Kitty Corner
Keep your feline fine: Kerrie McKeon, Bideawee's Feline Behavior Coordinator shows you how!
Playtime for Seniors!
Older cats are frisky too!
From Kerrie McKeon, Bideawee's Feline Behavior Coordinator
Just like humans, cats need to keep their minds and bodies occupied and challenged as they age. If a cat is under-stimulated, she could develop behavioral issues. Signs of physical and mental stress can include self-mutilation, compulsive fur-licking, marking, constant vocalization, and lethargy or hyperactivity. These behavior problems in cats have been on the rise for the last twenty years, and researchers and vets alike attribute this to boredom, depression, and stress.
Here at Bideawee, we encourage structured play with your senior cat because it can help release pent up physical and mental energy, keeping her young at heart!
Since her natural inclination is to hunt and chase, which does not wane as she ages, the encouragement of these inclinations will keep your kitty happy and stimulated.
She doesn't seem interested? Experimentation with several kinds of toys is the best way to find what will get your kitty moving. Feather teasers, cat dancers, laser pointers, and even crumpled pieces of paper can help to get your cat's "prey drive" going. Be patient, and don't quit until you find which toy does the trick.
These 20 minute workouts once or twice a day will help you and your cat to maintain a strong, healthy relationship. The physical benefits for your cat will include increased joint mobility, weight control, and better circulation. And the benefits you will enjoy from spending this quality time with your senior cat are priceless.
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Sew Velcro strips into the sock opening so it can be closed up and easily reopened. Next, fill the sock with batting, scrap fabric, or dried catnip, and seal shut. In no time, your kitty will have a new favorite plaything!
