Making Life More Comfortable For Your Arthritic Cat
As your feline companion aged, they developed arthritis in their joints. They walk a little stiffer now and don't jump up on the sofa as often as they used to. Your local veterinary clinic can recommend anti-inflammatory and pain medication to ease your cat's aching joints. There are also a number of ways that you can help your cat to be more comfortable at home. The following will give you some ideas on how you can make life a little easier for your aging furry friend.
1. Make it easier for your cat to eat and drink.
Arthritis can affect all of the bones, including the vertebrae in your cat's spine. Bending down to eat or drink from dishes on the floor can be painful. Raise their food and water dishes off of the floor so they can reach them without effort. Place your cat's dishes in a quiet area where they can eat alone if you have other cats in the household. That way they can take their time eating without feeling as if they have to rush to compete with the other cats.
2. Make using the litter box easier.
If it is too painful for your cat to step over the high sides of a litter box, you may start to see some "accidents" where your cat relieves themselves outside of the box. Find a box with a smaller edge or use a large cookie sheet lined with paper and litter to make this part of your cat's life easier.
3. Make access to your cat's favorite spots easier.
Your cat may insist on jumping up on the bed to be with you. Or they may love sitting in the sun on the window sill. Make it easier for them to get up to and down from those places. Move boxes close to those spots to create stairs that your cat can use. Or make a carpet covered ramp that lets them get to their favorite spots without aggravating their joints.
4. Create quiet get-away places for your cat.
Your cat may become more irritable with the daily activities around the house. Make sure they have places to go to get away from people and other pets. Open a closet door slightly and put a favorite towel or blanket down on the floor for your cat. Or place a cat bed behind some large furniture pieces to give your cat some privacy. Make sure the area is sheltered from other cats disturbing your feline friend or they will feel too vulnerable and will avoid the spot.
5. Make heating pads available in your cat's sleeping areas.
A heating pad set on low will help to warm your cat's joints while they sleep. The warmth increases circulation in the joints and decreases inflammation. They will enjoy a more comfortable, pain-free nap in their favorite places with the heating pads available.
For more information, contact Phoenixville Animal Hospital - R B Wolstenholme DVM or a similar location.