games to play with older cats

Cats are sensitive to many meds, and injury or death could occur. Put them inside toys that act as puzzles so your cat has to play to get the treats out. According to International Cat Care, as cats are creatures that thrive on routine, they will have regular patterns of activity that they are unlikely to deviate from. Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy. Learn more about how playing with your cat choosing the right cat toys, games, sound stimulation, and frequency are an important part of maintaining their health and your bond with them. Article was somewhat helpful, but could be improved. A toy that your cat has not seen for a few weeks will be like a new toy to your cat. However, if your cat has a mad-half-hour, dashing round the house at nine oclock at night, then you can safely surmise that this is a good time for a game. Take a look around your house to see what you already own that your cat would love playing with. Want to know the easiest way to get your pet active? Figure out what she likes, so shell play with them. Play behavior serves many purposes. Make up for what your senior cat might not be able to do physically by adding opportunities for mental enrichment. Necessary cookies are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Move around your furniture around so your cat is encouraged to jump from the floor to a footstool to the couch before perching on the top of it for her afternoon nap. However, there are some things you should consider when playing with your senior cat. Catnip, for those cats that react to it, can be a powerful means of encouraging your cat to play. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Delicious roasted chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce. As a cat owner, you want your cat to live an enriching and full life. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyse and understand how you use our website, they're known as non-necessary, but we can only run those cookies with your consent. Then, you will be transferred to a human. Learn more signs here: "7 Signs That Your Cat Might Have Arthritis.". Source: International Cat Care. As your cat gets older, you might find it more challenging to get him to engage in play with you. Your cat will enjoy playtime more when he can play without pain. As a result, you may help your cat improve their speed and agility. I consent to Burgess Pet Care processing my personal information for the purpose described above. International Cat Care has compiled this handy list of cat etiquette: For more expert advice on playing with your cat visit International Cat Care. It keeps them mentally stimulated, physically active, and helps keep the bond with their humans strong. Source: International Cat Care. Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website. Senior cats quite often suffer chronic diseases that are painful. If your senior cat has a health condition, it may try to hide that weakness by becoming less playful and more aggressive towards the other cat. Cats are independent creatures, and some may scoff at the idea of working out, especially if they are older and arthritic. Learn the meaning behind different cat tail movements to better understand your cat. If your cat is responding to you more slowly, especially with chasing games, then it is probably getting tired and needs to rest. Before making any changes to your cat's food, consult with your veterinarian. For full details on how we process and protect your personal information, see our Privacy Policy. Kittens are fuzzy little packages of boundless energy that can amuse themselves and you for hours on end. Before we get started, we just need your consent to send you Pet Club communications. If you suspect that your cat is experiencing pain, discuss the situation with your veterinarian. And not every cat is going to be up for taking leash walks. Toys can range from simple and inexpensive to elaborate and costly. This may be fine when theyre little, but as those weapons become larger, it can cause damage and pain. Cats suffering from diabetes benefit from a regular day-to-day schedule that changes little from one day to the next. For instance, cats suffering from heart failure may not be able to withstand strenuous play or other forms of strenuous exercise. There is a charge for the service if you choose to connect to a veterinarian. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 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. If your cat has to climb steps or jump up on something to get to the food, she might be just a little bit more motivated to make the effort. Disclaimer: This website is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. Make her work for them. Like all baby animals, kittens love to play. Simply keep recycling the existing toys. Ball toys simulate the quick, unexpected movements of prey.

Whether they bring it back to you depends on their mood. Make routine veterinary appointments for your senior cat. References In some instances, catnip can even be placed inside the toy to attract your cat. These cookies do not store any personal information and Data Protection law allows for these cookies to be set without the need for consent. This would be painful and difficult for your cat. Your cat can become tangled and injure himself or, worse yet, may remove the string and swallow it, resulting in a dangerous gastrointestinal foreign body. If you already have multiple cats and one is a senior cat, pay close attention to how they play together. Cats move their tails in specific ways to tell us about their moods and intentions. As well as being lots of fun, play teaches young cats about the world around them, aids their physical development and hones their fabulous feline skills. Some cats enjoy toys which roll or move across the floor, allowing the cat to chase. By using our site, you agree to our, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ee\/Play-with-a-Senior-Cat-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Play-with-a-Senior-Cat-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ee\/Play-with-a-Senior-Cat-Step-1.jpg\/aid8013506-v4-728px-Play-with-a-Senior-Cat-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"