Arthritic cats may not openly show their pain, but arthritis is a painful condition. Though the symptoms of arthritis in your cat may be subtle, they are nevertheless present and can affect the quality of your cat's life.

Treatment of arthritis requires making your cat comfortable and relieving pain. There are many things a cat owner can do to make life easier for an arthritic cat. These things involve manipulating your cat's environment so that it is easier for your cat to maneuver and perform his normal daily activities.

Provide Comfort for Your Arthritic Cat

Arthritic joints are painful and resting on a bare, flat surface is no more comfortable for your cat than sleeping on the floor would be for you. Be sure to provide a nice soft place for your cat to rest and sleep. Providing more than one such area is even better. A soft blanket, several thick plush towels or a cushioned bed will help make your arthritic cat's joints more comfortable.

Make It Easy for Your Arthritic Cat to Access Perches

Cats generally feel safer and more secure when they have perches to rest on at eye level or above. However, for a cat that is arthritic, accessing these areas can be difficult and painful.

Arthritis often makes it impossible for a cat to jump to the same heights that he was accustomed to earlier in life before he became arthritic. As a cat owner, you can help tremendously by making these perches more easily accessible. Ramps can be used to make it easier for your cat to reach his favorite perches. Alternatively, a series of smaller jumps leading up to the perch can also make it easier for your cat to reach his perches.

Make Certain the Litter Box Is Not an Obstacle for Your Arthritic Cat

If your cat has arthritis, a litter box with high sides may become an obstacle for him to get in and out of. Provide your arthritic cat with a litter box with lower sides and he will be more comfortable moving in and out of the box. As a result, he will be more likely to continue using the box as well.

The litter box also needs to be located in an area that your cat can reach easily. Placing a litter box in an area of your home which forces your arthritic cat to travel a long distance to reach it may make it difficult for your cat to use the box. Steps and stairways are often an obstacle to arthritic cats as well. It is advisable to place at least one litter box on each level of the house so your cat does not have to hurry up or down the stairs to utilize the box.

Make Sure Your Arthritic Cat Has Easy Access to Food and Water Dishes

As with the litter box, every effort should be made to make certain that your arthritic cat's food and water bowls are located in an easy to reach location. It is essential to make sure that your arthritic cat continues to eat and drink normally.

These are a few of the things that can make your home more comfortable for a cat with arthritis. Though these changes will not cure your cat's arthritis, they can help make it easier for your cat to live with feline arthritis.

Please note: This article has been provided for informational purposes only. If your pet is showing any signs of illness, please consult a veterinarian as quickly as possible.

 

More About:

• Arthritis in Dogs and Cats