A cat that wont play.

I took in a cat that the previous owners didn't want anymore. I have been around a good many cats and have never came across a cat that didn't have any interest in playing. I've tried rolling a ball across the floor, waving a feather in her face and even tried a laser. But, she is not the least bit interested. They only thing I know about her is that she is around 6 years old and has been spayed. Is it possiable that the previous owners never interacted with her? Or could she be to overweight to play? (Im guessing she is around 20 pounds.) Or do cats this age typically loose interest in playing?

How long have you had her? Could she be new to the household and still a bit stressed? 

You could try catnip toys, they may encourage her to move. Puzzle toys also work with older cats but if she's overweight they are not the way to go. 

One of my cats is a couch potato, you have to pick your time, ie once we've given her time to wake up and stretch for awhile. She never initiates but if you keep trying she can become interested after awhile. She likes games where she can use her hunting instinct rather than a lot of energy. 

i had a cat who didn't like to play.  each cat has their own personality, just like each human - some love to play, others don't.  if you think the cat is too overweight to play, perhaps you could help her lose some weight with lower calorie cat food.

Ive had her about 4 days. I dont believe she is stressed. Shes not in hiding and is eating and drinking. I have already changed her diet and have been trying desperately to help her get more active but she would rather lay around. I have made an appointment to check and she if she may have arthritis and may be in pain. Catnip did cross my mind, but I honestly dont think it would help, its worth a shot though.Ive never owned a cat this chill so its kind of strikes me as odd. She doesn't even seem to care that my toddler likes to lay his head on her and sometimes tug her tail.

I wonder if she is depressed. Changing environments sometimes does that.  But, just as a bit of hope---I brought in a former feral that literally acted like he did not know how to play.  He was about 2 years old and I swear he lived a life of constant fear outside, and I really think it just took a while to relax enough to play.  It took him months, with me trying everything in the book.  Then one day he pounced at Da Bird toy.  Ever since then it's like he is a kitten again, he wants to play all the time.

As far as age, my nearly 13 year old still plays.  He gets bored easily, but he will play--and play rough--for a while.  He still gets the "zoomies" and runs all over the house and up and down the cat tree, and he is a chunky butt.  He is 13 pounds. 

My 2 year old (nearly 3 now) is 18 pounds and has no issues jumping and running, but of course, he is young.  And he is a very large-build cat, so it's not all fat.  He is, however, on a restricted portion diet!!

Does she go outside?   If she does, it is possible she gets all the "stimulation" she needs from running around outside.  Katy goes outside, when I try to play with her inside with her toys, after a few minutes of playtime, she gets bored with the toys and stops playing.  That could be a possibility.  How is her behavior other than the lack of interest in playing?   Is she affectionate with you and the other humans of the house?  Does she like to snuggle in the evening?  Just how is her overall behavior?  I must first add here, some cats are truly standoffish in their behavior.  It helps to know just what you are dealing with

she loves to be petted and will tap my arm when she wants to be petted. Shes not the type to rub up against your leg though. Most cats I have owned would practically trip me up seeking attention, shes not like hatShe will follow me but not to the point where she is in the way. I know of two owners the first gave her up due to allergies the second had her a month and didnt like the fact she wasn't playful. I believe she was strictly an indoor cat with both owners. I have thought about letting her out but she is declawed and Im afraid she would wonder off and not be able to defend herself if needed. Depression may be a possibility since she is being bounced from home to home. I guarantee she has a permanent home with me and I will try my best to help her. I did notice shes not bright eyed she kind of has this relaxed look in her eye and nothing seems to excit her.

Awww poor baby!  I hope she gets perky soon.  Have you had her to the vet's for a checkup?  We had a declawed kitty that had horribly arthritic paws and she never used her paws to play or pounce or anything.

Ah hah, I think you hit it on the nose when I read that she has been "bounced from home to home".  This kitty is now in her "forever" home and in time I am certain you will see a difference in her personality.  You need to give her time, to adjust to her new surroundings and new family.  She will be fine, just give her some time.  You will  see a difference as time goes on!!

Here is a picture of her. Her fur wasn't very well maintained by previous owners, I plan on taking her to a groomer but want to give her time to ajust before I freak her out by getting her groomed. She is just a total sweetheart and deserves to spend the remainder of her life loved.

No check up yet. Ive made the appointment for Friday. Ive also noticed she does not have all of her teeth, Im thinking she may be older than I was led on to believe which is fine but would have loved to have known.

Good move! Keep us posted. I agree with the others who attribute her chillness to being bounced around. It's a great sign she pwas at you for affection. She sure lucked out finding you.

She is beautiful!  She may be older, but older cats absolutely rock!  She will be fine with as much love as you are giving her and she realizes she is "home"!!  I'm so happy she found you

She is playing!! Not for long, but it's a start. She likes grocery bags. Who would have figured. Lol.

That's wonderful!  If she likes grocery bags she will like boxes to get into as well.  Do you have a cat tree for her?  How about "da bird", balls with bells in them, etc. 

I bought a few things today. A really good cat brush, her fur looks so much better and I was able to cut out the knots she had in her belly fur. I bought her a fish on a string with a bell she actually played with that for a good 30 minutes. I also got her a catnip mouse. No kitty tree yet. But Im sure I will get one soon.

I can see a huge difference in her today.