Did you know that cats become seniors as early as age nine? Many of our feline friends are living well into their teens or even their early twenties these days. A nine-year-old kitty may have several years—perhaps even a decade or more—of purrs, cuddles, and pounces in front of her. One of the best things you can do for your cute pet is just play with her. While Fluffy may not be as playful or frisky as she was when she was a kitten, she’ll still both enjoy and benefit from regular play sessions. Read on as a Nacogdoches county veterinarian lists some reasons to go get that wand toy.
Physical Fitness
Older cats somehow manage to sleep even more than their younger counterparts, and can rack up as much as 20 hours’ worth of naptime each day. Unfortunately for Fluffy, catching Zs doesn’t burn anywhere near the calories as catching mice. Playing is a great way to keep your pet active!
Mental Stimulation
Playing is also beneficial for your feline pal’s mind. Just like people, cats sometimes experience cognitive decline as they age. Fluffy has to focus to nail those adorable jumps and pounces. That concentration is great for her mental health.
Routine
Cats are definitely creatures of habit. Many kitties feel safest on a steady routine. Your furry friend may stick to the same daily routine for things like naps, meals, playtime, grooming sessions, and cuddle time. Keep things consistent.
Monitoring
It’s not always easy to spot signs of sickness in a furball that spends the vast majority of her time sleeping. Daily play sessions may make it easier for you to notice unusual behavior. If Fluffy suddenly loses interest in play, there may be something going on.
Bonding
Our feline companions are very emotional, and get extremely attached to their owners. Playing is a great way to spend time with Fluffy, and make her feel loved and safe.
Tips
With older dogs, you have to be careful not to overexert them. This isn’t really an issue with cats. As soon as Fluffy gets tired, she’ll walk away. However, you do have to take some precautions. Choose a safe spot with a flat surface, somewhere your furry buddy can get good traction. Contact us, your Nacogdoches county pet hospital, for your cat’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!
