12 Best Cat Toys For Older Cats

Reviews

Tower of Tracks Cat Toy by Petstages – Best Value
 

Our cats adored the Petstages Tower of Tracks Cat Toy, and we believe it is one of the best cat toys for senior cats that money can buy.

It consists of three stages, each with a vividly colored ball. The track lets the balls to revolve and twirl around each level as your cat bats them.

This is a terrific option for keeping your senior cat’s attention, with the added benefit of not requiring them to run to get the balls!

While we like this toy, the balls aren’t as interesting as the flashing version that comes with our best overall pick.

Pros

• Nonslip base
• Promotes independent play
• Suitable for several cats

Cons

• The balls can occasionally become dislodged.

 

SmartyKat Electronic Cat Toy with Concealed Motion
 

The eye-catching movement of the toy attachment that whizzes around the base will keep your kitty delighted for hours with the lightweight SmartyKat Electronic Concealed Motion Cat Toy.

We enjoy that there are two settings, and we recommend the slower one for senior cats. This is an excellent toy for encouraging your cat to engage in autonomous play, and they will enjoy seeing whether they can catch the toy.

If your cat is extremely determined to catch the attachment, they may be able to shred holes in the fabric cover, therefore it’s usually better to use this toy only for short periods of time.

Pros

• Excellent value for money
• Promotes independent play

Cons

• Some cats may rip the feathers out.
• Noisy

 

Senses Circuit Cat Toy by Catit Design
 

The Catit Design Senses Circuit Cat Toy is an easy choice as the finest overall toy for elderly cats. This track clips together quickly and has both covered and open passages.

Your cat can lay in the middle or sit outside and swat the balls as they pass through the track’s open sections. This is ideal for stimulating your elder cat’s natural hunting instincts without requiring them to run or jump.

Even the most laid-back cats will be drawn in by the flashing, motion-activated ball, which will assist trigger their hunting instincts.

They won’t be able to stand it! If you choose, the top pieces of the track can be removed, making it even easier for your cat to catch the ball.

The only drawback to this toy is that the batteries in the balls cannot be replaced. Replacement balls are available, however we’d like if the original ball could be upgraded with new batteries or lasted a little longer before the lights went out.

Pros

• The track is expandable.
• Suitable for several cats
• Two lighted balls are included.

Cons

• The batteries in the ball are not replaceable.

 

Feather Whirl Electronic Motion Cat Toy by SmartyKat
 

If your senior cat still considers themselves to be the perfect predator, the SmartyKat Feather Whirl Electronic Motion Cat Toy will keep them entertained.

The weighted base is meant to move irregularly, causing the feathers at the end of the central wand to flutter back and forth, catching your cat’s attention and engaging their natural hunting instincts.

This toy is ideal for senior cats because it does not roll too fast or too far. They can still practice stalking without having to rush quickly.

You may notice that once your cat has gotten hold of the feathers a few times, they begin to look tatty or even destroyed! Fortunately, replacements are available.

Pros

• Motor is quite quiet.
• Allows geriatric cats to get some mild exercise.

Cons

• Batteries are required.
• It does not work on carpet.

 

Yeowww! Pollock Cat Toy with Catnip
 

Some elderly cats prefer a traditional catnip-filled toy, in which case the Yeowww! Catnip Pollock Fish Cat Toy is ideal.

If you enjoy modern art, the Jackson Pollock-inspired paint splatter embellishments on this catnip-filled soft toy are a lovely touch that sets it apart from the norm.

The strong cotton twill outer can withstand much of attention from your older feline, and it’s loaded with 100% organically cultivated catnip.

Unfortunately, this toy cannot be replaced, therefore the catnip will lose its aroma with time.

When not in use, we place catnip toys like this in a Ziploc bag (stored somewhere your cat can’t get to, of course), and this keeps them fresher for longer.

You can alternatively stuff the bag with loose catnip and let the fabric absorb the aroma.

Pros

• Made in America
• Organic catnip is used.

Cons

• It cannot be replenished.
• Very small

 

Catty Whack Electronic Motion Cat Toy by OurPets
 

While your elderly cat may no longer run around the house with the “zoomies,” the OurPets Catty Whack allows them to play hide and seek without tiring out their legs.

This static toy has a hidden feather that randomly bursts out of six mouse holes, keeping your cat guessing. We like the automated shut-off feature, which turns off the toy after 15 minutes, keeping your senior cat from being overtired.

When the catch-the-mouse game is done, there’s a carpeted scratching part on the top that’s ideal for stretching.

