Cats are notorious for jumping onto just about any surface that will hold them – and often knocking down anything they encounter. But what if your cat suddenly stops jumping to the heights she used to?

 

As cats get older, many develop joint pain that they are hesitant to show. Cats are very different from dogs in that they rarely show pain, and are experts at hiding it. Therefore, signs of pain must be picked out from your cat’s daily life – and one of these signs is a hesitance or refusal to jump up.

 

Especially if your cat used to jump all the time, but is getting older and now must be lifted to its food bowl on the counter, your cat probably has some arthritic pain. It could also be experiencing some other type of pain; many cats are prone to urinary tract issues, and any other abdominal pain may prevent your cat from jumping up. If you suspect something may be wrong (and remember – it can be really hard to tell!), contact your veterinarian, as it may be time for a check-up.

 

cedric

Another more rare possibility is that your cat is going blind. I bring up this possibility mostly because my cat, Cedric, went blind around 3-4 years old, and he stopped jumping higher than the couch. He was never much of a jumper, but he noticeably became a ground-dweller when he started to lose his sight. I don’t blame him; I wouldn’t want to be teetering on some high surface if I couldn’t see where I was, either.

 

Also, keep this in mind: There is a belief among many Persian owners that “Persians don’t jump.” Every cat is different, but it seems to be a trait of this regal and dignified breed that too much jumping or roughhousing is not to be tolerated! So, if your cat is a Persian, its sheer lineage may be the reason it doesn’t jump.

 

Of course, remember that the Assisi Loop can help with your cat’s pain, whether it’s caused by arthritis, an internal issue, or a urinary tract issue. If you think the Loop could be effective, feel free to contact Assisi Animal Health or talk to your vet.