Did you know that cats are considered furry seniors at the age of ten? A ten-year-old kitty may have many more years of purring and pouncing ahead of her, of course. However, you may notice that your cat is beginning to spend more time chasing Z’s than toys. That’s normal; we all slow down with time. However, Fluffy will still require physical activity as she grows older. That means playtime! Continue reading for advice from a local Bayfield County WI veterinarian on how to play with an elderly cat.

Is Playing Beneficial To Older Cats?

Absolutely! In fact, spending time playing with Fluffy is one of the most beneficial things you can do for her. It’s obviously fun for your adorable pet, but that’s not the only reason.

Here are a few reasons to grab the laser pointer:

Exercise: Pets benefit from physical activity for the same reasons that humans do. Playing helps keep your cat’s bones and muscles strong, which is especially important as she ages. It benefits practically every organ or system in her body in some way. That covers her cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive systems. Even a few minutes of pouncing and jumping will help your cat stay fit.

Blowing off steam: Kitties, like us, occasionally have pent-up energy. Running after that elusive red dot is a terrific way for Fluffy to relieve feline stress. This is useful if you have more than one cat and they don’t get along. If your pets can vent their rage on a toy rather than fighting each other, your odds of peaceful coexistence just increased.

Unleash Your Kitty’s Inner Tiger: Our feline friends may be fluffy and charming, but remember that cats are predators by nature. It’s crucial for your kitty to be able to express her inner lioness! 

Mental Stimulation: Cats, like humans, often experience cognitive decline as they age. Fluffy may become confused or forgetful in her elderly years. Playing can actually help alleviate this. Cats should concentrate on those hard jumps and pounces. That cerebral stimulation is excellent for your pet’s intellect, just as reading or playing games is beneficial to the elderly.

Bonding: It’s easy to joke at how cold and aloof cats are, but this isn’t fair. Kitties are incredibly emotional and form strong attachments to their people. Spend quality (play) time with your cat and make her feel cherished!

How Often Should I Play with My Senior Cat?

That is ultimately a question of ‘purrsonal’ preference, for both you and your kitty. We recommend playing with your feline companion every day. 

How Long Should You Play with a Senior Cat?

This will ultimately be up to Fluffy. That being said, five to fifteen minutes is a reasonable time period.

You won’t have to be concerned about your pet being overly tired. This is one area where cats and dogs differ significantly. Fido will work until he is exhausted to please his humans. Cats? Not very much. When your cat becomes even slightly weary, she will most likely wander away, lick her paws, and begin thinking about her next nap.

How Do You Play With A Senior Cat?

Fluffy will continue to enjoy traditional cat games, such as playing with catnip mice and chasing the elusive red dot. For the most part, playing with a senior cat is similar to playing with any other kitty. However, you will need to make a few changes to adapt for your cat’s age.

Use interactive toys, like wands, laser pointers, and remote-controlled playthings. If your cat can’t predict what her ‘prey’ will do, she will have a more enjoyable and interesting time playing. Make it even more fascinating by varying the speed or simply moving the toy in unexpected directions.

It is also a good idea to rotate toys on a regular basis. Fluffy may like that pink catnip mouse, but she could have forgotten about the crinkly ball she pushed under the couch last week. This also helps keep things interesting and new for your adorable pet.

How Can I Play Safely With My Older Cat?

Always put safety first. there are several things to keep in mind, especially with senior cats.

Don’t overexert your cat when it’s hot outside. Kitties are not designed for extended strenuous activity. (This is probably not surprising, given how much time they spend napping.) Fluffy cannot simply cool herself down if she overheats. Although cats are normally careful not to overdo it, it’s best to be cautious in this case. In the summer, limit playtime to the mornings and nights, when it is cooler. Also, make sure your pet always has fresh water.

Senior cats can be very fragile. Keep that in mind, too. Try to find a location with a soft surface and good traction, such as a carpeted room.

Ask your veterinarian for further information about playing with an elderly cat.

How Can I Keep My Older Cat Enriched?

Playing is great, but it should not be your cat’s primary source of entertainment. Window seats are another favorite feline entertainment choice. Kitties love to watch birds and squirrels! Put a bird feeder in your pet’s line of sight to make it more enjoyable for her. (This is also a nice way for Fluffy to combine several of her favorite activities: napping in the sun, relaxing, looking cute, and thinking about, well, we don’t really know. Mice, perhaps.)

How Can I Keep My Older Cat Healthy?

Playing will undoubtedly help, but it is only one part of the issue. You’ll need to bring your feline companion into our vet facility on a regular basis for cat wellness treatment. This is vital for all cats, but it is especially important for seniors. Keep up with Fluffy’s health care needs by scheduling regular examinations, parasite control, and immunizations. 

Keep in mind that senior cats are more likely to have specific medical conditions, such as diabetes. As your pet gets older, your veterinarian may request more screenings and panels.

It’s also crucial to look for symptoms that your feline companion isn’t feeling well.

Here are some of the things to look for:

• Lethargy
• Reduced interest in play 
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fur Loss
• Fever
• Bloating
• Weight Gain or Loss
• Uncharacteristic behavior or vocalizations

If you see any of these, or anything else that seems unusual,  call your Bayfield County WI animal clinic immediately away. If your feline buddy is developing a health concern, getting it addressed immediately can make a huge difference. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve her prognosis and treatment options!

Visit Our Bayfield County WI Animal Hospital

Have you got any questions about your pet’s health or care? Do you own a senior cat? Please contact us, your Bayfield County WI veterinarians, at any time! We’re dedicated to providing excellent veterinary care.