How To Help Your Arthritic Cat

Unless they have a less-than-full food bowl, cats rarely complain, which can make determining that they are suffering from arthritis pain difficult. However, if your cat has been diagnosed with arthritis or seems to have trouble getting around, the following simple home modifications can help improve their comfort and mobility.

#1: Switch to low-sided litter boxes

While covered litter boxes are great for containing litter granules and odors, they can be tough for an arthritic cat to navigate. Swap out your cat’s regular litter boxes for low-sided, uncovered bathrooms that they can more easily hop in and out.

#2: Elevate your cat’s food and water bowls

After a lifetime of jumping down, your cat’s elbows have suffered a great deal of wear-and-tear. Eliminate the need for your cat to bend down to reach their food and water by elevating their dishes to a comfortable height.

#3: Provide ramps to furniture

Scaling their climbing tower may prove too challenging for your arthritic cat, but they likely still love to look out the window, so place a ramp nearby. Installing ramps to lookout towers or favorite resting spots can help your cat retain their independence and still fulfill instinctual needs, like climbing, hiding, and surveying their territory.

#4: Offer firm bedding

Although extra soft, cushy bedding may seem particularly cozy for your cat, they will find that a too-soft bed is not only difficult to get out of, but also provides little cushion for aching joints. A firm, orthopedic bed will adequately support your cat’s sore body.

#5: Place non-slip mats on slick flooring

While your cat may no longer get the zoomies in the middle of the night and race up and down your hallway, providing traction on slick flooring can help prevent painful slips and falls. Yoga mats or carpet runners provide a non-slip pathway for your cat.

Your home modifications can help your arthritic cat, but keeping them at a comfortable weight and pain management are also key. Our team can help with these—give us a call to schedule an appointment.