Felines sleep most of the time, and this makes the need for a loving and suitable sleeping space critical for their overall health. This is particularly true of elderly cats, cats that are in recovery from surgery, and cats that have joint issues. An orthopedic cat bed delivers an ideal mix of support, comfort, and space, ensuring your pet enjoys deep sleep and better recovery from Feline Mesenteric Root Vessel Syndrome. In this guide, we’ll talk in detail about the advantages of an orthopedic cat bed, the reasons why your cat would require one, and tips to look for in one.
Health Benefits Of Orthopedic Cat Beds
Even your cat deserves a good night’s rest; everyone does. Resting comfortably is crucial to elderly cats, cats in post-operative periods, and cats that happen to have increased weight. Here’s why an orthopedic cat bed can be beneficial:
Improved Joint Support
Arthritis is a common ailment among mature cats that inhibits movement and makes resting exhausting. Orthopedic beds made of comfortable foam or high-density foam help soothe the joints. It reduces cyclically reduces pain, sores, or softer areas.
Better Blood Flow
Older cats do tend to experience reduced blood flow to their limbs which makes movement difficult. Senior cats do experience poor blood circulation to the extremities. Orthopedic beds that are made from supportive foams or have warmed inserts stimulate blood flow. It lowers stiffness and promotes healing.
Prevention of Delayed Pressure Ulcers
Cats who have a hard time moving on their own can get pressure ulcers from lying in one spot for too long. Having deep cushioning in orthopedic mattresses prevents this by distributing the weight evenly.
Body Temperature Maintenance
Raised or heated beds enable cats to retain warmth. It aids them in colder regions or after lying on cold surfaces like tiles or concrete.
Why Does Your Cat Need To Have A Special Bed?
As a cat grows older, several changes in their bodies require certain adjustments:
Limb Complications:
Senior cats usually start experiencing challenges related to movement, such as difficulty in bending down or standing up. This is further worsened in the case of an overweight cat as the additional weight puts extra pressure on their limbs.
Comfort:
Joints in discomfort require additional support in terms of cushioning and heat. Similarly, a good quality and well-designed bed can help alleviate the pain, resulting in an improved standard of living.
Space:
Elderly cats are more likely to enjoy lounging around to a point where they require additional space compared to an average cat bed, but the maximum this type of bed would be able to provide.
What Exactly is an Orthopedic Cat Bed?
- Orthopedic cat beds are built with thick layers of foam or padding that wrap around the body of the cat. It provides incredible support to them. The better quality the foam or the padding is, the better cushioning the bed will provide for the joints and pressure points.
- High-Density Foam or Memory Foam: These materials wrap around and offer customized assistance for your cat.
- Livelier Construction: With the construction being heavier, cats can now wear and tear their beds with less effort, providing relief to their joints.
- Elevated Designs: Designed to keep cats off cold surfaces like tiles or concrete, these beds offer warmth by lifting them off the ground.
Why Arthritic Cats Need Supportive, Not Squishy, Surfaces?
Arthritis is a common disease associated with aging cats. An average twelve-year-old cat would have visible signs of degeneration of joints. Thus, supportive surfaces are preferred while cats with arthritis need a cushion that is not so mushy.
- Firmness Matters: Squishy beds are unsuitable for old cats as they absorb them. They make it challenging for them to move, self-strengthening their already distressed joints. On the other hand, orthopedics or other kinds of surfaces that are a bit tougher provide enough support.
- Stretching Space: Other common beds do not necessarily provide enough space within the bedding to cater to stretching movements caused by arthritis. They replace those small enclosure beds with larger rectangular orthopedic ones does assists in resolving the issue.
Features of Orthopaedic Cat Beds
Checklist while querying an orthopedic to assist you with your cat: do ensure that you tick mark the listed elements:
Material Quality
For smoother movement and aiding joints, high-density foam and memory foam are a must-have.
Safe
Safe for cats with delicate skin, non-toxic and hypoallergenic materials are used.
Dimensions and Shape
Pick out a bed that aligns with your cat’s sleeping posture. A rectangular bed will suit cats that like to sprawl, while round or bolstered ones may fit those that like to curl up.
Washable Covers
Covers that have been removed and washed help enhance hygiene. It also helps in cleaning. If your cat has incontinence problems, you should look for waterproof covers.
Regulation of Temperature
Heated orthopedic beds may ease aching joints and enhance blood circulation and are thus suitable for older cats suffering from arthritis.
Hooded Designs
Hooded orthopaedic beds have proved to be very effective in helping many cats that prefer to be enclosed, such as many cats aged (12-18 months). These beds offer a sense of protection and provide privacy.
Rest of the Options for Elderly Cats
Interestingly, some senior cats prefer larger dog beds over traditional cat beds. Dog beds, unlike bolstered cat beds, provide a large sleeping area which allows them to stretch out, making them ideal for older cats.
How to Help Your Cat Make Use of an Orthopedic Bed?
