Senior Cat & Play Time

Older cats are sometimes overlooked at playtime because they seem disinterested or too frail to enjoy physical activity.  But play has benefits at any age.  It strengthens bones and muscles, burns calories and reinforces both social and cognitive skills.  “Many people think their older cat doesn’t want to play, but it’s more a matter of  what that cat likes and they way it wants to play,” say, Elizabeth Colleran, DVM, president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners.  ” Does he like noise, feathers, toys he can carry around in his mouth?  Cats are all different.” 

In play, “cats are maintaining their bodies by stretching and moving in ways that are good for their flex ability and joint mobility,” adds Colleran, owner of the Cat Hospital of Portland in Oregon. She says most cats over age 9 have some arthritis, so play that involves stretching “is hugely beneficial.  It’s  cat yoga.”

Running and jumping activities improve the cardiovascular system and help reduce weight.  Senior cats also need cognitive exercise and the mental challenges of play.  Just giving a variety of activities, changing it up a lot, is good for their brains.

 

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