Senior cats may not be as active as they once were, but that does not mean that they do not still enjoy playing when the mood takes them.
Play is a necessary part of all pet cats – no matter what stage of life - and it has important health benefits. All you need to do is better tailor the games you play with them to their age and their needs, and you will have one happy cat!
In this article, we’ll talk you through the best toys and games for senior cats and what to keep in mind when you play with your older cat.
Factors to consider when playing with a senior cat
As cats grow older, they naturally lose some of the energy and agility they had when they were kittens. A senior cat is usually one who is between 11 years and 15 years of age. Such cats may be slower, sleep more and get tired more quickly. Here are some factors to consider when planning playtime with your cat.
Pre-existing conditions that your cat may have
When choosing what the best toys and games for your senior cat may be, it’s important to bear in mind any pre-existing health problems they may have. Cats who have weak hearts should not be encouraged to run and jump so much, and it may be dangerous for them to get overexcited. Similarly, you may have to plan different play routines for cats with diabetes. Always ask your vet for advice if your cat is diagnosed with any chronic age-related conditions.
Joint pain
As your cat grows older, their joints may begin to get stiff and achy – and even hurt. Such cats may not be able to take too much strain on their joints. Running quickly or leaping especially may be out of the question. The first step is to talk to your vet about ways to decrease stiffness and to manage any pain or discomfort.
Energy levels
Senior cats naturally have lower energy levels than kittens. Account for this when, planning the games you are going to play with your cat, as it would not be wise to buy a toy that requires a lot of running and jumping and then have your cat be unwilling or unable to play with it.
Best toys for senior cats
The good news is that your cat’s preferences for toys do not really change from when they were kittens. All that you have to consider now is how their age might slow them down and what toys must be excluded from their toy treasure chest.
Here are a few toys that are classics and well suited for your senior pet.
Things on strings/chase toys
The best toys for senior cats remain the same as they age. Toys that you can pull around on a string for your cat to stalk, chase, pounce and catch will always remain favourites as they simulate your feline’s natural hunting behaviours. For older cats however you have to be much gentler in how you play with these toys, avoiding tight turns, jumping down from heights etc. An advantage with these toys is they are usually cheap – and can even be created from scrunching up a bit of paper and throwing that as a makeshift ball.
The food ball/puzzles
A food ball is essentially a hollow ball or other shape that can be filled with treats. There is an opening on the toy’s surface so food can fall out if the toy is moved in a certain way. Your cat can plays with the ball, twisting it this way and that, to try and get the treats. These toys are challenging for your cat’s mind and are a good way to keep them mentally stimulated. Some cats love them while others are far less interested but if your cat has always enjoyed these kinds of toys, they can continue enjoying them into older age.
Stuffed toys
Your senior cat may not have a lot of energy, and they might not be as good at biting or chasing as they once were. Stuffed toys can be good toys for senior cats for several reasons. They are plush and comfortable to play with and as they don’t roll off, they can also be easily controlled by your cat – and don’t require an excessive amount of chasing or rough play. rarely play with toys that don’t move or have some kind of enticement however so mouse-shaped toys stuffed with catnip can be very popular or soft toys on a string that you can move around to get their initial interest can also work well.
Lickimats and snuffle mats
It’s easy to think that lickimats or snuffle mats are just for dogs, but putting wet food onto a lickimat or hiding kibble or treats in a snuffle mat can be great enrichment games for cats as well as giving them some extra exercise.
Homemade toys
We all have plenty of potential cat toys around the house that we usually send off for recycling! Empty kitchen roll or toilet roll tubes with a few bits of kibble inside with the ends folded down, can be a great toy that lets your cat do some brain work – and some natural ripping and tearing. Thin cardboard boxes can be used the same way. Scrunch some paper up into a ball with treats inside and put them in a bigger cardboard box… The list is endless!
Benefits of play and safety
It can be easy to see your senior cat as uninterested in play. You may be tempted to just leave them alone to sleep all day. Senior cats need play, however. It has several benefits:
- It keeps their weight in check, which helps prevent health problems.
- It exercises their minds and keeps them sharp.
- It helps to keep boredom away and reduces stress.
- It gives them a gentle outlet for their natural behaviours.
- It gives them more opportunities to play with you.
If your cat seems unenthusiastic about play, keep trying until you find something that catches their interest.
Of course, safety is very important. This is especially true for senior cats, whose health may cause complications. It is always best to check with your vet on what pre-existing health conditions your cat has and that you should keep in mind.
Just like younger cats, your older feline will most likely be at their most active in the early morning and evening – so these are the ideal times to have a game with your cat.
In this article, we have outlined some of the best toys you can provide for your senior cat and what you can do to keep them interested in play and keep them happy and healthy.
Want to find out more about caring for your senior cat? Read our article on feeding your senior cat, next.
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