In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Marci Koski, a certified feline behavior and training consultant and the founder of Feline Behavior Solutions.
Together, we dive into senior feline behavior — and why play, enrichment, and understanding your cat’s preferences become even more important as cats age. Marci shares practical, realistic ways to support older cats who may be slowing down physically but still need mental stimulation, agency, and connection.
We talk about how to adapt play for senior cats, why behavior is communication (not defiance), how clicker training works for cats of any age, and why so many behavior challenges can be improved by changing the environment — not the cat.
👉 If you’re caring for a senior cat — or want to set your younger cat up for healthier golden years — this episode is packed with insight you can use right away.
✨ Episode Snapshot
In this episode, you’ll learn:
🐾 Why Play Still Matters for Senior Cats
Play supports both physical health and cognitive function, even as cats slow down. Senior cats don’t need to sprint like kittens — they need thoughtful, adapted enrichment that keeps their minds engaged and their bodies gently moving.
🧠 The Prey Sequence (and How to Use It at Any Age)
Marci breaks down the four stages of the prey sequence:
stare → stalk/chase → pounce/grab → kill bite — and explains how you can recreate each phase in ways that work for older cats using wand toys, rolling balls, kicker toys, and even visual stimulation like bird watching.
🎯 How to Close the Loop on Play
Why it’s important to finish play sessions properly — moving from play to a snack — to support the natural hunt → eat → groom → sleep cycle that cats instinctively crave.
🖱️ Clicker Training for Cats (Yes, Really)
Cats are trainable. Marci explains how clicker (or marker) training works, why it’s powerful mental enrichment for senior cats, and how to use simple cues — even without a physical clicker.
🔥 Comfort Matters: Senior-Friendly Home Adjustments
Heated cat beds, lower-sided litter boxes, easy access, and reduced obstacles can dramatically improve quality of life for aging cats — especially those with arthritis or mobility changes.
🚽 Litter Box Challenges & Senior Cats
Why litter box issues often stem from pain, stress tolerance, or environment, not “bad behavior.” Marci shares what cats actually prefer when it comes to box size, litter type, placement, and accessibility.
🤍 Behavior Is Communication
One of the most important takeaways: cats are responding to the environment we give them. Change the environment, reduce stressors, and behavior often improves — helping keep cats in loving homes and out of shelters.
📘 Marci’s Recommendations for Cat Owners
Keep play in your daily routine — at any age. Adapt it to your cat’s mobility, but don’t eliminate it.
Use the prey sequence as your guide. Play doesn’t have to be intense to be fulfilling.
Close the loop on play. Follow stimulation with a physical outlet and a small meal or treat.
Provide warmth and comfort. Heated cat beds and mats can be incredibly soothing for senior cats.
Make litter boxes easy and inviting. Large boxes, low sides, unscented clumping clay litter, good lighting, and easy access matter.
Give cats choice and agency. Respect when they want interaction — and when they don’t.
Create “looky, no touchy” zones. Safe spaces help cats feel secure and reduce stress.
Remember: behavior can be changed. Cats are trainable, adaptable, and deeply responsive to their environment.
🌍 Where to Find Dr. Marci
Facebook Page: Feline Behavior Solutions
Facebook Group: Feline Behavior Solutions (Private Group)
Instagram: @felinebehaviorsolutions
✨ Final Thought
Senior cats aren’t “less” — they’re simply different. When we slow down, pay attention, and meet them where they are, we deepen the bond in ways that matter most. Play doesn’t end with age. Choice doesn’t disappear. And connection grows strongest when it’s rooted in understanding.
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