older Cat Pain Options
Cats are notoriously hard to medicate for pain. NSAIDs are risky for feline kidneys and approved only short-term, and gabapentin helps some cats but sedates others. Solensia gives a once-a-month option that doesn’t require pilling a cat daily, which any cat owner knows is worth a lot.
For the full menu of feline joint care, including supplements and laser therapy, see our breakdown of cat arthritis treatment costs.
Solensia is for cats only. Never give a cat a leftover Librela dose meant for a dog, even if it seems like the same drug. The antibodies are engineered for different species, and using the wrong one can trigger an immune reaction and waste an expensive medication.
Budgeting for an Aging Cat
Arthritis worsens over time, so a cat that starts Solensia at 13 may stay on it for years. That’s a $600-$1,000 annual cost layered on top of routine care. Knowing your average vet visit cost helps you see the full picture.
If money’s tight, CareCredit for vet bills lets you spread payments, and free vet care programs may help qualifying owners keep their senior cat comfortable.
The Bottom Line
Solensia costs $45-$95 per injection and $540-$1,020 a year for monthly dosing. It can’t be bought online, but skipping redundant exam fees and comparing clinics trims the total. For an arthritic cat who can’t be reliably pilled, the monthly shot is often the most humane and practical choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Solensia injections typically cost between $45 and $85 per month at most US veterinary clinics. Over a full year of monthly injections, you can expect to spend $540 to $1,020 total, though prices may vary by region and individual veterinary practice.
Most pet insurance plans do cover Solensia as a prescription medication, but coverage varies by provider and policy type. You'll typically pay out-of-pocket at the vet visit ($45–$85) and submit for reimbursement, though some plans may exclude it if arthritis is considered a pre-existing condition.
Solensia is administered as a subcutaneous injection once per month, usually given during a quick office visit that takes just minutes. Your vet will assess your cat's arthritis severity and overall health before prescribing, and most cats tolerate the small injection well with minimal recovery time needed.