Do senior cats typically have an aversion to playing? If you toss your cat a ball and dangle a thread, does it just sit there staring at you? You might worry that play provides your cat with the excitement and exercise it needs. Find out why it seems like your cat doesn't want to play or what people can do about it.
Cats come in a variety of personalities or activity levels by nature. All kittens enjoy playing, but their enthusiasm for intense games peaks between the ages of 4 and 5 months, after which it starts to wane. Cats usually divide into two main categories as they get older: the lap-sitters, who like less action, and the ankle-rubbers, who keep playing. There are methods for promoting activity, which is beneficial to the body and the mind. The H.I.S.S. The test can be used to assess if there are any additional problems that may be influencing cats' behavior.
The HISS Test of Health undoubtedly affects the amount of movement. Arthritis is one age-related condition that can make playing less enjoyable. Any health issue that causes the cat to feel unwell, such as intestinal worms, may cause the cat to become less active.
Cats come in a variety of personalities or activity levels by nature. All kittens enjoy playing, but their enthusiasm for intense games peaks between the ages of 4 and 5 months, after which it starts to wane. Cats usually divide into two main categories as they get older: the lap-sitters, who like less action, and the ankle-rubbers, who keep playing. There are methods for promoting activity, which is beneficial to the body and the mind. The H.I.S.S. The test can be used to assess if there are any additional problems that may be influencing cats' behavior.
The HISS Test of Health undoubtedly affects the amount of movement. Arthritis is one age-related condition that can make playing less enjoyable. Any health issue that causes the cat to feel unwell, such as intestinal worms, may cause the cat to become less active.
1 - Innate
Hunting is modelled after cat play. Paw-patting and pursuing come from movement. Kittens may amuse themselves and like playing by themselves. While playing with their toys and running after human feet is a lot of fun, older cats require more focused attention. Toys for cats are usually as effective as the person using them.
2 - Stress
Cats that experience stress of any kind, especially from abrupt changes, may become less active. Cats who are stressed out won't want to play. Read This: What is the strange behavior of older cats?
3 - Signs and symptoms
Any alterations to your cat's typical behavior may indicate a medical issue. Consult your veterinarian if your cat is typically energetic and playful but has suddenly become sedentary or uninterested in playing. A medical examination may identify a treatable condition, such as a urinary tract infection. You can search for more efficient strategies to encourage play if the cat remains in good condition. Read This: Senior cat symptoms: Cats physical signs of ageing
4 - Promoting Play
An adult cat isn't capable of the insane games that kittens play. The cat might not be willing to play independently and instead have the demeanor of a lap pet. It's possible that the cat genuinely enjoys seeing you behave like a cat or play games with her on "kitty TV." But it's possible that you haven't yet discovered the ideal cat toy.
Though some cats might not respond to catnip, you might have tried catnip toys. Thirty percent of cats don't give a damn. Because fresh catnip is so much more effective, it could win over a previously uninterested cat. Go get some growing catnip at a pet supply store. If your cat responds better to the genuine thing after crushing a leaf, try it. There are many different potencies of catnip, and it can go bad very rapidly. To give the toys a boost, place some of these toys inside a bag filled with really strong catnip.
For toys to capture your cat's interest, they must move in an intriguing manner. Try these suggestions for ideas. Pick up a packet of pheasant feathers by going to a pet supply store or even a hobby store. Seldom can cats resist them. A feather can be held above for the feline to grapple, or it can be "snaked" around the floor for the cat to chase. Some cats get really excited when they play a game using a feather that "disappears." The long feather and a piece of yarn should be threaded underneath an old shirt and cushion, and it should be carefully pulled so that it "hides" from the view of the cat's eyes. The cat may lose its mind, attempting to seize it as the feather vanishes.
Many cats find great pleasure in playing with fishing pole lure toys. Go for the 'Da Bird' toy that has a fluttering feather on the end of the string that flies in the air instead of the dull yarn. These lure toys and variously styled feather wands, known as "cat teases," are available at cat goods stores. Some pique cats' curiosity with bells, glittering Mylar, rattles, and other features. Or experiment with other inexpensive pleasures using DIY toys. Read This: Is litter training an option for an older cat?
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