Many seniors choose to downsize at some point in time. Smaller spaces simplify your life, but they can be a big change for you and your kitty. Territory is important to all cats, but if your cat’s basic needs are met, they should adapt right along with you. 

Set up a play station. 

Cats underfoot can be a danger to people as well as the kitties, so I recommend finding a quiet corner by a window that they can call their own. You can set it up with a favorite rug, scratcher, a sealed treat container and basket of toys. With all their favorite things in one place, they will be able to scent appropriately, own the space and feel safe. 

Think small. 

Most cats’ favorite toys are those that you’re on the other end of because movement triggers their hunting instincts. The more you can help mimic the natural flow of hunting, the more satisfied they will be. Go Cat makes a short wand toy called Cat Dancer that will keep them active. It has a mouse-like end on a swivel. This helps the toy move erratically, just like real prey would. Remember to put away any wand or string toys after playing so they don’t accidentally get tangled in them when you’re not there. 

Use laser toys. 

The red dot can be a great way to exercise a cat in a small space. Try to imitate the movement of an insect with irregular paths that lead away from them, hiding behind things and up walls. The most important consideration with laser toys is to finish with a small protein treat, just as cats would in the wild. Stopping suddenly without offering food can be frustrating. 

Automatic toys. 

Motion toys that your kitty can activate when you’re not there are great choices. SmartyKat Hot Pursuit is a moving toy hidden under a sturdy nylon cover. This is a fancy version of playing with a stick under a rug, which almost all cats enjoy. Other auto toys include mice that move erratically and fish that swim. 

Puzzle feeders.

You can combine toys with puzzle feeders for a hunting-eating combo. Place a few dry treats in the feeder, then layer them with small toys like fake mice and soft balls. This will encourage them to dig through the toys to get to the food, combining two favorite activities and making them work for it like they would in the wild. 

Catification. 

If you can’t go out to increase a cat’s territory, go up. Cat trees are perfect for this. If you can, install Catification shelves (with rails, especially if your cat is a senior) to enrich their movement around the room. Placing shelves within jumping distance can create a new adventure. Make the toy travel up and down the different heights, hiding it behind posts and inside cubbies.