Is your kitty a furry, meowing senior? Fluffy is an adorable and fun pet through all the stages of her life, but she somehow becomes even more endearing as she ages. Your pet will still need exercise and entertainment as she ages, though the purrticulars may change a bit. Read on as a local vet offers some advice on playing with an older cat.
Should I Play With My Senior Cat?
Yes! Playing is just as fun and beneficial for a senior cat as it is for kittens. Fluffy will always be a kitten at heart. All of that pouncing and jumping is good for your pet for many reasons.
- Exercise: Just like people, cats need to stay active to stay fit and in shape. This becomes especially important over time, as cats tend to steadily run out of steam as they grow older. By the time your kitty is a senior, she may sleep up to 20 hours a day! Catching Zs won’t burn anywhere near as many calories as catching mice, unfortunately.
- Entertainment: While cats spend a rather ridiculous amount of time sleeping, they still need something to do when they’re away. Your furry pal may get quite unhappy and restless with nothing to do but stare at the walls.
- Bonding: Playing is also great for bonding. Fluffy will know that you’re holding that string toy for her. She’ll definitely be appreciative of the effort! If you have more than one kitty, dual play sessions may very well help break the ice between them.
- Burn Excess Energy: This isn’t as big of an issue with cats in their golden years as it is with kittens. Fluffy will likely be past that adorable zoomy stage. However, it’s still good for her to be able to burn off any excess energy she has. After a fun play session, she’ll likely be calmer, and perhaps ready for snuggles. And, of course, a nap.
Of course, playing with your feline pal is also just fun … for both of you. It’s also adorable to watch. Kitties are never as charming as when they are acting frisky and playful.
How Long Should You Play With A Senior Cat?
That’s really going to be up to Fluffy. Unlike dogs, who will push themselves to and beyond their limits to please their masters, cats don’t care what we want. As soon as your pet gets even a little tired, she’ll basically quit playing, and will probably wander off in search of her new napping spot.
How To Play With An Elderly Cat?
Kitties are all unique, and they all have preferences. One cat may love going after catnip mice, while another may like chasing that red dot from the laser pointer. For the most part, you can do whatever your feline buddy likes.
There are a few things to keep in mind. It’s best to play on a soft surface, such as a grassy yard or a thick carpet. This will help your pet get traction, and also offer her a bit of cushion for those cute rolls playful cats do.
You’ll also need to stick with safe toys.
How Do I Know If My Senior Cat Is Happy?
Our feline pals are nothing if not temperamental. Some kitties are furry little curmudgeons, who are always on the cranky side. Others are very affectionate.
It’s important to be familiar with your feline pal, and to know how she usually acts. Most of the time, happy cats are inquisitive, interactive, curious, and perhaps a bit demanding. A kitty that seems withdrawn, grumpy, or anxious may not be very happy.
Pay close attention to any changes in your feline pal’s behavior or demeanor. For instance, a shy cat that suddenly demands attention may be ill. Changes in vocalizations may also be quite significant. These things may be signs of illness, so contact your vet.
How Often Should I Play With A Senior Cat?
You really can’t overdo it here .. your feline friend won’t push herself to exhaustion—or even mildly tired—for you. You’ll likely have better luck with short but frequent sessions. A few five-minute play sessions a day is better than trying for an hour every other day.
What Other Ways Can I Keep My Older Cat Entertained?
Playing is great, but it shouldn’t be your pet’s only option for play time. There are also other things you can do for your furry pal.
Window Seats: Keeping your cat entertained doesn’t necessarily have to involve elaborate toys or expensive setups. Just giving Fluffy a comfy window seat with a good view will help keep her happy and purring. Kitties love watching birds and squirrels. Your cute pet may spend hours just watching small animals and daydreaming about hunting.
Purrniture: Cats don’t mind ‘borrowing’ our things, but it is good for them to have a few things that they don’t have to share with their humans. Giving your pet a cat tower will not only give her something to climb, but will also offer her a napping spot, jungle gym, and nail care station. (Fluffy is also quite fond of beds.)
Things To Investigate: Kitties are very curious. This may be an understatement, but it isn’t a coincidence. Fluffy is more or less hardwired to want to check and see if there’s a mouse hiding in that cupboard. Give your pet things like cat tunnels, mazes, boxes, and paper bags to investigate.
Scratching Posts: Your feline pal will still have a powerful and instinctive need to sharpen her claws. Offer her a good post or board for a pedicure station.
Puzzle Toys: Kitties can also enjoy playing games that reward them, such as puzzle toys and treat-dispensing toys. Try a few different ones, and see what your furry little friend likes best.
Quality Time: At the end of the day, your pet’s favorite thing really is to simply spend time with you. Pay lots of attention to Fluffy, and carve out time with her every day. Kitties really do get very attached to their humans, and just want to hang out with (or on) us.
What If I Have More Than One Cat?
Dual play sessions can mean double the fun. You will need to be a bit careful, though. If you have a rambunctious kitten and a fragile senior, the little one could potentially annoy, overtire, or even hurt your resident kitty.
Ask your vet for more information.
How Do I Keep My Senior Cat Healthy?
Fluffy will go through some changes as she ages, just as we all do. You’ll want to make some minor adjustments to keep her comfortable in her senior years. For instance, she may have an easier time using a litterbox with low sides. Talk to your vet regularly, and use the time at your appointments to get some updated care tips.
One thing we recommend universally is keeping your feline pal safe and sound indoors. Your feline friend will be much safer if she is protected from weather, traffic, predators, and other hazards.
Make An Appointment At Our Pet Hospital.
Do you have questions about senior cat care? Contact us, your pet clinic, anytime. We are dedicated to offering top-notch care.
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