How to Keep Senior Cats Active: Enrichment, Nutrition & Play Tips
When cats hit their senior years, it's easy to assume they’re content snoozing the day away. While a bit more rest is normal (and deserved!), keeping your older cat active and mentally stimulated is just as important as when they were a curious kitten. At Petdirect, we get pet — especially those golden years—and we're here to help you support your feline friend’s well-being every step of the way.
Why Staying Active Matters For Senior Cats
Just like with us humans, a little movement goes a long way for senior cats. Regular activity helps:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Support joint and muscle health
- Support good digestive and urinary function
- Reduce the risk of cognitive decline
- Avoid boredom-related behaviours like excessive sleeping or over-grooming
With the right approach, activity doesn’t have to mean high-energy zoomies. Think more gentle play sessions, enriching environments, and nutritional support tailored to ageing needs.
Choose Enrichment Toys Tailored To Seniors
Senior cats may be slower, but many still love to chase, bat, and hunt—especially with the right toy. Look for toys designed with gentle engagement in mind, such as:
- Interactive cat toys that reward with treats or sound movement
- Feather wands or teasers for easy guided play from the couch
- Soft plush toys or catnip mice to encourage batting and pouncing
Rotate their toys weekly to keep things fresh and stimulating, or explore the latest smart tech toys for a little extra stimulation when you’re away from home.
Opt For Mobility-Friendly Accessories
As cats age, their joints can get a little creaky. Choosing gear that supports ease of movement is key. Create comfy zones with plush bedding in low-traffic, quiet spaces, or provide window perches with ramps rather than jumps.
Encourage gentle stretching and activity by offering a variety of cat scratchers or vertical posts that are sturdy and easy to reach. Scratching isn’t just great for claws—it also keeps shoulder and neck muscles active without high-impact movement.
Support Their Body From The Inside Out
Nutrition plays a huge role in your older cat’s energy levels and cognitive function. Feed them high-quality dry food for seniors or opt for wet food to keep hydration levels up. Look for meals formulated for ageing that support:
- Joint health with glucosamine and chondroitin
- Cognitive support with omega-3s like DHA
- Digestive wellbeing with prebiotics and fibre
You can also boost their diet with senior cat supplements to offer that little extra support for joints, cognition, and coat health. Popular brands such as Feline Natural and Royal Canin offer senior-specific formulas packed with nutritious benefits.
Make Every Day More Enriching
Senior cats thrive on routine—but that doesn’t mean life has to be boring. Here are some easy ideas to keep them curious and content:
- Use puzzle feeders to turn mealtimes into brain exercises
- Try a cat water fountain to encourage hydration and movement
- Brush daily with gentle grooming tools—it’s bonding time and helps circulation
- Take them out safely on a cat harness for some fresh air and new smells
And of course, don’t forget those cuddle sessions. Physical and emotional engagement is just as important as physical exercise.
Final Purr-spective
Ageing doesn’t mean slowing down completely. By offering the right toys, nourishing food, accessible environments, and lots of love, your senior cat can continue to lead a lively, fulfilling life well into their twilight years. At Petdirect, we’re all about creating happy tails (and purrs) at every life stage — because we get pet.
Need help choosing the right products for your senior cat? Explore our top-rated picks or speak to one of our knowledgeable team members. Don’t forget to join our Pet Perks programme to earn rewards while caring for your pet, and earn Airpoints with every eligible shop!