Do you have a furry, meowing senior on your hands? Kitties are adorable as babies, but they somehow manage to get even cuter over time. As Fluffy ages, she’ll naturally slow down, and will become more interested in napping than in batting her favorite catnip toys around. However, your furball will still enjoy and benefit from regular play sessions. A Bellaire, TX vet offers some tips on playing with a senior cat in this article.

Do It Daily

Just like people, cats sometimes experience cognitive decline in their golden years. Playing can actually help keep your feline pal’s mind healthy as she grows older. That mental stimulation is very important for senior pets. Think of it as a kitty version of reading or solving a puzzle.

Choose Interactive Toys

Playing is always more fun with friends! Try to play with Fluffy daily. Use playthings that you can control, such as laser pointers or wand toys. This will make playtime both more fun and more challenging for Fluffy, as she won’t be able to anticipate her ‘prey’s’ next move.

Less May Be More

Your furry bff may tap out after just a few pounces. That’s purrfectly fine! You may want to try to play with Fluffy a few times a day, especially if the sessions only last a minute or two each time.

Don’t Worry About Overdoing It

With older dogs, we need to be careful not to push them too hard. Fido will drive himself to the point of exhaustion to please his humans. This isn’t really an issue with Fluffy, however, as she really doesn’t really care what we think. As soon as your feline friend decides she’s tired, she’ll just stop playing and go take yet another nap.

Choose Appropriate Spots

Even though you don’t need to worry about Fluffy exhausting herself, you do need to keep her age in mind. Don’t play on beds or couches your feline buddy could possibly fall off. It’s best to avoid areas near stairs, fireplaces, or other potential hazards as well.

Have Fun With It!

Don’t think of kitty playtime as a chore. Cats are at their cutest when they are feeling silly! This will be good for you as well. Enjoy this special time with your furry buddy.

Do you have questions about senior cat care? Contact us, your local Bellaire, TX animal clinic, today!