Choosing gifts for older cats might seem difficult.
Probably because your older cat doesn’t like to play.
But all cats like to play. We just need the right tools.
Toys that resemble prey, natural supplements, and healthy cat food supplies all make great gifts for older cats.
Here are the best gifts for older cats:
- The Cat Dancer
- Wool Chase toys
- Wand toys
- Catnip toys
- Sound toys
- Healthy treats
- Treat-release toys
- Crinkle toys
- Mice toys
- Rabbit fur toys
- Matatabi chew stick
- Raised food stand
- Sleeping bag
- Coconut oil
- Ripple Rug
- Stairs ramp
- CBD Feline Formula
Tip: Cats are finicky so it’s always great to have several options in your home.
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1. The Cat Dancer
A list of gifts for cats is not complete without the Cat Dancer.
You may be wondering why you’d spend money on a piece of wire with cardboard on it.
The cat dancer is a simple idea, but all cats go crazy for it.
- Super cheap and easy to use
- 10 different ways to play with it
- Movement is unpredictable and gets cats to play
Cats love cardboard and shiny stuff so cats are attracted to this toy right away.
There are many different ways to play with it which come in handy when your senior cat gets finicky.
Buy the Cat Dancer on Amazon. Or Chewy has its own version.
The Cat Dancer is a great gift for older cats because all cats love to play with it.
2. Wool Chase toys
Wool chase toys are fun for all cats because they are made with natural materials.
Ball toys are popular because cats love to chase and grab small things.
Wool chase toys are safe for chewing and batting around.
- Made with organic cotton and wool
- Gets cats into hunting mode
- Fun to hide for your cat to hunt
Cats prefer natural materials. These are safer for health.
I hide these inside the Ripple Rug and on the Cat Ladder.
Jericho loves to paw them out and do bunny kicks.
Buy the Wool Chase toys on Etsy.
Wool chase toys are great for older cats because they are made with natural, non-toxic materials.
3. Wand toys
Most wand toys come with attachments that resemble bugs or birds.
These little critters get your cat into hunting mode and interested in play.
Playing with wand toys is a great way to bond with your cat since it’s interactive.
- Cats prefer human interaction
- Including yourself is a great way to get your senior cat to play
- Wand toys mimic prey and spark interest in all cats
All cats have the instinct to hunt. Even if they have lived indoors their entire lives.
RompiCatz (previously Neko Flies) makes great wand toys.
My senior cat, Milo, loved the bug attachments from Neko Flies.
Wave the wand around so the bug flies above your cat’s head. Pretend it’s a real bug.
Buy an eco-friendly, washable Minky wand toy and another eco-friendly Kitty Whip on Etsy.
Tip: Always put toys away when you cannot supervise. Cats can get tangled and swallow things easily.
Wand toys are great gifts for all cats. They are interactive and bring out the hunter in cats. Cats love to play when their humans are involved.
4. Catnip toys
Catnip toys are engaging because cats love catnip. This is a great way to provide enrichment to your senior cat.
Catnip makes cats happy and playful. So, your cat is ready to play with this toy instantly.
- The kitten mitten is made with organic catnip and cotton
- Cats love to rub on it and do bunny kicks
This can help your cat get in a playful mood.
Buy the catnip kitten mitten and the cutest ever food-themed catnip toys on Etsy.
Catnip toys make great gifts for older cats because most cats love catnip.
5. Sound toys
Cat toys that make sounds are great because they mimic the sounds of the cat’s natural prey: birds and mice.
These toys are fun to toss around and watch kitty hunt.
- Sound toys are great for older cats that can’t hear well
- They mimic prey in appearance and sound
- The sounds make your cat want to keep playing
Using sound toys for senior cats is a wonderful way to get them to play.
The sounds and appearance entice them because it reminds them of prey.
Wave these toys around in the air so it looks like a real bird flying.
You can toss these around or slide them on the floor. Your senior cat will be playing in no time.
Buy a mouse sound toy on Etsy or a hum bird singer on Chewy.
Sound toys are fun for senior cats because they keep them playing longer.
Give your cat a confident and comfortable life with the digital + printable Cat Care Binder so you can become best buds.
6. Healthy treats
It isn’t a holiday unless treats are involved. High-quality treats are the best gifts for older cats.
Use high-quality treats made with meat only.
