The Way of Cats

Age happens. It happens so gradually we might not be aware of it. That’s the gap we have to look out for with our older cat.

It seems like yesterday that they were a bundle of fluff who could play with a paper ball for seven hours straight. Or the long-limbed youngster who made us laugh with their athletic antics. But we have to face the fact that a ten year old cat is already middle aged. They are going to be changing their behavior, and their needs.

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As cats slow down physically, they don’t necessarily have to slow down mentally. In fact, along with sleeping more and whacking toys around less, a cat has an increased need of mental stimulation as they age.

If we haven’t been big on the mental games before, we can be surprised how much our older cat is receptive to these ploys, simply because they have much better focus and concentration than they did as a distractable kitten or active youngster. What kinds of games do older cats like?

Bring back the hunt. Hide the can of dinner somewhere, and then encourage the cat to help you look for it. Show them three cans, and let them choose one. If their dining area is noisy or cluttered, try to create a more relaxing and private area, and make a fuss over the new spot. Or play these same games with treats, using a puzzle cube, puzzle box, or even a tissue box with a transparent window. Food should never lose its appeal.

In fact, Mr. Bond has come up with a new game a few months ago, where he hangs around for the food ritual and then disappears. I’m supposed to seek him out and carry him over to his food, which I’m glad to do. I have one-upped him by leaving his food on the counter, so when I bring him into the kitchen he looks at his spot on the floor, and it’s empty! Your turn, Mr. Bond.

Change the channel. Liven up the same old window or bookcase with something new. A comfy pillow to sleep on, a suncatcher to make rainbows on the wall, or adding a birdfeeder on the outside is a great way to liven up the same old places for the older cat.

Since they will be sleeping more, see if we can’t create new spots that will be handy in our daily routine, and let us keep tabs on them. Baskets, boxes, and condo towers might be appreciated more now, especially if we make sure they are padded. Many cats lose muscle as they get older, and need a little more comfort.

Create moments. Older cats can retreat into extra sleep and more hiding spots because their mental filters, which keeps the input down to protect their sensitive nervous systems, do not work as well as they used to. Senior cats need more quiet time.

This can have the unwanted effect of the cat getting less attention. Find little ways of letting the older cat know how much we still care by having special times with them in the morning and evening, even if it’s only a few minutes of chat and some petting. Older cats will appreciate us seeking them out, and they will come out more if they are certain of getting our attention when they do.

Inside, they are still our lively kittens. It’s only that they cannot be as quick to seek us out if they have limited energy. So make sure their effort will be rewarded, keep a close eye on their routines and their mood, and we can enjoy our cat’s older years with the richness of a relaxed, well-seasoned relationship.

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There’s more ways to care for our cat with The Way of Cats than the article you are reading now. See all of my posts on CAT CARE.