Toys for senior cats
At a glance
| Best for | Our pick |
|---|---|
| Floor-level play | Potaroma Crinkle Fish Cat Toys with Catnip, Multi-color, 9.4-in, 3 count |
| Easy brain work | Catstages Buggin' Out Interactive Enrichment Puzzle & Slow Feeder Cat Toy |
| Low scratching | Best Pet Supplies Catify Lounger Cardboard Catnip Scratcher Cat Toy |
| Easier access | Frisco Foldable Nonslip Cat & Dog Stairs, Grey |
If your older cat has stopped jumping, grooming, or playing like they used to, don't write it off as old age. Arthritis is very common in older cats and often missed, so check with your vet.[7],[4],[9]
Your cat may sleep in the sun more and chase less than they used to, but older cats still like to play. A few gentle minutes of hunting a toy keeps their body moving and their mind busy.
This guide covers when a cat counts as a senior, why arthritis is so easy to miss in cats, how to adapt play, scratching, and food puzzles for an older body, and the changes in play that are worth a trip to the vet.
Picks follow how we pick. We may earn a commission from links (disclosure).
When is a cat a senior, and do they still play?
The AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines call cats over 10 years old senior. Cats from 7 to 10 are mature adults.[1],[2]
International Cat Care splits it a little differently: senior between 11 and 14 years, and super senior from 15 on. Either way, the years after 10 are when you'll want to start adapting play.[3]
Older cats like to play too. Keep things gentle and adjust playtime to your cat's mobility. Vets encourage keeping an arthritic cat moving to help maintain joint mobility and muscle tone, and regular periods of gentle play are one way to do it.[3],[6],[7]
Play can help at night too. The ASPCA suggests playing with an older cat during the day and in the evening so they'll want to sleep at night.[9]
Arthritis is common in older cats, and easy to miss
Joint disease is far more common in cats than most people think. In one study, 90 percent of cats aged 12 and older had signs of degenerative joint disease (arthritis) on X-rays.[7],[8]
It often goes unnoticed. Most cats with arthritis show only subtle signs, and because cats aren't walked like dogs and can quietly cut back on what they do, it may never get diagnosed.[7],[4],[8]
- Fewer jumps. Not wanting to jump up onto furniture or back down, and trouble with stairs.[4],[7]
- More sleep, less play. Resting more, and playing and interacting less with people and other pets.[4],[7]
- Less grooming. Grooming less often, which can leave the coat matted.[4]
- Grumpier when touched. More irritable when picked up or handled, especially around sore joints.[4],[7]
Gentle, low-effort games
- Short and sweet. Cats are sprinters, not marathon runners, so one minute of keen play is a good result. Spend short periods playing if your cat enjoys it, and keep it gentle because older cats often have sore joints.[6],[5]
- Keep it on the floor. We drag the lure along the ground or around a chair leg rather than dangling it high, so the game asks for stalking and swatting instead of big leaps.
- Try a big kick toy. A larger kick toy that your cat can hug with their front legs and kick with the back ones is a good choice for older cats, and good exercise for stiff back legs.[3],[6]
- End with a reward. VCA vets suggest gentle play with feathers or a laser pointer, with rewards. Finish with a treat or a meal so the hunt ends with a catch.[7],[6]
Ramps, steps, and low scratchers
A few changes around the house let a stiff cat keep doing the things they love, like napping up high and scratching.[3],[4]
- Steps or a ramp. Give your cat steps or a ramp up to their favorite perches and sleeping spots so they don't have to jump.[3],[4],[7]
- Scratch low. Horizontal scratchers are easier for older cats than tall upright posts, which can strain arthritic joints.[3]
- Watch the claws. Older cats can have trouble retracting their claws, and overgrown claws can curl into the paw pads, which hurts and can get infected. Ask your vet to check them.[3]
- Easy litter boxes. Use boxes with low sides, and put at least one on every floor of your home.[3],[9],[7]
- Grip on the floor. Put mats down on slippery floors so your cat has good footing.[4]
Food puzzles, adjusted for older cats
Puzzle feeders make a cat work a little for their food. International Cat Care says they can bring more mental stimulation and better cognitive function in older cats.[5]
- Easy does it. Pick a puzzle that isn't too much effort, and make sure it doesn't stop your cat eating the amount they need.[3]
- Only if they're keen. Offer a puzzle if your cat is interested and can use it. If they struggle with it, a bowl is fine.[5]
- Keep an eye on appetite. Loss of appetite or weight loss in an older cat is a reason to call your vet, whatever bowl or puzzle they eat from.[3]
Cognitive dysfunction: when an older cat seems confused
Cats can have age-related cognitive decline, similar to dementia. The ASPCA says it affects more than 55 percent of cats aged 11 to 15, and more than 80 percent of cats aged 16 to 20.[9]
Signs include seeming lost in familiar places, changes in sleep, crying or yowling more than usual, accidents outside the litter box, and grooming less.[9],[5]
- Keep a routine. Feed and play with your cat at the same times each day.[5]
- Gentle stimulation. International Cat Care suggests short, gentle play sessions and puzzle feeders if your cat can use them.[5]
- Go easy on change. Changes at home can stress a cat with severe cognitive dysfunction, so add new things slowly. A night light can help with confusion after dark.[5]
Changes in play that mean it's time to see the vet
Pain from arthritis or dental disease, and other illnesses, can change how an older cat behaves. Don't assume your cat is just getting old and nothing can be done. Tell your vet about every change.[9]
The AAFP recommends vet checkups every six months for cats aged 10 to 15, and every four months for cats over 15.[2]
Our picks
Each pick below keeps play low to the ground or low effort, has no bells, ribbons, or string, and comes with an honest drawback. We don't rank by commission.
