Senior Cat Comfort & Care

Play that replicates hunting is one of the best things you can do for any cat. This usually includes a wand toy with a lure and lots of opportunities to go through their prey sequence — staring, stalking, chasing, pouncing, grabbing, and the kill bite, as you move the lure around like prey.

All that physical movement can be a bit much for some senior cats. So, let’s tweak it a bit.

• Find a stable surface where your cat won’t slide around or fall off
• Think about what prey would do if it was trying to escape a cat in your home and make those kinds of movements with the wand toy
• Even if the wand is moving away from your cat, bring it close throughout the session, so they have lots of opportunities to easily grab it without running
• If your cat still likes to move but a bit slower, keep the wand movements slow. Or do short, quick movements to spark their prey drive, then stop and give them a chance to get there and catch it.
• Try props and obstacles near your cat that the wand and lure can move in and around. This makes it more interesting and strategic for your cat without forcing much movement.
• Keep in mind cats can’t see well within about a foot of their face. A little distance is helpful.