How to play with a senior cat | Caturday #1

Even senior cats need to hone their hunting skills. But FIRST, a warm up massage.

Hi friends and not-yet-friends! At 15 years old, Riles still plays like a kitten -- a little more tired today but he tries his best. Before that though, he gets pampered with a gentle massaging brushing session.

Even though Riles moves like a kitten, we're still playing with some restraint. We pay extra attention when he's breathing heavily, if he seems to limp at all, or if he's just losing steam. Then, we try to transition to more gentle play and encourage him to play laying down (paws up!). Even senior cats need to run around but be gentle with them!

Although we like to share, every cat is different. Please consult your veterinarian and don't take our opinion over a cat care professional.

---About Riles---
Riles is our 15 year old rescue cat. We adopted him from the wonderful Calgary Humane Society in December 2018 to live here in his all-inclusive, tres exclusive kitty retirement home. So exclusive that it's just for him. One cat, two "staff members".

---About Us---
We're just two humans doing our best. Mary films and edits the videos.

---Riles & Senior Cat Health---
At the Humane Society, he was diagnosed with FIC and received dental surgery. His life-long conditions mean he will be on prescription food and require a bit extra dental attention. Shortly after we brought him home, we also discovered he has arthritis (not unexpected for his old age) and he is completely deaf. And like many older cats, he needs a little help in the poop department.

None of these health issues would deter us from adopting this lovable sweet boy old-man cat. The food is more expensive but we can manage it. He gets a regular injection which is very affordable for his arthritis. His poop issues are managed cheaply and easily with a little safe stool softener from the drug store. And he can communicate just fine without needing to hear us.

If you're interested in adopting a cat, please talk to your local Humane Society or other cat rescue about adopting older kitties. They are awesome and might be the perfect fit for your home and lifestyle!

---- SHOP RILES' STUFF*---

KONG ZOOM GROOM (soft brush): amzn.to/2E2RCL4

HURRISE PET DRINKING FOUNTAIN: amzn.to/2HeYsz9

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