Keeping A Senior Cat Active 

Did you know that cats are considered seniors around the age of 11? Of course, many of our feline pals are living well into their teens or even twenties these days, so Fluffy may have a long, comfortable retirement ahead of her. While she’ll spend most of her golden years napping, she will still need some activity. A Springville, UT vet offers some advice on this below.

Make Time To Play

One thing you don’t have to worry about when it comes to keeping Fluffy active? Overexerting her. We all know what happens when cats get the least bit tired: naptime! The moment your furball runs out of steam, she’ll lose interest in playing and start looking for her next napping spot. That may not take long, either. Older kitties often tap out after a few pounces. You may find it easier to get your furry pal moving with shorter but more frequent play sessions.

Keep A Schedule

Cats often feel most secure on steady routines. Try to keep Fluffy on the same kitty agenda for meals and playtime. (She’ll figure out how to schedule those 42 daily naps herself.)

Offer A Challenge

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Kitties need to focus to land those tricky pounces! Make playtime more fun and challenging by using toys you control, like laser pointers or remote-controlled mice.

Provide A Senior-Friendly Setup

Just like people, kitties become more prone to slip-and-fall injuries as they grow older. Choose a safe place to play. This should be on a soft surface, like a carpeted area, so Fluffy won’t hurt herself if she falls. If your feline buddy has a cat tower, make sure she can get off and on it easily. Pet ramps and stairs can also help your little buddy reach her favorite perches and window seats.

Choose Different Toys

As your furball ages, she may experience a decline in her vision and hearing. She may start to prefer toys that are easier for her to track, such as those that squeak or light up. Older kitties also sometimes become less sensitive to catnip, so don’t be surprised if Fluffy doesn’t get as excited over it as she once did. Try different things and see what your feline friend likes.

Do you have questions about senior cat care? Contact us, your Springville, UT pet hospital, today!