How To Modify Your Home 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.