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Why is my senior cat struggling to jump on high beds and falling?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Bobtail | Female | spayed | 9 years and 4 months old | 10.5 lbs

Hi, my cat is now 9 years old. My beds are very high and she's been able to jump up on them at night to sleep with me. I felt it was good exercise for her, being an indoor cat. However, lately she has been struggling and has even fallen trying to jump on the bed. What would you recommend? A pet ladder, maybe?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 3rd, 2017

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am sorry that Majo is having these issues. Studies have shown that 95% of cats over the age of 8 have some form of arthritis, and often it is undiagnosed because cats hide their illnesses well. This could be the cause of Majo's inability to jump up. Other causes could be related to being overweight, neurological problems that can include both structural issues in her back, or metabolic conditions such as diabetes. Weakness from other medical conditions can also cause this type of behaviour. What I recommend is a visit to the vet to make sure there is no medical cause that needs to be addressed, and to assess her body condition to see if weight loss is needed. Otherwise, ramps are a great idea to help our furry friends get up on the bed. If arthritis is the issue, you can talk with your vet about different types of food and supplements that will help support joints. Best of luck with Majo!

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on February 19th, 2017
Poor Tigger! I agree that it sounds like he's having some problems. Significant weight loss in older cats is usually due to an underlying medical problem such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism rather than just "old age", so I would definitely recommend taking him to the vet for an exam and blood work to see what is causing this - the problem is often very treatable once a diagnosis is made. His discomfort when walking could be due to his underlying illness, or he may have arthritis or other orthopedic issues. Your veterinarian can prescribe safe and effective pain medication for him to help with this problem as well.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on April 23rd, 2018
Unfortunately, I don't think you can get her insured in this condition. It sounds like she has some pre-exiting conditions already and insurance will not cover it. The losing weight despite eating a lot, and the excessive thirst are signs of three common medical illnesses in senior cats: Diabetes, kidney disease, and hyperthyroidism. I agree that she could also have arthritis. This losing weight is not thing that is pain free for her, she is slowly starving. She does need to see a vet asap to get a geriatric blood panel and urinalysis to see if she does have one of three diseases I mentioned above. In addition, the arthritis will be painful to her, and she is showing you that by walking slowly. Pain meds are probably needed to make her more comfortable. Do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. I would see if you can borrow money from family and friends to afford the vet, and I can give you some resources that may help. You can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Carefree Credit online.
http://www.carefreecredit.co.uk
https://www.rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/vetcare
http://www.easipetcare.com

Check out these resources and hopefully one can help you. Please take her into a vet today or tomorrow. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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