New muscle support supplement for cats is launched

A new feline muscle health supplement has been launched by Virbac. The market access to Ursolyx Soft Chews for Cats follows the 2025 launch of Ursolyx Soft Chews for Dogs.1,2

Many felines are affected by muscle atrophy, which leads to reduced mobility and decreased quality of life, according to Virbac.1 Muscle atrophy can be caused by sarcopenia or reduced activity caused by chronic pain or conditions such as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease.3

Ursolyx Soft Chews for Cats are ideal for felines aged 7 years and older, active patients in need of continued mobility support, and those working to rebuild strength. An early efficacy study showed an 82% mobility improvement by week 8 for felines taking the supplement and many of these patients saw results in as little as 2 weeks, according to Virbac.1

The supplement contains ursolic acid, a natural plant compound that helps maintain functional muscle in felines. This compound works at the molecular level to inhibit mRNA expression changes associated with muscle atrophy.1 Multiple studies have demonstrated ursolic acid as beneficial to skeletal muscle health in cats and other species.4-8

Although joint health has long been a focus of senior pet care, muscle resilience represents an equally significant component of feline agility and vitality. As pet owners increasingly focus on the health span of their companion animals, maintaining muscle function becomes more crucial to helping cats enjoy their senior years with strength, according to Virbac.1

According to Giovanni Abruzzini, president and CEO of Virbac US, addressing muscle atrophy is needed in veterinary medicine. “[Ursolyx Soft Chews for Cats] delivers meaningful solutions for feline health, reflecting our commitment to supporting cats throughout their health span,” Abruzzini said in a news release.1

Ursolyx Soft Chews for Dogs was launched at the Veterinary Meeting & Expo presented by the North American Veterinary Community in Orlando, Florida, in January 2025. This product, which also relies on ursolic acid, was created in partnership with biotechnology company Emmyon Inc.2

References

1. Virbac launches Ursolyx Soft Chews for Cats: Feline muscle support supplement. News release. Virbac. January 7, 2026. Accessed January 8,2026. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/virbac-launches-ursolyx-soft-chews-for-cats-feline-muscle-support-supplement-302655589.html
2. Crossley KC. New canine supplement is designed to improve muscle health. dvm360. January 21, 2025. Accessed January 8,2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/new-canine-supplement-is-designed-to-improve-muscle-health
3. Dowgray N, Comerford E. Feline musculoskeletal ageing: How are we diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal impairment? J Feline Med Surg. 2020 Nov;22(11):1069-1083. doi:10.1177/1098612X20965832.
4. Yu R, Chen JA, Xu J, et al. Suppression of muscle wasting by the plant-derived compound ursolic acid in a model of chronic kidney disease. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle. 2017;8(2):327-341. doi:10.1002/ jcsm.12162
5. Ebert SM, Dyle MC, Bullard SA, et al. Identification and small molecule inhibition of an activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4)-dependent pathway to age-related skeletal muscle weakness and atrophy. J Biol Chem. 2015;290(42):25497-25511. doi:10.1074/jbc.M115.681445
6. Kunkel SD, Elmore CJ, Bongers KS, et al. Ursolic acid increases skeletal muscle and brown fat and decreases diet-induced obesity, glucose intolerance and fatty liver disease. PLoS One. 2012;7(6):e39332. doi:10.1371/ journal.pone.0039332
7. Kunkel SD, Suneja M, Ebert SM, et al. mRNA expression signatures of human skeletal muscle atrophy identify a natural compound that increases muscle mass. Cell Metab. 2011;13(6):627-638. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2011.03.020
8. Data on file. Virbac Corporation.