Senior Cat Comfort & Care

What's the easiest food-based enrichment you can do for your cat? Grab a few treats or pieces of kibble and toss 'em. It's called a "scatter," and it encourages your cat to use multiple senses. They see where some pieces land, hear others hit the floor, and pinpoint the exact location with their noses.

Hiding treats is another option. It's the treat game that keeps on giving because your cat won't find all the treats at once. They'll catch whiffs throughout the day and get to go find the one they smell. Start easy and gradually make the hiding spots more difficult.

If your senior has a good nose, put it to work. It's time for the really stinky treats. While your cat is in another room, put treats in a few dishes and set them in different locations around the room. Let your cat in. They'll pick up the scent and start hunting right away. As they get better at the game, make it more challenging. Place the dishes up off the ground (mobility allowing) and watch how the scent moves around the room as your cat follows it to narrow in on the reward. It's as much fun for you to watch as it is for them to play.