- Most crunchy treats contain 50%+ carbs
- Meat-only treats are more appropriate for cats
- Crunchy treats with carbs are bad for cat teeth
But doesn’t crunchy food clean cat teeth?
No. That would be like saying crunchy granola cleans my teeth.
Cats are meant to eat meat. Not carbs and fillers.
Crunchy cat “dental” treats are full of carbs and fillers.
Buy healthy cat treats:
I get most of Jericho’s raw food from Hare Today. They also have dehydrated meats and organs.
Create an account and earn discount points on your purchases.
Jericho tested and reviewed A Better Treat recently and loves them! Watch his reaction on YouTube.
Or you can shop for my top picks on Amazon:
Tip: Make your cat hunt for his treats to keep your cat entertained. You can hide treats around in beds, condos, between furniture, and on top of scratching posts.
This is a great way to provide environmental enrichment to your senior cat. Hunting for treats gets your older cat active too.
An active cat is a happy cat!
Freeze-dried and dehydrated meats make perfect treats for older cats because they are the best quality.
7. Treat-release toys
A great way to engage your senior cat is with treat-release toys. Fill these with healthy treats and let kitty bat it around to earn his yummy rewards.
Make your cat work for his food.
- Provides enrichment and mental stimulation
- Prevents boredom and unnecessary weight gain
- Great entertainment while you aren’t home
Most cats are given an all-access buffet. This is dangerous, especially with kibble.
Cats are more likely to overeat when fed an all-access buffet.
Treat release toys are helpful if your cat needs to lose weight.
Did you know that obese cats are at higher risk for arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and shortened lives?
According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 59.5% of cats in the US are overweight or obese. And 82% of us feed kibble.
Buy treat-release toys on Amazon and Chewy. Buy Cat Amazing on Chewy and Amazon.
Treat-release toys make your cat work for food. Working for food provides entertainment, mental stimulation, and enrichment. This is important for senior cats because it prevents boredom.
8. Crinkle toys
Crinkle toys are fun because the sound is entertaining for cats.
Cats bat this around, chew it, and toss it for themselves.
- Some crinkle toys are large and perfect for bunny kicks
- Crinkle sounds make cats play longer
- These toys mimic prey
Crinkle toys make great cuddle buddies too.
Use healthy treats and organic catnip to get your cat engaged.
If you notice a quick head shake, your cat is interested.
Buy crinkle toys on Etsy.
Senior cats like crinkle toys because of the sounds. They are great for bunny kicking and cuddling.
9. Mice toys
Stuffed mice are great toys because they mimic the cat’s natural prey.
Get a bunch of these mice and hide them around your home.
- Use mice to hide your cat’s treats
- Simulates the hunting experience
- Great for chasing
Buy mice that are stuffed with soft material instead of plastic.
Avoid synthetic materials.
Cats chew toys, and they rub on their fur. You don’t want your cat to ingest chemicals.
Buy soft mice toys on Etsy.
Older cats like soft mouse toys because they are easy to bat around and play with.
10. Rabbit fur toys
Rabbits are natural prey so cats are attracted to rabbit fur toys immediately.
Using natural materials is much safer for your senior cat.
- Real rabbit fur attracts cats because it’s natural prey
- Soft and safe for chewing
- Mimics prey and makes them play
All cats love to hunt. Even if they have lived indoors their whole lives.
Rabbit fur reminds cats of their wild side.
Simulating the hunting experience is the best way to get cats to play.
Buy rabbit fur toys on Etsy.
Rabbit fur toys make great gifts for older cats because they remind cats of their wild side.
11. Matatabi chew stick
Matatabi chew sticks are natural Silvervine root. Silvervine is an alternative to catnip. Most cats love it.
Silvervine root attracts cats and promotes healthy chewing.
- Small in size and easy to bat around
- Safe for chewing and great for dental health
- Jaw exercise provides mental stimulation
Matatabi sticks are small in size. Cats love to chase and bat them around.
You can slide these across the floor for your cat to chase. Or, hide them around your home for your cat to hunt.
Buy Matatabi chew sticks on Etsy.
Matatabi chew sticks are fun for older cats because they provide safe chewing.
12. Raised food stand
Raised food and water bowls are much better than leaving bowls on the floor.
Older cats develop joint pain and arthritis so this is the best way to serve food comfortably.
