Companion Animals

Play and Positive Welfare in Senior Cats

Maintaining play behaviour in senior cats is an important welfare indicator and driver of positive wellbeing in aging animals.

Key Facts

Play behaviour typically declines with age but can be maintained with appropriate opportunities
Senior cats benefit from shorter, more frequent play sessions rather than extended bursts
Arthritis pain may limit certain types of play and require modification of activities
Interactive play maintains cognitive function and reduces anxiety in aging cats
Changes in play behaviour may signal pain, cognitive decline, or illness in senior cats

Welfare Considerations

Play in senior cats is both an indicator and promoter of positive welfare. A cat that still engages in play is demonstrating positive motivation and behavioural capacity that supports quality of life. Adapting play to accommodate reduced mobility and arthritis, while ensuring pain is well managed, enables older cats to continue expressing this important natural behaviour.

What You Can Do

Continue regular interactive play sessions with your senior cat
Adapt play activities to accommodate reduced mobility as your cat ages
Treat arthritis pain effectively to enable continued play behaviour
Monitor play engagement as an indicator of your senior cat's welfare
Consult your vet if play behaviour declines suddenly in a previously playful senior cat