5 Enrichment Ideas for Aging Cats
As our feline friends get older, they may appreciate a bit of a slower life. However, this doesn’t mean that they don’t want to play, especially when it means getting to spend quality time with you! Senior cats still need plenty of opportunities to exercise their minds and bodies to keep their physical and mental health as good as possible.
There are many cat enrichment activities that you can customize to give your cat physical and mental stimulation. In this blog, we’ll explore some things to consider when approaching enrichment for your furry friend, as well as some fun ideas to try.
How To Approach Enrichment For Senior Cats
Senior cat enrichment activities will differ from those your cat used to enjoy when they were a kitten. As our feline friend’s body ages, their enrichment sessions need to be altered to suit their age and ability, so it’s important to think about what activities your cat will be able to enjoy. Some things to consider when thinking of older cat enrichment ideas can include:
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Physical limitations - Many senior cats go through changes in their joints which can make them sore. This can mean that high-energy activities or jumping is less suitable for them. However, their lower energy levels don’t mean they’re not interested in playing!
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Cognitive changes - As cats age, they can experience cognitive decline, so enrichment activities that stimulate their brain and keep them mentally active are important.
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Changes in their senses - Aging cats can experience a decline in senses, such as their hearing or vision. So, consider using enrichment activities that either use stronger or different stimuli such as adding a smell that they like to a toy.
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Energy levels - Senior cats generally have lower energy levels, so they may prefer more gentle activities compared to the high-energy ones, but this doesn’t mean that play isn’t good for them. For example, if they have always loved playing with wand toys, lower the height you use it to make it easier for your cat while still being mentally stimulating.
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Health considerations - Senior cats might have specific health issues that need to be considered when choosing the right cat enrichment activities.
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Routine - Older cats thrive on routine, so it’s important to continue with similar activities within a familiar schedule while keeping it comfortable for your cat. If you’re thinking about introducing anything new, remember to do this gradually!
Interactive Cat Toys
Using interactive toys such as wands or fishing rods is a great item for senior cat enrichment. Cats’ eyes are primed to detect movement, and these toys will catch their attention and encourage their natural hunting behaviors. Toys like feather wands or kicker toys can be controlled with your movement or played with while they’re lying down, so it’s not too high-energy.
Older cats can tire more quickly, so it’s a good idea to have them engage in multiple short play sessions throughout the day rather than one long session. Sticking to one ‘task’ at a time during play can also help them not tire too quickly.
When playing, it’s always important to remember to tailor the cat enrichment activities to be comfortable for your cat’s body. Consider the surface that they’re playing on to ensure they won’t slip and play in an area that your cat feels secure in.
Puzzle Feeders
Another way to bring gentle exercise into your cats’ day is by using a puzzle feeder or a treat-dispensing toy. Puzzle feeders are brilliant for encouraging movement and mental engagement for senior cats. They encourage self-controlled play for your cat so they can engage at their own comfort level, allowing them to take breaks when they need to. The puzzle element of the toy is also great for providing cognitive stimulation to help keep their minds engaged.
This cat enrichment idea can also make mealtime more interactive rather than them simply eating from a bowl. Try filling it with your cat’s favorite treats. The alluring scent will help introduce a different stimulus for their senses. You can even make your own puzzle feeder with objects at home, such as cardboard boxes or paper bags, and put treats inside for your furry friend to discover! 
Easy-Access Perches and Towers
Although senior cats can have lower energy levels, they always retain their drive to explore 3D spaces as well as the need to maintain their claws. This is why cat towers and scratching posts are another great way to give your older cat enrichment.
Cats love elevated spaces, but as they get older, they may struggle to jump up to the shelves or windowsills they used to sit on. By making sure your cat can access their favorite spaces easily, they can still experience being up high while being comfortable! Getting a cat tree with steps or adding a chair near the windowsill can mean that your cat isn’t straining their joints with big jumps.
Adding a scratching post to your cat’s favorite spaces can also encourage physical activity while helping them maintain their claws. Offer a variety of scratching posts and pads for them to choose from, as their preferences may change over time. Some older cats may find horizontal or slightly angled scratching objects easier for them to reach, and carpet-like textures are less likely to catch their claws.
Training Sessions
Even as our furry friends get older, they are still eager to learn! Incorporating cat enrichment ideas like training sessions can harness their natural curiosity that they’ve had ever since they were a kitten. Training sessions don’t have to be long; keeping them short and sweet is better for your older cat but be prepared for them to take a little longer to learn things.
Using sensory stimulation, such as introducing scents, is good to incorporate into training sessions with senior cats. Things like catnip, silvervine, or valerian are great for scent games or to use as a reward-based training technique. You can also use treats as part of your cat’s reward for training too; treats are a delicious way to encourage your cat when training.
Bonding Activities
Spending quality time with you is beneficial for senior cat enrichment, as positive interactions not only strengthen your bond with your cat but also provide them with emotional support.
Daily bonding activities like petting, grooming, and gentle interactive play provide stimulation for your older cat. Consider how your cat likes to be petted, as the areas they like being touched may change as they get older, with different areas becoming more sensitive.
Your older cat may also need extra support with grooming and nail maintenance, which can be a good bonding activity. When spending quality time with your cat, it’s always important to respect their boundaries, remain gentle, and check in with their body language.
If you notice any change in your senior cats’ interactions with you, such as interest in play, access to elevated spots or behavior, be sure to contact your vet. Older cats may have underlying medical issues affecting how they feel and behaviors that can develop quickly.
If you’re interested in learning more about senior cats or cat enrichment ideas, we have a huge range of articles online just waiting for you to explore! You can also stay up to date with all our latest news, guides, and product information by signing up to our newsletter.