How does your cat see these toys?1 · Floor-level play: a soft kick toy
Potaroma Crinkle Fish Cat Toys with Catnip, Multi-color, 9.4-in, 3 count
Why we picked it. A three-pack of 9.4 inch plush fish filled with catnip and crinkle, with no bells or tags listed. Easy to bat, hug, and bunny-kick without leaving the floor, and reviewers say even older, less playful cats get into them.
Safety note
Honest drawback. They can't be washed or refilled, the catnip smell fades, and reviewers say some cats tear them up quickly.
2 · Easy brain work: a beginner food puzzle
Catstages Buggin' Out Interactive Enrichment Puzzle & Slow Feeder Cat Toy
Why we picked it. A flat, beginner puzzle where your cat slides pegs and swivels leaves to find kibble or treats. The maker says there are no removable small parts.
Safety note
Honest drawback. It's hand wash only, reviewers say kibble gets stuck in the gaps, and it slides around on hard floors.
3 · Low scratching: a horizontal cardboard lounger
Best Pet Supplies Catify Lounger Cardboard Catnip Scratcher Cat Toy
Why we picked it. A curved cardboard scratcher about 23 inches long and 7 inches high that doubles as a bed. Horizontal scratching is easier on older joints than an upright post.
Safety note
Honest drawback. It sheds cardboard bits, reviewers say it's light enough to slide when a cat scratches hard, and it's too small for very big cats.
4 · Easier access: pet steps to a favorite spot
Frisco Foldable Nonslip Cat & Dog Stairs, Grey
Why we picked it. Four steps about 4.5 inches each, up to 19.5 inches, with non-slip pads on every step and non-skid feet. No assembly, it folds flat, and reviewers say senior cats learn to use it.
Safety note
Honest drawback. Reviewers say the felt pads peel off and trap dirt, and at 19.5 inches it won't reach higher beds.
Questions people ask
What age is a cat considered senior?
The AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines call cats over 10 years old senior, with 7 to 10 counted as mature adults. International Cat Care uses senior for 11 to 14 years and super senior from 15 on.[1],[2],[3]
How do I play with an older cat with arthritis?
Keep sessions short and gentle and adapt them to your cat's mobility: a minute of keen play is a good result. A larger kick toy your cat can hug and kick is easy on stiff back legs, and steps or a ramp help them reach favorite spots without jumping. Your vet should diagnose and manage the arthritis itself.[6],[3],[4],[7]
Is it normal for an older cat to stop playing?
Don't assume it's just old age. Playing less, sleeping more, and not jumping can be signs of arthritis, which about 90 percent of cats aged 12 and older show on X-rays and which is often missed. Behavior changes in older cats can also come from dental disease, thyroid problems, or cognitive decline, so tell your vet about the change.[7],[4],[9]
Sources
Last reviewed Sep 29, 2026. This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about your own cat.
- American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), 2021 AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines
- American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), AAFP Releases Updated Feline Senior Care Guidelines to the Veterinary Community
- International Cat Care, Special considerations for senior cats
- International Cat Care, Arthritis in cats
- International Cat Care, Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (senility, dementia) in cats
- International Cat Care, Playing with your cat
- VCA Animal Hospitals, Degenerative Joint Disease in Cats
- Cornell Feline Health Center, Is Your Cat Slowing Down?
- ASPCA, Older Cats with Behavior Problems