Keeping A Senior Cat Active

Is your feline friend entering—or perhaps already in—her golden years? Cats are just as cute when they are seniors as they are as kittens! However, just like people, kitties do slow down as they age. Although Fluffy won’t be as active as she once was, she’ll still enjoy the occasional bout of friskiness. Read on as a local Cornelius, NC vet offers tips on keeping your pet active as she ages.

Make Playtime Routine

Try to play with your cat every day, and, if possible, at roughly the same time. Even a few minutes of pouncing and running will give your furball a good workout. Playing also offers Fluffy beneficial mental stimulation, which is great for her mind.

Play On The Carpet

We always recommend erring on the side of caution. In this case, that means playing with your feline pal on the floor, preferably on a carpeted surface. That way, you don’t have to worry about Fluffy falling off a couch or chair.

Don’t Worry About Overexertion

As you may know, dogs will push themselves in order to please their owners. Cats, on the other hand, really couldn’t care less if we want them to keep playing or not. When Fluffy starts getting tired, she’ll simply quit the game, yawn, and settle in for her next nap.

Make It Challenging

Cats are hunters at heart, and they are instinctively driven to pounce on things. Make playtime fun and challenging for your tiny lion by using toys that you can control, like a wand toy or laser pointer.

Let Kitty Win

Although your feline buddy may not be able to do those tricky run/jump/pounce/meow combos she nailed as a kitten, she will still enjoy indulging her inner lioness. Be sure to let Fluffy ‘catch’ her prey sometimes. Otherwise, your furball may get discouraged, and lose interest.

Choose Senior-Friendly Toys

Cats all have their own unique tastes. Some kitties like wand toys, while others prefer catnip mice. However, as Fluffy ages, her preferences may change. She may start preferring toys that light up or make noise, as these will be easier for her to track. Experiment with different types of playthings, and see what your furry pal likes best.

Do you have questions about caring for a senior cat? We are here to help! Please contact us, your local Cornelius, NC vet clinic, today!