The manufacturers claim that this toy creates a “RealMouse” sound, but our elder cats were not fooled! It’s also quite noisy from a human standpoint.

Pros

• Automatic power off

Cons

• Expensive
• Batteries are required (not included)
• It can be noisy.
• The feather is readily shattered.

Buyer's Guide: Choosing the Best Cat Toys for Senior Cats

As cat owners, most of us have a collection of various toys for our feline companions.

Nothing beats bonding with our cats via playfulness, whether it’s with jingly balls, catnip mice, or even technological toys. Your cat’s preferences for various toys will most likely vary as they get older.

Now is an excellent opportunity to examine the toys you provide for your golden oldie and consider treating them to a few new versions that will allow them to exhibit their playful side while also providing a little more safety and concern for their greying whiskers.

When Does My Cat Become a Senior?

Cats are termed “senior citizens” when they reach the age of ten.

While your senior cat may still enjoy playing as much as they did when they were younger, it’s a good time to modify their play routine to better meet their current demands when they reach the age of ten.

Cats naturally become more interested in napping and less interested in playing as they mature. If your senior cat does not get enough exercise, he or she is at risk of becoming obese.

As a result, they are more likely to develop medical diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and osteoarthritis. That makes it even more crucial to ensure that your senior cat gets enough exercise to stay healthy.

If they don’t seem to be engaging with their typical toys as much these days, it could be a good opportunity to invest in a few new age-appropriate toys to pique their interest.

What Kind of Adult Cat Toys Should I Purchase?

If you’ve had your senior cat since they were a tiny kitten, you’ll probably already have a decent notion of the types of toys they enjoy playing with.

Here are some questions to help you think about what your cat already enjoys:

• Do they like catnip or dislike it?
• Do they like crinkly, jingly, loud toys?
• Do they like to stalk, hunt, or chase?
• Do toys that dangle from a great height pique their interest?
• Will they play on their own?
• Do they enjoy laser pointers and other light-up toys?
• How do your cats interact if you have more than one?

Once you’ve determined the answers to those questions, you may consider how to modify your cat’s play routine to incorporate more toys appropriate for their age.

If you’ve rescued an older kitten, you might not know what kind of toy they like to play with, if they want to play at all. If that’s the case, have a look at our recommendations for age-appropriate toys.

Cat Toys for All Ages

You may notice that your cat is less interested in jumping or climbing as they become older. Keep in mind that, like us, they can get arthritis in their joints, which means they won’t be as eager to run around.

Playing with your senior cat is still a good idea; you simply need to alter some of their toys to fit them better.

For example, we wouldn’t advocate using a toy with an elderly cat that requires them to jump and run a lot.

They may indulge themselves and be unable to control their hunter impulses, but it will most likely not benefit them in the long run.

Toys to avoid include those that dangle from cat trees, wands carried high in the air (dragging them around the ground is fine), and throwing soft plush toys or balls too far and too quickly.

We’d add include laser toys that move swiftly or are pointed toward a wall that is out of reach for your cat.

Toys that work well for older cats, on the other hand, are those that stimulate their predator’s brain while without requiring them to move too quickly or risk hurting their joints by jumping too far.

We’d include ball courses and towers, slow-moving lasers (aimed at the floor), and soft catnip-filled toys in this category for your cat to play with whenever the whim strikes. Any of the toys listed above will do the job flawlessly!

Allow Your Cat to Win

When a cat of any age is playing with its toys, it’s crucial to make them feel like they’ve won. This is a key aspect of their fulfillment cycle, which also involves “hunt, catch, kill, and consume.”

By not allowing your cat to “capture and kill” their toys, they will not feel satisfied with their performance as a predator. This might lead to frustration and behavior such as furniture scratching.

So, if your cat is playing with a laser toy or even a ball within a run, try to be nearby to throw them a soft toy or a reward if they make contact with the other object. This will help them remain content and happy cats!

Conclusion

We chose the SmartyKat Electronic Concealed Motion Cat Toy as the best overall after examining popular toys for elderly cats.

Best of all, when it comes to caring for our senior cats, it does so without putting extra strain on their joints by requiring them to run and leap.

We propose the Tower of Tracks Cat Toy by Petstages as the best value toy. Your older cat will enjoy chasing the three balls around the various levels and attempting to catch them as they roll and twirl around.

There’s also no need to worry about these balls getting lost beneath the couch because they’re safely contained within the toy.

BestForPets (bestforpets.org) understands how difficult it can be to choose a new toy for your senior cat given the vast options available.

However, we are convinced that one of the twelve best cat toys for older cats included in our reviews will be a hit with your senior cat.