Playing With A Senior Cat

Did you know that kitties are technically furry seniors at just ten years old? A ten-year-old cat may have many years of purring and pouncing on the horizon. However, you may notice that your kitty is starting to spend more time chasing Z’s than chasing toys. That’s normal: we all slow down over time. Your pet will still need to stay active as she enters her golden years, though. That means playtime! Read on as a local Forest Hill, MD vet offers some insight about playing with an older cat.

Is Playing Beneficial For Older Cats?

Absolutely! In fact, taking time to play with Fluffy is one of the best things you can do for her. It’s of course very fun for your cute pet, but that isn’t the only reason.

Here are a few reasons to grab that laser pointer:

• Exercise: Physical activity is important for pets for the same reasons as it is for people. Playing helps keep your kitty’s bones and muscles strong, which becomes increasingly important as she ages. It’s also good for nearly every organ or system in her body, one way or another. That includes her cardiovascular system, respiratory system, and even her digestive system. Even a few minutes of pouncing and jumping can help your kitty stay in shape.
• Blowing Off Steam: Just like people, kitties sometimes have some pent up energy. Running after that elusive red dot is a great way for Fluffy to work off her kitty angst or frustration. This can be helpful if you have more than one cat and they aren’t getting along. If your pets can take out their hostility on a toy, rather than by attacking each other, your chances for peaceful cohabitation just went up.
• Unleash Inner Tiger: Our feline pals may be cuddly and adorable, but don’t forget that they are predators by nature. It’s important for your kitty to be able to let her inner lioness out. Things like pouncing and jumping are natural behaviors to kitties. Attacking that little catnip mouse is just a great way for Fluffy to enjoy being a cat.
• Mental Stimulation: Just like people, cats often suffer from cognitive decay as they grow older. Fluffy may get confused or forgetful in her senior years. Playing can actually help mitigate that. Cats need to focus on those tricky jumps and pounces. That mental stimulation is great for your pet’s mind, just like reading or playing games is good for elderly people.
• Bonding: It’s easy to laugh about how cats are cold and aloof, but that really isn’t fair. Kitties are actually extremely emotional, and get very close to their humans. This is also just a good way to spend some time with your pet and make her feel loved.

How Often Should I Play With My Senior Cat?

That’s ultimately a matter of ‘purrsonal’ preference, both yours and your kitty’s. We would suggest playing with your feline buddy at least once a day. If your pet wants to play more than that, then by all means indulge her.

How Long Should You Play With A Senior Cat?

This is ultimately going to be up to Fluffy. That said, five to 20 minutes is a good time frame.

You won’t have to worry too much about overtiring your pet. This is one area where cats and dogs are quite different. Fido will work himself to the point of exhaustion and beyond to please his humans. Cats? Not so much. As soon as your kitty gets the least bit tired, she’ll probably walk away, lick her paw, and then start contemplating her next nap.

How Do You Play With A Senior Cat?

Fluffy will still like classic kitty games, like playing with catnip mice and chasing that mysterious red dot. For the most part, playing with a senior cat is the same as playing with any other feline. You will need to make a few adjustments to compensate for your kitty’s age, though.

We do recommend using interactive toys, such as wand toys, laser pointers, or remote-controlled playthings. Playing will be more fun and engaging for your cat if she can’t easily predict what her ‘prey’ is going to do. Make it even more interesting by adjusting the speed or just moving the toy in unexpected ways.

It’s also good to change toys out regularly. Fluffy may love that pink catnip mouse, but she may have forgotten about the crinkly ball she pushed under the couch last week. This also just helps keep things fun and new for your cute pet.

How Do I Play With My Older Cat Safely?

Always put your kitty’s safety first. Playing isn’t supposed to be dangerous, but there are things to keep in mind, especially with older cats.

Don’t overexert your kitty when it’s hot out. Cats are definitely not made for sustained vigorous activity. (This probably isn’t a shock, given that they spend so much time napping.) Fluffy can’t easily cool herself down if she overheats. Dogs can cool off by panting, but that doesn’t work very well for cats. Kitties can’t sweat to cool off, either, except through their paw pads. Although cats are usually careful not to overdo it, it’s best to err on the side of caution here. In summer, keep playtime to mornings and evenings, when it’s cooler. Also, make sure your pet always has fresh water.  

Senior cats can also be quite fragile. Keep that in mind as well. Try to pick a spot with a soft surface and good traction, such as a carpeted room.

Ask your vet for more advice on playing with an older cat.

How Else Can I Keep An Older Cat Enriched?

Playing is great, but it shouldn’t be your kitty’s only form of entertainment. Window seats are another popular kitty entertainment option. Cats love watching birds and squirrels!  Put a bird feeder up in your pet’s line of sight to make it even more fun for her. This is also a good way for Fluffy to combine some of her favorite activities: dozing in sunbeams, relaxing, looking cute, and pondering things.

How Do I Keep My Older Cat Healthy?

Playing will definitely help, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. You’ll need to bring your feline pal into our vet clinic regularly for pet wellness care. This is important for any cat, but is particularly crucial for seniors. Keep up with Fluffy’s exams, parasite control, and vaccinations. Keep in mind that senior cats have elevated risks of developing certain medical issues, such as diabetes. Your vet may also order additional screenings and panels as your pet ages. 

It’s also important to watch for signs that your feline pal isn’t feeling well. 

Here are some of the things to watch for: 

• Lethargy
• Reduced Interest In Play
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea 
• Fur Loss
• Fever
• Bloating
• Weight Gain Or Loss
• Uncharacteristic Behavior Or Vocalizations

Contact our animal clinic right away if you notice any of these things. If your feline friend is developing a health problem, early diagnosis and treatment can make a huge difference in your pet’s prognosis and treatment options!

Of course, this is also a great chance to get some specific advice from your Forest Hill, MD veterinarian about your kitty’s health and care needs. 

Visit Our Forest Hill, MD Animal Hospital

Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? Do you have a senior cat? Please contact us, your Forest Hill, MD vets, anytime! We’re dedicated to offering great veterinary care.