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Why did my cat stop playing? Is he old, sick, or needs a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Male | neutered | 7 years and 7 months old | 11 lbs

My cat usually plays with mouse toys every day. All of a sudden he has stopped playing and just looks out the windows from cat perches or lays around a lot. I am not sure of his true age so he may be older than we think. I would like your opinion regarding what I should do about this. Possibly have our vet check him. Thank you.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 28th, 2018

By the time cats are 7 years old they usually start having arthritis. It may be that he is in pain and does not want to move much. He should also have his teeth checked as there could be serious tartar, gingivitis and tooth neck lesions that are very painful and keep him from using his teeth to play with the mouse toys. So , you are right, he should be checked by your veterinarian for arthritis, pain, teeth and possibly have wellness blood work done to rule out any organ conditions that make him feel not so well.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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