Step 0: Support Joint & Muscle Balance With Supplements

Goal

Support joints, muscles, and comfortable movement as part of ongoing care.

How Supplements May Be Used

Daily support: to help maintain joint and muscle balance over time

Situational adjustments: quantity can be increased during periods of increased demand, such as environmental changes, increased activity, or colder weather

BSAVA principle: Foundational physiological support.

Step 1: Encourage Natural Movement Variety

Goal

Cats are designed for short bursts of varied movement such as climbing, stretching, jumping, and changing direction. Indoor lifestyles can limit this variety, leading to repetitive or restricted movement patterns over time.

Helpful habits

• Provide vertical spaces such as cat trees, shelves, or window perches
• Encourage gentle jumping between different heights rather than only floor-level movement
• Rotate toys that promote chasing, pouncing, and reaching
• Use short, frequent play sessions instead of one long session
• Allow space for stretching and full-body movement during play
  

BSAVA principle: Movement diversity and load distribution.

Step 3: Maintain a Healthy Body Condition

Goal

Limit unnecessary joint strain by supporting a stable, healthy body condition over time.

Helpful habits

• Offer measured portions rather than free-feeding where possible
• Use feeding methods that encourage movement, such as puzzle feeders or placing bowls at different heights
• Use part of the daily food intake as snacks or rewards, rather than adding extra treats
• Encourage regular play to support natural energy use
• Monitor body shape and feel over time
  

Maintaining a healthy body condition helps reduce cumulative joint load before strain develops.

BSAVA principle: Load reduction through body condition management.

Step 4: Avoid Awkward Jumps and Slippery Surfaces

Goal

Indoor cats rely entirely on their home environment for movement. Slippery surfaces, awkward jumps, or unstable landing areas can discourage natural movement and increase joint strain over time. Small adjustments help cats move with confidence and use their bodies more comfortably.

Helpful habits

• Provide stable, non-slip landing surfaces near favourite jumping areas
• Use steps, platforms, or intermediate surfaces to break up large height differences
• Ensure cat trees and shelves are sturdy and well positioned
• Keep frequently used pathways clear and predictable
• Place resources such as food, water, and litter in locations that encourage gentle movement without forcing long jumps
  

A supportive environment encourages regular, confident movement and helps protect joints before strain develops.

BSAVA principle: Environmental risk reduction.

Step 4: Adjust the Environment as Comfort Changes

Goal

Reduce strain by adapting the home environment gradually as your cat’s movement comfort changes over time.

Main Habit: Let Long-Term Comfort Guide Environmental Setup

As comfort changes, adjusting heights, access points, and layout allows your cat to move in ways that feel manageable and confident.

Helpful habits

• Add intermediate steps or platforms as jumping becomes less comfortable
• Lower frequently used resting or feeding areas if needed
• Avoid encouraging large jumps when movement appears more cautious
• Keep essential resources easy to reach as mobility needs evolve
  

BSAVA principle: Progressive load adaptation.

Step 5: Observe Subtle Changes Over Time

Goal

Notice early, gradual changes in movement so support can be adjusted before strain or discomfort develops.

This step is about awareness, not problem-spotting.

Helpful habits

• Notice how easily your cat jumps up or down from familiar places
• Observe posture, stretching, and general ease of movement during daily activity
• Pay attention to changes in play style, energy, or use of vertical space
• Compare movement week to week rather than day to day
• Trust gradual trends more than isolated off days
  

Early awareness allows preventive habits to be reinforced and adjusted calmly.

BSAVA principle: Early recognition and proactive support.

Step 5: When to Seek Veterinary Guidance

Preventive care focuses on supporting healthy movement early, but it is not a substitute for veterinary assessment.

Consider seeking veterinary guidance if you notice:

• Persistent changes in movement or posture
• Reduced willingness to jump, climb, or play over time
• Stiffness, hesitation, or discomfort that does not improve
• Any signs of pain, lameness, or sudden behavioural change
  

Early veterinary input helps clarify whether additional support or a different care approach is needed.