Aging is a natural process and humans and animals undergo it alike. Just like humans, cats are also more likely to experience arthritis and other mobility issues as they age. As a responsible cat owner, you should do everything in your power to improve the life quality of your cat. This includes making changes to the environment for easy accessibility, regular vet check-ups, choosing softer and safer toys, etc. This article will guide you on how to choose the best toys for older cats with less mobility.
Taking care of older cats with less mobility
Before we talk about choosing toys for older cats, let’s talk about some general changes that can help older cats with mobility issues.
Provide a Comfortable environment
When cats become old and start experiencing mobility issues, even small tasks can become very difficult for them. Even entering a litter box or reaching the food bowl may seem challenging tasks for them. At this point, you should make changes to the environment of your cat. Offer a low-entry litter box, and put food and a water bowl nearby so they don’t have to climb or jump.
Gentle exercise and playtime
If your cat has arthritis, stopping exercise altogether is not a wise call. Instead, you should offer gentle exercise of all joints. You can take your cat for a small walk around the neighborhood. This will not only keep the joints of your cat active and moving but also prevent obesity. Being overweight increases the likelihood of severe pain and swelling.
Cats of all ages love gentle playtime with their owners, this is great for mental stimulation and physical activity. You can give joint supplements to your cat as well after consultation with your vet.
Offer Love and your time
Senior cats become sensitive and require more time and attention. To fulfill the obligation of lifetime care of your cat, you must understand their emotional needs. Spend time with your cat regularly and cherish the moments while you can.
Now that we have talked about some general tips for senior cat well-being, let’s talk about our main topic “How to choose the best toys for older cats with less mobility.”
How to choose the best toys for older cats with less mobility?
Older cats with less mobility have certain requirements that need to be fulfilled for a better quality of life. These points should be considered when choosing toys as well. Following are the three most important points that should be kept in mind when choosing toys for older cats with less mobility.
Soft and lightweight
Soft and lightweight toys are better suited for senior cats because they are less likely to cause any strain on joints. On the other hand, heavy toys and those with sharp edges are likely to hurt cats and cause injury.
Gentle movement
Older cats with less mobility can’t chase fast-moving toys so they lose interest in play. Toys with gentle movement are more likely to entice senior cats and they feel more involved in playtime. Toys with predictable movements i.e. rolling balls are good options for senior cats.
Mental stimulation
Toys that provide mental stimulation without much physical activity are good for senior cats. Puzzle toys are great because they don’t require much physical effort from older cats and keep them busy and entertained for a long time.
4 Best Toys for Older Cats
The following are the best toys for older cats. These have been selected after an independent review by experts.
SmartyKat Chickadee Chirp Electronic Sound Cat Toy, Contains Catnip, Battery Powered – Light Brown, One Size
The soft plush texture and realistic chirping sound of the SmartyKat Chickadee toy attract cats for interactive playtime. This provides your cat with much-needed physical activity to keep its muscles and joints healthy. The color of the toy matches an actual chickadee and stimulates your cat’s hunting instincts.
The addition of catnip to the toy adds to the sensory stimuli offered by this toy. Cats feel more relaxed and calm with catnip.
Catstages Purr Pillow Snoozin’ Sloth Soothing Plush Cat Toy
Purr pillow snoozin’ toy has a soft texture with a bright color that is soothing for cats and serves as a premium quality pillow. It is specifically designed to help anxious cats relax and feel calm. It is also great for cats that suffer from separation anxiety.
The purring sound produced by the toy is soothing for cats and helps them take a calming nap. It is easy to clean because it has removable parts. It is touch-activated and purrs for two minutes when pressed by a cat, after that it gets quiet to save battery.
Catstages Tower of Tracks Interactive 3-Tier Cat Toy
Catstages Tower of Tracks is one of the bestselling toys for older cats with less mobility on Amazon. It has three levels of tracks with brightly colored balls that attract cats for batting and swatting. An amazing point about this toy is that it is great for multi-cat houses.
The design of the toy allows it to stand still even when touched and hit by cats. The base of the toy is non-slip and durable.
Interactive Cat Toys, Rechargeable Chirping Flapping Bird(no Flying) with Catnip for Indoor Cats, Touch Activated, Plush Kitten Exercise Toys (Brown Sparrow)
This rechargeable chirping flapping bird toy has a soft texture and produces a lifelike chirping sound that attracts cats and lets them express their hunting instincts. The fabric of the toy is durable and can withstand the swatting of a cat. It comes with a catnip bag inside that entices cats for playtime.
It can be recharged with a USB cable so you don’t have to buy batteries again and again. It has a touch sensor and produces sound only when a cat touches it. In the absence of a cat, it is quiet and saves battery. In short, it is a great toy for older cats with less mobility as it provides entertainment with limited movement required.
