Helping an Older Pet Rest More Comfortably

Ageing arrives gradually enough that it is easy to miss. The dog that used to leap onto the couch now hesitates. The cat that lived on top of the bookshelf is spending more time on the floor. Neither is dramatic on any given day, and both are worth responding to.

What changes with age

Older animals sleep more, and sleep less well. Joints stiffen, particularly after lying still. Muscle mass decreases, which means less natural padding over hips, elbows and shoulders. Temperature regulation becomes less efficient, so cold is felt more. Many older animals also lose some hearing or sight, which can make them startle more easily and settle less readily.

Arthritis is extremely common in older cats and dogs, and in cats it is badly under-diagnosed — cats rarely limp visibly. They just do less. A cat that has stopped jumping up is often not being lazy.

What helps with bedding

• Support underneath. A bed with a properly filled or foam base spreads weight off bony points. A thin bed compresses to nothing and leaves the animal effectively on the floor.
• A low entry. This one is frequently overlooked. A high wall all the way round means climbing, and climbing is exactly what has become difficult. A bed with an open front or a low side lets them walk straight on.
• Warmth. Cold and stiff joints are a bad combination. Insulation from the floor matters more with age, not less.
• Enough room to change position. Older animals shift more during the night to relieve pressure. A bed that is too snug works against that.
• Non-slip underneath. A bed that slides as they get in or out is genuinely destabilising for a wobbly animal.

Beyond the bed

• Bring resources down. For cats, that means litter trays with a low entry, and food and water that do not require a jump. A step or ramp to a favourite raised spot preserves access without the leap.
• Traction. Runners or mats across slippery floorboards make a real difference to an animal that has become unsure of its footing.
• Keep it predictable. A pet losing sight or hearing relies more on the layout staying where it was.
• Gentle, regular movement. Shorter and more frequent beats long and occasional.

When to talk to your vet

Reluctance to jump, difficulty getting up, sleeping in new places, night restlessness or vocalising, changes in appetite or toileting. These are worth raising rather than accepting as inevitable. Pain management for arthritis has improved substantially, and many older animals become noticeably more themselves once it is addressed.

Comfortable bedding supports an older pet. It does not replace veterinary care, and the two together achieve far more than either alone.