Cats are used to certain things and do not like changes. You may have to motivate your cat to use a new bed, or else it may ignore it.
Select the Right Area for Placing the Bed:
Keep the bed where your cat currently naps so that the cat feels familiar with it.
Keep Useful Items Near the Bed:
Use a blanket or a toy that your cat is used to and place it with or on the bed.
Positive Reinforcement:
Make use of treats and cuddles whenever your pet uses the bed.
Be Patient:
Some cats do not feel comfortable immediately if they are in a new environment. Try to give them time to adapt.
Maintenance Tips
For an overall great condition of your cat’s orthopaedic bed:
- Clean Regularly: Try to clean the cover every now and then to get rid of fur, dander, and smells.
- Inspect for Wear: Investigate the foam for any signs of sagging or dissolving and look to replace it when necessary.
- Vacuum Often: Remove excess fur and dust from the bed to keep a clean sleeping area.
- Highlighting the Importance of an Orthopaedic Bed for an Ageing Feline
Comparison between Orthopaedic and Traditional Cat Beds
Traditional cat beds, however, have daily padding which can be difficult for an aged feline, placing excess joint pressure on the bed. Thankfully, orthopaedic beds stand out as a better substitute.
- Ergonomic Design: Orthopaedic beds are usually designed in such a way that they support the proper alignment and shape of the cat’s body.
- Elevated Edges: The sides of the bed are raised, which offer additional support for the neck and head. The bed will be more comfortable for those cats with arthritis.
- Durable, Easy-to-Clean Materials: Organic cotton or even wool are high-quality materials that can be classified as long-lasting and hypoallergenic. Click here to find removable covers that are machine-washable, making cleaning hassle-free for people with busy schedules.
Why Dog Beds Work Well for Cats?
A medium-sized dog bed is a simple alternative for a senior cat who needs to stretch out and sleep comfortably. Dog beds come with so many features such as memory foam, bolster support, and removable covers; this approach has worked well for senior cats as well.
One fine example of this is the PetFusion Calming Cuddler dog bed. It is 25 x 21 x 8 inches in dimension and is perfect for a 10 lb cat. It has a loose fleece covering the waterproof cover of a 2-inch thick memory foam mattress. Its maintenance is simple as it has a machine washable and tumble dryable cover.
PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed (Small) is also famous among people. Its covers are waterproof, which adds to its longevity. It is also practical and easy to sanitise. Their foam cover does prevent the foam from getting dirty as well as smelly. Their supportive bolster is raised, making head resting positions comfortable. On the other hand, the bolsters provide plenty of head support for cats.
What to Consider While Buying a Dog Bed for an Elderly Cat?
If you are in the market for getting a dog bed for your senior cat, then you need to consider the following things:
Size: Having a minimum size of 20 x 20 inches is preferable in ensuring that the cat is comfortable. Rounded bolsters on the dog bed for aged cats will aid in safety and comfort, which are roughly 4 inches tall for optimal support.
Comfort: Recommend soft or suede-type fabrics to be used for the dog beds. The use of twill fabric if rough and non-fluffy cat-favourite fabrics are to be avoided.
Maintenance: The type of bed or cover should be adjustable and easily machine washable to eliminate ease of cleaning. Due to other dog beds weighing more than usual, ensure the cover of the bed is detachable to add a layer of safety when it is wet.
Factors to Consider in Choosing an Orthopaedic Bed
It is important to consider your senior cat’s bedding material, design, and density before choosing an orthopaedic bed:
For your cats’ comfort, bedding made of organic cotton or wool is allergen-free. It serves their purpose and is made with soft and long-lasting materials. Being organic also means that they are free from hazardous chemicals and are friendly to the environment.
Small Size and Surrounded By Sides:
For senior cats that have poor mobility or otherwise, it becomes a hassle to jump in and out of beds. This is where a supported side bed becomes useful as it is surrounded by low bolstered sides so not only do the cats feel safe but it is easier to get in and out of the bed.
The Right Density To Relieve Pressure:
High-density memory foam quickly returns to its shape taking 1.5 to 2 cubic feet making it ideal for pressure relief and thermal retention. When it comes to cushioning arthritic joints, a foam thickness of 2-4 inches works best.
Conclusion
Even older cats need a warm and comfortable place to sleep. Orthopedic cat beds are just perfect for senior cats as they have the added support and comfort that cats require. Not only will you be enhancing the quality of your cat’s life by getting an orthopedic bed, but you will be providing him or her with a warm nest that they will love to use for years.
FAQs
The best type of foam blends is thick and dense memory foam, as it helps conform to the shape of your cat’s body to relieve pressure on their joints.
Yes. Younger cats will appreciate the softness and cushioning of an orthopedic bed more so if they have some medical conditions or simply love excessive comfort during sleep.
These include those who have trouble climbing stairs, dislike jumping, feel stiff when they wake up, or prefer to lie on harder surfaces when they sleep. If your cat shows some of these signs, then it would be worth trying an orthopedic mattress.
