How To Help Your Cat With Arthritis
Cats rarely complain unless their food bowl is empty, making it difficult to determine if they are experiencing arthritis discomfort. Nevertheless, if your cat has been diagnosed with arthritis or appears to have difficulty moving around, the following basic home modifications can help improve their comfort and mobility.
#1: Change to litter bins with low sides
Although covered litter boxes are excellent for containing litter granules and aromas, they can be difficult for arthritic cats to navigate. Replace your cat’s standard litter box with a bathroom that is low-sided and uncovered, allowing it to enter and exit more readily.
#2: Raise your cat’s food and water dishes.
The elbows of your cat have endured a significant deal of wear and tear after a lifetime of jumping down. Eliminate the need for your cat to stoop to reach its food and water by elevating its containers to a comfortable level.
#3: Offer ramps for furnishings
Your arthritic cat may find it difficult to climb their climbing structure, but they probably still enjoy looking out the window, so position a ramp nearby. Installing ramps to lookout towers or favored resting spots allows your cat to maintain its independence while still satisfying instinctual needs, such as climbing, hiding, and surveying its territory.
#4: Offer sturdy bedding
Although extra-soft, squishy bedding may appear to be especially cozy for your cat, they will discover that it is not only difficult to get out of, but also offers little support for aching joints. The aching body of your cat will be adequately supported by a substantial, orthopedic bed.
#5: Place nonslip mats on surfaces that can be slippery.
While your cat may no longer wake up in the middle of the night and run up and down your hallway, providing traction on slippery floors can help prevent excruciating slips and falls. Yoga mats and carpet runners provide a nonslip surface for your cat.
Modifications to your home can assist your arthritic cat, but a healthy weight and pain management are also crucial. Give us a call to schedule an appointment so we can assist you.