How You Can Modify Your Home To Help Your Arthritic Cat
Cats rarely complain, so it can be challenging to tell when they are experiencing arthritis pain unless their food bowl is less than half-full. However, the following easy home improvements can help your cat feel more comfortable and mobile if they have been identified as having arthritis or appear to be having trouble moving around.
#1: Switch to low-sided litter boxes
While covered litter boxes are great for keeping litter granules and odors in check, they can be difficult for an arthritic cat to maneuver. Replace your cat’s regular litter boxes with low-sided, uncovered bathrooms so they can more easily hop in and out.
#2: Raise the water and food bowls for your cat
Your cat’s elbows are extremely worn out from jumping down for a living. Elevate your cat’s food and water dishes to a comfortable level to prevent your cat from stooping to reach them.
#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 especially cozy to your cat, they will discover that a too-soft bed is not only challenging to get out of but also offers little support for sore joints. Your cat’s sore body will be supported to a sufficient degree by a firm, orthopedic bed.
#5: Place non-slip mats on slick flooring
While your cat might no longer have the zoomies in the middle of the night and sprint down your hallway, giving slick flooring traction can help prevent painful slips and falls. Your cat has a non-slip path made out of yoga mats or carpet runners.
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.