Exercise for Senior Cats

As cats start to age, they need exercise to stay healthy. Since the ultimate goal is to get your cat moving, using toys is often the best tactic, particularly the fishing-rod-type toys or small items your cat can chase. If you don’t have those cat toys, try using common household items, such as string, ribbons and bows for gift wrapping or even a ring from a milk-jug lid. Always monitor your cat with toys to ensure they do not swallow objects. Discard toys that show wear and have potential for losing small pieces that could be swallowed.

Activity Ideas for Senior Cats

Here are a few games and toys you can make at home:

• Leave a large paper bag out for your cat. It just might keep them busy for hours.
• Play with the laundry basket. Let your cat jump inside. Then stick a toy through the holes in the side and play.
• Play hide-and-seek. Hide and let your cat find you. You’ll be surprised to find that they’ll catch on quickly to the process of “tagging” you and then running away for their turn to hide.

Add an Extra Incentive

If these tricks don’t do it for your cat, try motivating them with food, healthy treats or catnip.

• Fill a plastic soda bottle with dry cat food; leave the lid off or cut a small hole in the side to allow the kibble to fall out during play.
• Place dry cat food in a brown paper lunch bag and loosely roll the end closed.
• Hide food in a paper towel roll.
• Place food under an empty laundry basket.
• Hide food in crumpled pieces of paper.

If you decide to motivate with food, remember to feed your cat a little less during regular mealtimes. NUTRO™ Senior Cat Food delivers high-quality ingredients designed to give your indoor senior cat balanced nutrition with a great taste. Follow the feeding guidelines on the package to keep your senior cat feeling fit and at a healthy weight.