Older cats have a harder time moving, they don’t want to play as much, and they need more sleep. However, it is important to control their weight and continue an active life. With age, cats have a tendency to lose muscle mass and gain weight. Furthermore, over the years, they lose part of their senses.
Beyond the importance of adopting their environment so that it is easy for them to access water, food and the most comfortable spaces in their home, they should also be stimulated with toys or activities that keep them interested and entertained to avoid boredom and stress. , especially in older ages.
There are plenty of clever toys that help older cats get more exercise. There are all kinds of options, from large comfortable structures with hanging toys, to smaller and simpler games, even some electric ones that give prizes if they move a little.
You know better than anyone what type of toy your feline friend prefers, but make sure you choose a type of toy appropriate for their age. Just because he liked balls when he was little doesn’t mean that he is now capable of chasing one around the house. Perhaps you can opt for another toy that is also soft and moves a little, but with which he can play from the comfort of the sofa.
Given the limited mobility of senior cats, a good option to share some time with them is a toy such as a fishing rod with a feather on the end. With a toy like this you can move and stretch and you will exercise almost without realizing it. You can also try one that allows you to get a prize from within. Cats are sweet-toothed animals, with a game like this they will be entertained for a while. Although don’t forget to look for treats appropriate to their age, with little fat and easy to bite.
To help you maintain a good exercise and entertainment routine for your feline companion, at El Comprador de La Vanguardia we propose 10 feline toys that will help you maintain your pet’s interest and that can improve their quality of life.
A good option to get your senior cat moving is an interactive game, but one that he can play alone and whenever he feels like it. This wand has bells and different accessories to keep your cat’s attention. The suction cup allows it to play in vertical and horizontal positions, with you and when you are not at home. It also supports up to 9 kilos of weight and can be stuck on any smooth surface, from wooden floors to glass windows.
The toy par excellence that your cat cannot be without is a scratching post. With age it will be more difficult for him to move and he will be lazier, so you will not need a large structure. A simple one like this one from Tyrol will do. It is small, you can put it anywhere and it has a ball that you can also play with and entertain yourself.
Although simple toys are best for a senior cat, they also need a place that feels like their own and where they can rest comfortably for as long as they want. A good option that combines comfort and exercise is a platform like this one from Yaheetech. Its ramps allow it to be climbed comfortably without having to jump, but encouraging it to move.
It has different spaces where you can stretch out and hide to rest. And the comfortable fur with which the structure is lined will make your long naps more comfortable and warm. In addition, on two of its three levels there are two balls so that, if your cat wakes up playful, he doesn’t have to get down to play.
If you have a hard time getting your cat to stop sleeping and move around a little, try catnip. It will attract your feline’s attention effectively. These OSDUE mice have it included inside and are the perfect size so you can grab them easily. They are soft, so they will be respectful of your senior cat’s delicate teeth. In addition, in the same pack you have 9 mice included so that your cat will not be without them if he loses one.
A good idea to get your cat to pay attention to his toys is to use a treat to trick him into playing. This treat-dispensing ball will motivate your cat to move it to get the treats inside. Accepts small, soft treats, perfect for your senior cat. It is optimal for anxious eaters or for animals that tend to eat a lot or ask for food many times a day. In this way they play, move and their desire to eat is eliminated until their mealtime.
An alternative treat dispensing toy is this one from MKYOKO. It sticks to the floor with a suction cup so your cats can play sitting or lying on the floor. It has various functions that allow it to stimulate the cat’s intelligence during play, slow down the feeding speed and encourage movement. Plus, it’s easy to clean and can be locked to stop treats from spilling out.
Catnip especially attracts the attention of cats, which is why a rotating ball like these may interest your cat more than a stuffed animal or toy. It is convenient for cats to lick, is designed to rotate 360º, and can be covered with a transparent cover. It is deodorant and dustproof and you can place it on any smooth surface, especially a wall. In addition, it effectively cleans the cat’s teeth without damaging them.
To encourage cats’ intelligence, the best thing is a treat-dispensing puzzle, which will stimulate their natural hunting instincts. The 14 hidden compartments with rewards will encourage your pet’s intelligence and keep him busy. It is made with food-safe materials and does not include removable parts, so you can enjoy a safe and easy-to-clean game.
The simplest toys are sometimes the ones that interest our pets the most. A flexible feathered and manual rod may be the best option for your senior cat. In addition to encouraging his movement, having to use it with you will improve your bond. These types of toys help cats chase and romp, two easy exercises for your senior cat. This toy is retractable and flexible. Durable and easy to store.
An older cat doesn’t need a lot of movement to maintain muscle mass, so a simple game like this is a good option. You don’t need to stand or jump to use it. From the comfort of your bed you can play with the different colored balls. In addition, the antenna with the mouse will also attract his attention and stimulate his hunting instincts and prevent boredom.
*Prices updated on January 15, 2024
