games to play with older cats

One way to keep your cat's brain as sharp as a kitten's is by playing food games with her. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. For full details on how we process and protect your personal information, see our Privacy Policy. These toys require your kitty to do some mental work to figure out how to get a treat or kibble of food to fall out. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Note: Especially with a laser pointer be careful to always let the cat catch something (anything) in the end. Dilated pupils, ears flattened, frozen postures, crouched legs. They can be dangerous when your cat attempts to play with them unsupervised, entangling limbs or being a strangulation hazard. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 4,586 times. Playing with your cat regularly will teach you about your cats personality and strengthen the bond and trust between you. Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy. Make routine veterinary appointments for your senior cat. At each visit, ask your veterinarian if it's safe for your cat to play. Source: International Cat Care. Your cat will enjoy playtime more when he can play without pain. Schedule time to play every single day. 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. Although your senior cat may move around more slowly, playtime will be just as important now as it was when your cat was younger. Also, never leave your cat unsupervised with toys that include strings or wires. geting Youll both get a little bit of exercise in the process. Initially, a bot will ask questions to determine the general nature of your concern. 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":"

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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1016/j.jfms.2009.07.011, http://www.vet.cornell.edu/FHC/health_information/brochure_seniorcat.cfm, http://portsmouthvetclinic.com/veterinary/senior-cat-care.php, http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/cat-health/cat-checkups-preventive-care/6-simple-tips-exercising-your-senior-cat, http://www.preventivevet.com/cats/linear-foreign-bodies-cats-strings-a-dangerous-combination, http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/cats/tips/cat_toys.html, http://www.petmd.com/cat/care/playing-your-senior-cat, http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/cat-health/cat-checkups-preventive-care/6-simple-tips-exercising-your-senior-cat/page/0/5, http://www.cats.org.uk/uploads/documents/cat-care-leaflets-2013/EG16_Elderly_cats.pdf, https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/loving-care-older-cats. 1. You can also get helpful facts on the signs of aging to discuss with your veterinarian. Just imagine how it would impact your snacking if you had to get up off the couch and walk into the kitchen every time you wanted another potato chip. For instance, use a wand toy but keep it slithering on the floor or hovering only inches above it rather than lifting it up higher into the air. Other cats may enjoy toys that mimic birds. Data protection law says we need to ask for your consent before running these cookies on our website. As a result, you may help your cat improve their speed and agility. PLAYTIME TIP: Even older cats will enjoy the stimulation and gentle exercise of a game that is adapted to suit their level of mobility. International Cat Care has compiled this handy list of cat etiquette: For more expert advice on playing with your cat visit International Cat Care. ). 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. Necessary cookies are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Otherwise, click "Reject" and we'll only apply cookies that are absolutely necessary. These cookies do not store any personal information and Data Protection law allows for these cookies to be set without the need for consent.
However, there are some things you should consider when playing with your senior cat. Learn more signs here: "7 Signs That Your Cat Might Have Arthritis.". Put them up high on that tower. 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. For instance, cats suffering from heart failure may not be able to withstand strenuous play or other forms of strenuous exercise. 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. Article was somewhat helpful, but could be improved. This is a good idea for cats in all age groups, but it might be even more crucial when dealing with a senior cat. The saying everything in moderation applies here, as too much catnip could cause an upset stomach. About our Ads. If youre looking for cat enrichment games and activities, there are a lot of options. There are many smart tools that can help your mature cat exercise more. These toys require your cat to complete a puzzle or activity before the treat is released. This may be fine when theyre little, but as those weapons become larger, it can cause damage and pain. Tap into that inner tigerUse your cats natural predatory instincts to really engage her in play with you. Cats are independent creatures, and some may scoff at the idea of working out, especially if they are older and arthritic. Make her work for them. You could also move your cats food bowl. Changing the location of the litter pan might not work in everybodys favor, Fleas and Ticks on Cats: Treatment and Prevention, Important Tips for Insulin Use and Care of your Diabetic Cat, Your Cats War against Big, Bad, Infectious Diseases, 6 Simple Tips for Exercising Your Senior Cat. (As tempting as it may be, stay away from string toys since string can be swallowed and cause serious problems.). She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. While it seems unorthodox to many people, you can train a cat to wear a harness and walk on a leash, and many enjoy this activity. Source: International Cat Care. As our cats get older and enter into their senior years, however, they become more sedentary; according to Cornell University, that in turn makes them more prone to obesity which puts them at increased risk of other serious, medical conditions such as: Unfortunately, your cat is not likely to ever walk past a mirror, catch a glimpse of herself, and vow to eat less and exercise more.

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