Can older cats enjoy toys without catnip?

My senior cat, Oliver, is almost 12, and I thought his playful days were long gone. He never cared for catnip, so I assumed toys were out of the question. But one day, I brought home a soft plush bird with a squeaker inside. To my surprise, Oliver perked up. He pounced—not as gracefully as in his youth—but with so much determination. He carried that toy to his bed and curled around it like it was a prize. That day, I realized that even older cats still crave stimulation. For them, gentle, soft toys with interesting sounds can be more comforting than catnip. Watching him rediscover his spark was heartwarming beyond words.