How to Help Your Cat With Arthritis

Cats don’t usually cry out unless their food bowl isn’t full, making it hard to tell if they are in pain from arthritis. But if your cat has arthritis or seems to have trouble getting around, the easy changes below can help make them more comfortable and easier to move around.

#1: Switch to litter boxes with low sides

Covered litter boxes are great because they keep litter granules and smells out, but they can be challenging for a cat with arthritis. Change your cat’s regular litter box for one with low walls and no lid. This will make it easier for your cat to get in and out.

#2: Raise the food and water bowls for your cat.

Your cat’s knees have a lot of wear and tear from all the jumping down it has done over the years. Raise their food and water bowls to a reasonable height so your cat doesn’t have to bend down to get to them.

#3: Make sure furniture has ramps.

Your elderly cat may be unable to climb up their climbing tower, but they may still want to look out the window, so put a ramp nearby. Installing ramps to lookout towers or favorite resting spots can help your cat stay independent and still climb, hide, and check out their area.

#4: Offer firm beds

Even though an extra soft, cozy covering might seem like a good idea for your cat, they will find it hard to get out of it, and it won’t help their aching joints much. Your cat’s sore body will get the support it needs from a hard, orthopedic bed.

#5: Put non-slip mats on floors that are slippery

Even though your cat may no longer wake up in the middle of the night and run up and down the hallway, giving slippery floors some grip can help keep people from slipping and falling. Yoga mats or carpet runners make a path for your cat that won’t slip.

Your home changes can help your cat with arthritis, but it’s also essential to keep them at a healthy weight and treat their pain. Give us a call to set up a time for our team to help you with these.