- Beneficial for posture
- Promotes healthy digestion
- Prevents bugs and dirt from getting into food and water
Leaning down to the floor for food and water puts a strain on the neck.
Make sure the raised stand is no higher than four inches off the ground.
Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are best. Avoid plastic.
Plastic traps bacteria. Even with regular washing.
All cats deserve clean eating and drinking supplies. Stainless steel bowls are especially great for older cats with weaker immune systems.
I have an aluminum raised food stand that comes with 2 stainless steel bowls and a plate. I also have an FDA-grade silicone food mat that fits perfectly.
Buy the raised stand and dish combo and food mat on Amazon.
Check out the food stands on Tuft + Paw if you’re interested in a modern look.
13. Sleeping bag
Cats love to curl up in a warm spot to nap. Private beds offer warmth when you aren’t home.
Cats love having private beds even if they sleep with you every night. The sleeping bag pictured above is an amazing bed.
- Made with organic cotton
- Washable and reversible
- Softer than my bedding
Quality beds are best because they are comfy and sanitary.
Cats spend most of the day cleaning themselves.
Harmful dyes and chemicals on poor-quality beds will stick to your cat’s fur. Then, when your cat cleans himself, he will ingest them.
Buy the organic sleeping bag on Etsy.
A good quality bed offers warmth to your cat and will save your cat’s health from toxic materials.
14. Coconut oil
Coconut oil offers many benefits to cats. Healthy fats contribute to so many health benefits.
High-quality coconut oil is a great supplement, especially for older cats.
- Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral
- Supports healthy body functions
- Healthy alternative to toothpaste
Coconut oil is a natural aid in healthy immune systems.
Cats love the taste of coconut oil. Jericho was licking the jar as soon as we got it.
Coconut oil is a healthy treat that provides so many health benefits.
I put a tiny bit on gauze to clean Jericho’s teeth. He goes crazy for it.
I buy from CocoTherapy. Their coconut oil is non-GMO, unrefined, and USDA-inspected. It’s safe to use for yourself as well.
Buy coconut oil from CocoTherapy’s website or Amazon.
High-quality coconut oil is amazing for older cats because it supports a healthy immune system.
15. Ripple Rug
The Ripple Rug is a versatile cat activity play rug that your older cat will love.
The Ripple Rug satisfies the many enrichment needs of cats.
- Cats can hunt, scratch, rest, hide, and play
- Made with recycled plastic bottles
- Easy to clean and durable
Senior cats prefer softer places to scratch, and they love having extra places to nap.
I hide treats and toys inside the ripples for Jericho to hunt. Jericho loves to paw at toys inside the ripples.
Buy the Ripple Rug on Amazon (don’t be fooled by the fakes!) and Chewy. Or buy directly from their website for more color options and international shipping.
The Ripple Rug is a versatile activity center that provides lots of play and enrichment for older cats.
16. Stairs ramp
A stairs ramp can help your older cat get up on the bed or to other areas.
The stairs ramp is helpful for senior cats that cannot jump like they used to.
- Older cats tend to get arthritis and joint issues
- Stairs ramp makes it easy to get up on high things
- Handmade and easy to store
Senior cats deserve to get up and down things easily.
Use the stairs ramp for beds, condos, and anywhere else your older cat would like to be.
Buy the stairs ramp on Etsy.
17. CBD Feline Formula
Austin and Kat’s CBD Feline Formula is made specifically for cats.
CBD and other terpenes in hemp oil can help ease inflammation and sore joints. This is great for senior cats!
The Feline Formula also contains:
- Cranberry for urinary tract health
- Sardine oil for essential fatty acids
- Astaxanthin to eliminate free radicals
EFAs in sardine oil also help regulate inflammation.
This is a wonderful supplement with many added benefits.
Buy the Feline Formula on Austin and Kat’s website.
Final thoughts on gifts for older cats
Remember that you should always keep a safe playtime for your cat. Don’t leave any toys out unsupervised.
Cats are finicky. Provide multiple options for your cats to keep playtime fresh and exciting.
Mimic prey movements. This is the best way to get cats to play.
Only buy high-quality products from companies that care about your cat’s well-being.
High-quality products keep your cat safe from harmful materials.
Older cats deserve playtime and fun enrichment.
Enrichment prevents boredom and keeps your cats in good health.
Need a centralized place to keep track of everything related to your cat? Grab my Cat Care Binder Bundle!
