Take a look around your house to see what you already own that your cat would love playing with. Ball toys simulate the quick, unexpected movements of prey. These gadgets range from small to big and cheap to expensive, so start small, as your cat may like some and not engage with others. Youthful Vitality is specially formulated with aging cats' needs in mind, to help support your cat's ongoing vitality through increased activity, interaction and mobility. Mike has more than 35 years of experience in companion animal veterinary practice and is a valued member of IDEXXs Pet Health Network team since 2013. Toys can range from simple and inexpensive to elaborate and costly. Schedule time to play every single day. These hunting skills, replicated by pursuing or swiping at a toy, release feel-good hormones called endorphins, which boost feline feelings of wellbeing. Like all baby animals, kittens love to play. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. Do something that requires more energy expenditure than just plopping them down in front of your cats sweet face. Figure out what she likes, so shell play with them. Vetstreet offers a toy guideline for senior cats to help pet parents identify ideal toys for their elder furry friend. Tap into that inner tigerUse your cats natural predatory instincts to really engage her in play with you. About our Ads. Something as simple as dragging a string across the ground might be enough to get your cat ready to stalk and pounce. Every cat is an individual, but age is a factor here. Chat live with a licensed veterinarian, or schedule a video call to get expert advice for your pets health. Playing with your cat is another way to show them that you love them. The mere scent of this volatile oil is enough to give cats a euphoric rush that lasts for about ten seconds. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful fur. Homemade toys, such as crumpled pieces of paper and empty paper bags (handles removed) could also be good for your senior cat. Play has many benefits for older cats, such as improved muscle tone and blood circulation. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 4,586 times. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Puzzle feeders and food distributor balls incorporate cat treats or food into a compartment inside. As sensual animals for whom scent plays a big part in understanding the world, adding some toys filled with dried catnip (Nepeta cataria), will heighten their pleasure. You want to exercise and then reward. And not just the ones that you think are cute. Before we get started, we just need your consent to send you Pet Club communications. This is as true for senior cats as it is for cats of any other age. However, different cats have different preferences. Tailor your exercisesAlways tailor any exercise program to your cats individual situation and abilities. Well, they at least like to chase after and catch a ball you throw (we recommend a ping pong ball). Cats love to climb and hide, so getting a cat activity centre could be a good investment although some cats will have endless fun playing in a selection of cardboard boxes. One way to keep your cat's brain as sharp as a kitten's is by playing food games with her. In some situations, shorter and less intense play sessions conducted at more frequent intervals may be in your cats best interest. Hiding the food will allow your cat to explore your home, rather than staying in one spot all day. For full details on how we process and protect your personal information, see our Privacy Policy. Otherwise, click "Reject" and we'll only apply cookies that are absolutely necessary. Disclaimer: This website is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. Even if she has a basket of old favorites, get her some new and novel ones. So here are some simple tips to get your senior cat up and moving more. Research source Do not buy toys with strings. Games such as hide and seek and chasing a laser light encourage your cat to use its predatory instincts. Cats suffering from diabetes benefit from a regular day-to-day schedule that changes little from one day to the next. Rotate toys often, so your cat doesn't get bored. Try using toysGet your cat some new toys. Before making any changes to your cat's food, consult with your veterinarian. Prevent clicks on page when mobile menu is being shown, train a cat to wear a harness and walk on a leash, Next Article: How to Make a DIY Wand Cat Toy. Brain teasers are another form of toy that will provide entertainment and stimulation for your cat. Our mission is to solve some of the most puzzlingfeline mysteries Read my body language You and your cat might speak different languages, but look closer and youll see that your favourite feline is using their whole body to tell you how theyre feeling Sources: icatcare.org, cats.org.uk, bluecross.org.uk. If youre looking for cat enrichment games and activities, there are a lot of options. Its also great exercise for you and your cat. Nutrition plays a valuable role in keeping senior cats active and healthy. Managing a chronic health condition could make play more comfortable for your senior cat. Cookie Consent Tool. Does she like crumbled paper to bat around the room. I consent to Burgess Pet Care processing my personal information for the purpose described above. The safety of your cat is paramount. You'll get bonus points if you sew a string onto the sock so you can pull the catnip along the floor from a safe distance, making your cat chase it as you go. Notice: Ask-a-Vet is an affiliated service for those who wish to speak with a veterinary professional about their pet's specific condition. Last Updated: January 18, 2022 From introductions to holding, here's how to play with cats when kids are involved. