How To Aid Your Arthritic Cat
Cats rarely complain until they have an empty food bowl, which can make establishing whether they are suffering from arthritis discomfort difficult. If your cat has been diagnosed with arthritis or is having difficulty getting around, the following easy home adjustments will assist improve their comfort and mobility.
#1: Replace high-sided litter boxes with low-sided litter boxes
While covered litter boxes are ideal for keeping litter particles and odors contained, they might be difficult to maneuver for an arthritic cat. Substitute low-sided, exposed restrooms for your cat’s usual litter boxes.
#2: Raise your cat’s water and food bowls
Your cat’s elbows have taken a lot of stress after years of jumping down. Elevate your cat’s dishes to a comfortable height to reduce the need for your cat bending down to access their food and water.
#3: Provide ramps for furniture
Scaling their climbing tower may be too difficult for your arthritic cat, but they probably still enjoy looking out the window, so install a ramp nearby. Installing ramps to lookout towers or preferred resting locations will help your cat maintain their independence while also fulfilling instinctive requirements such as climbing, hiding, and surveying their territory.
#4 Provide firm bedding
Although exceptionally soft, velvety bedding may appear particularly comfy for your cat, they soon discover that a too-soft bed is not only difficult to get out of, but also provides little padding for hurting joints. A sturdy, orthopedic bed will appropriately support your cat’s weary body.
#5: Use non-slip mats on slippery floors
While your cat may no longer get the jitters in the middle of the night and dash up and down the hallway, giving traction on slippery surfaces can help prevent unpleasant slips and falls. Yoga mats or carpet runners give a nonslip route for your cat.
Home improvements can benefit your arthritic cat, but maintaining them at a suitable weight and managing discomfort are equally important. Give us a call to set up an appointment.