Cocoa addresses elderly felines.

“Dear Cocoa,

I am an older feline and my stamina is not what it was; and as a smart feline, I know this makes me a candidate to be abandoned.  My pets, however, feel differently and they are still caring for me-how wonderful is that?  The problem I have, though perhaps minor to many, is that my pets insist that I continue to play with them.  They toss things at me, run that irritating red dot around me, and swing strings above my head.  Normally I would jump at the chance to tone myself up and have a grand time doing it; however, I am old and tired.  All I really want to do is sleep.  How can I get them to leave me alone?

Signed Bugged by Pets”

“Dear Bugged by Pets,

Your pets are trying to keep you active because they believe it is the best thing for you.  Don’t fall for it!  You have earned the right to sleep and rest in your old age and they have no right to take that away from you.  If they insist on continuing your care, then they should understand what that takes.  If they won’t stop, you can try a few tricks to set them right.  You could, for instance, pee on their bed several times in a pretext of being too tired to reach the litter box.  Or you could find a hidy-hole that they can’t get to and when they begin their silly antics, go hide in it and take your well deserved nap.  Or, for even more emphasis, you could actually play with them for a little and then fall to your side panting and gasping for breath.  This will bring them immediately to your side in deep concern for your well-being.  I caution you not to use this one except as a last resort, however, because they will inevitably drag you to the people with funny coats.  None of us wants to go there unless it is truly an emergency.  Good Luck in your endeavors with your pets.  And just so you know, I would opt for the hidy-hole.

Signed Cocoa”

Older cats can develop many physical issues that can cause them to have accidents where ever they may be lying such as urinary crystals.  Be sure to take your cat to the vet if such accidents occur.  If you have older cats, try purchasing food that is specially formulated for prevention of urinary crystals.  Petco has a great variety and they deliver to your door.