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Cats love climbing, but senior cats who may experience arthritis will eventually have trouble climbing if it's not practiced regularly. Thank. It exercises muscles and joints, keeps your cat fit and lean, keeps your cat entertained, and helps to prevent boredom and stress that can lead to behavior and health issues. It has an oil in its stems, leaves and seeds known as nepetalactone. First, hide mini meals throughout your house in place of a large mid-day meal. Learn to help cats and kids enjoy fun and safe playtime together. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Senior cats quite often suffer chronic diseases that are painful. Add extra cozy cat beds to your home to give comfort to sore joints and increase your cat's quality of life. Register now to receive updates about GPAW. Try shorter play sessions more often throughout the day. The saying everything in moderation applies here, as too much catnip could cause an upset stomach. The walk does not need to be very long. Chase her, play hide and seek, and enjoy interacting with your cat. A quick trip to the pet store will give you endless options, so be sure to choose toys and tools that are age appropriate. Select Your Region (opens a modal dialog), 2021 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Your cat will swat and chase it all over your home. For example, if mid-afternoon is nap-time, they wont be up for a game. Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website. It's worth us mentioning that opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. As cats get older, play is a great way to keep fit, lean and healthy, as well as keeping their brain alert and active something that remains important for the whole of their life. Cat Workouts and Exercise Tips, smart practical pointers for staying active and optimizing weight through exercise. When using a puzzle feeder, remember to account for all the food inside the puzzle feeder when allocating your cats daily nutrition allowances. Ask your veterinarian about what type of play is appropriate for your cat as well as what type of play schedule is safe for your cat. Cats move their tails in specific ways to tell us about their moods and intentions. If your cat has arthritis, do not have it walk up the stairs. Delicious roasted chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce. Toys that reflect light are particularly attractive. For instance, cats suffering from heart failure may not be able to withstand strenuous play or other forms of strenuous exercise. Play sessions may need to be altered or adjusted to meet your cats individual health requirements. He might sleep more, not be as interested in romping around and chasing things, and generally seem to be less playful. Your cat may also indicate tiredness by simply stopping the activity. Arthritis is a significant cause of pain in older cats. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. At each visit, ask your veterinarian if it's safe for your cat to play. By rolling or pouncing on the toy, your cat can make it release a few pieces of food at a time. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. If you don't own a cat tree, it may be a good idea to invest in a tree or similar type of perch your cat can climb. Source: International Cat Care. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. However, because cats do not always respond well to change, your cat may become stressed if you move its food bowl from the usual spot. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. Feline behaviour strange, but true Why does my cat rub around my legs, grab my hand when I tickle his tummy, drink from the tap and knock everything off my desk? Again (as with cat towers), always make sure that your cat can get to the food. Make her work for them. About 50% of felines will respond to the active but harmless chemical in this herb, by going into raptures of rolling around and meowing. Introducing Cats: Bringing Home a Kitten to Meet Your Senior Cat, How to Create an Accessible, Safe Home for Senior Cats. You dont want to frustrate your cat. Always tidy toys away after playtime for safety and check regularly for signs of wear and tear. X Check cat toys for small items that can be chewed off and swallowed. However, by tricking a senior cat into playing with you, she'll get the daily activity she needs in quick spurts around the home. Cats also like toys with different textures that are around the size of their natural prey. 2021 IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved. Erin Ollila is a pet enthusiast who believes in the power of words and how a message can informand even transformits intended audience. For cats, the best games are those that make the most of their natural repertoire of behaviours stalking, pouncing, chasing and batting objects with a paw, exploring, climbing, jumping and patrolling. If you already have multiple cats and one is a senior cat, pay close attention to how they play together. Cats with heart disease, for instance, might need low-key play methods. Register now to enjoy all the benefits of Burgess Pet Club and receive your discount code. When you take your cat for a walk, they can experience the great outdoors while staying safe from cars, other animals and getting lost. Ask-a-Vet is not manned by the staff or owners of CatHealth.com, and the advice given should not delay or replace a visit to your veterinarian. Some of these health issues may affect how your cat is able to play. If your cat seems stiff getting up and down from a lying position, limps, or licks excessively over the joints, arthritis might be the culprit.