As our beloved cats grow older, occasional joint stiffness often becomes a natural part of the ageing process. And as loving feline owners, we want to do all we can to help. If your cat’s experiencing stiffer joints, here’s how you could adapt your home to keep them feeling comfortable…
Rethink the litter box location
Cats tend to use their litter trays more regularly as they get older. They also tend to get stiffer and slower, which makes getting around the house harder than it used to be. That said, it’s a good idea to think about the placement of their litter tray. Consider getting a second tray if you’ve got an upstairs, so your cat has one on each floor. And if yours is tucked tidily in a corner somewhere – for example, in a utility room – make sure it’s easy to get to and there’s no clutter to clamber over.
Make favourite spots more accessible
Keep an eye on your cat’s movements as they age. Is there a once-loved spot they now seem to be avoiding? It could be because it’s not as accessible to them as it once was. For instance, is there a sunny windowsill usually reserved for afternoon snoozing, that’s not seen much kitty shut-eye lately? It may be because your feline is finding it too much hard work to reach. Prop up a chair, box or ramp and, et voila! Naps resume.
Raise food and drink bowls
If you haven’t already, invest in a raised set-up for eating and drinking. Elevating your cat’s bowls will help reduce the strain of bending down, which can affect the spine and hips. It also helps with swallowing and digestion.
Avoid home makeovers
Animals can get confused as they age, so it’s important to keep as much normality as possible within the home. While we’re not suggesting you put any decorating on the back-burner, we’d advise against regularly switching round your house layout and furniture.
Invest in an Orthopaedic bed
As your feline gets older and things start to feel stiffer, having a thick, squishy, cosy bed to curl up in at night is all the more important. Orthopaedic cat beds are designed with dense padding, which moulds to your cat’s body, cushioning the joints. Lovely.
As always, we love hearing from you. Show us how you’re adapting your home to meet the needs of your older cat, by tagging us in your snaps on Facebook and Instagram! Want a sure-fire way to help your senior cat with stiff joints? Take a look at our cat supplements range.
