Senior Cat Care: Playing With Fluffy 

Have you noticed that your feline pal isn’t as playful as she used to be? This is pretty much purr for the course with older cats. As Fluffy ages, she’ll slow down, and she’ll tire out more quickly than she used to … just as we will when we get older. However, she’ll still benefit from regular sessions of Catch The Red Dot. A local Ada, MI vet lists some of the ins and outs of playing with an older cat in this article.

Fitness

The most obvious benefit of kitty playtime? It’s a great workout for Fluffy! Cats can burn quite a bit of energy in just a few minutes of running and jumping. That’s wonderful for your feline pal, as it will benefit almost every system in her body. Chasing that wand toy will also help your pet stay fit, and will reduce the odds of her becoming obese. 

Mental Stimulation

It’s not uncommon for cats to go through cognitive decline as they age, just as many people do. Fluffy may act confused or disoriented, and she may forget how to get to her water bowl. Playing isn’t a cure-all, but it does offer stimulation, just as playing cards or doing puzzles does for us.

Routine

Pets feel safer when they are kept on a steady schedule: the stability is comforting to them. Try to play with your furry friend at roughly the same time each day. Don’t be surprised if Fluffy quickly learns to expect—and demand—that you pick up that laser pointer as soon as you sit down.

Tips

One thing about senior cats: you definitely don’t have to worry about them overexerting themselves. As soon as your furry buddy gets the least bit tired, she’ll probably yawn, walk away, and look for her next napping spot. (Dogs, on the other paw, will drive themselves to exhaustion to please their humans, but that’s another topic.) However, while kitty fatigue isn’t a big concern, there are some safety issues to keep in mind. Be sure to choose a suitable spot. Don’t play near stairs, pools, fireplaces, or other hazards. Also, stick with toys that are safe. If you use a string toy, put it away after, so Fluffy doesn’t get tangled up.

Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? As your Ada, MI animal clinic, we’re  here for you!