Everyone knows that dogs need exercise. Frequent walks and long games of fetch are common for canine companions, but do cats need regular exercise too? Cats don’t need daily outings like dogs do, but they still need some exercise to keep them healthy and entertained. Finding out how to exercise your cat is a great way to keep your feline friend in shape.
Why Do Cats Need Exercise?
Without exercise, cats can become bored and face a higher risk of obesity. While many cats love to sleep, it’s good to encourage them to get up and move around because there are many benefits for their health and well-being.
Not only does exercise keep cats healthy and content, but many activities also help form a closer bond between you and your feline companion. Exercise can reduce your cat’s destructive habits and help them become more social. Plus, it’s fun for everyone involved.
How Much Exercise Do Cats Need?
Most cats need about 30 minutes of exercise daily, which can be split up into smaller sessions throughout the day. The exact amount of exercise needed depends on your cat’s age, weight, energy levels, and overall health. If you’re ever unsure if your cat is getting enough exercise, talk to your vet to figure out the best exercise routine.
How to Exercise Your Cat
Since cats can’t go jogging or hiking the way a dog can, it might seem tricky to exercise them. Yet, there are plenty of great ways to keep your cat active, such as the following. Try several different types of exercise with your cat to see which one appeals to them the most.
1. Playtime
Playtime is the most common form of exercise for cats. This includes having your cat chase a feather wand or a toy that moves on its own. The unpredictable movements of these toys trigger your cat’s hunting instincts, encouraging them to leap and pounce at the toys. If you’re unsure what kinds of toys your cat likes best, buy a variety and let them decide.
2. Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys focus more on mental exercise than physical exercise, allowing your cat to be active while keeping their mind busy. These toys usually require you to hide treats inside a toy so your cat can figure out how to get the treats. Offering your cat a puzzle toy occasionally is a great way to reduce boredom in cats, especially if your cat is food motivated or isn’t crazy about chasing toys.
3. Offer Catnip
Many cats go crazy for catnip, making them run around and play more than they would otherwise. Cats are attracted to nepetalactone, the oil in the catnip plant’s leaves. It’s completely safe for cats to ingest in small amounts, and the burst of energy only lasts for about 10 minutes or so. For some cats, catnip has little to no effect, but many felines go crazy for it.
4. Games
Playtime doesn’t always have to involve toys. Some cats get enough excitement from games with you. You could hide treats around the house for them to find, you could play hide-and-seek with them, or you could guide them through obstacle courses. Coming up with creative games keeps your cat moving while giving them quality time with you. Anything to get your cat exploring the house can be engaging for them.
5. Climbing
Not all cats like to interact with humans for exercise, and that’s okay. For many cats, exploring and climbing on their own is enough. So, make sure your cat has access to lots of cat trees and platforms so they can climb to their heart’s content. Sometimes, cats will be more interested in pouncing on toys if they have a high platform to jump from. Many cats especially love when platforms are near a window they can look out of.
6. Cat Exercise Wheel
A hamster wheel for cats might seem silly, but an exercise wheel can be a great way for some cats to get their energy out. Like a treadmill, cats can hop on and keep running until they’re ready to hop off. This can be especially beneficial if you don’t have much space in your home for your cat to run. Just make sure you lock the wheel when you’re not able to monitor your cat to keep your feline friend safe.
7. Training Sessions
Teaching tricks isn’t just for dogs. While cats are known for being independent, they can still learn tricks with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Sit, spin, high five, and hoop jumping are a few fun tricks to work on with your four-legged family member. By practicing training in short sessions daily, you’re providing both physical and mental stimulation. As your cat masters simple tricks, you can start trying more complicated actions.
8. Monitored Outdoor Adventures
Many cats long to be outside, but it’s not safe for cats or wildlife if pets roam free. Luckily, there are safe ways to let your cat explore the outdoors, such as walking them on a leash or giving them access to a screened-in patio area. If your cat enjoys these activities, it’s a great way for them to walk around while taking in new sights and smells. Even though your cat will be secure outside, it’s still a good idea to ensure their microchip information is up to date.
Tips for How to Successfully Exercise Your Cat
Your cat’s exercise routine should be beneficial to their health while also being fun and exciting. With the following in mind, you can ensure your cat gets the most out of their physical activities.
Set Aside Time for Multiple Short Sessions
Cats aren’t known for their endurance, so they may lose interest in playtime quickly. Instead of trying to fit in all your cat’s exercise needs at once, spread them out into a few short sessions throughout the day. Two or three 10 to 15 minute sessions works for most cats, but choose a frequency that fits your schedule and your cat’s personality.
Mix up the Type of Exercise
Some cats get bored playing with the same toys every day. If your cat doesn’t seem interested in their normal exercise routine, try mixing it up. Offer different toys or try new tricks and games. This can help keep things intriguing and fun for your feline.
Encourage Exercise When Your Cat is Active
Cats love to sleep most of the day. Instead of forcing your pet out of their slumber, encourage them to exercise when they’re already up and moving around. Cats are crepuscular, which means they’re most active at dawn and dusk, so use that to your advantage. You can also schedule exercise time around your cat’s meals if you want to incorporate food into the activity.
Don’t Use Your Hands/Feet as Toys
If there aren’t any toys around, it can be tempting to make your hands and feet move around like prey to get your cat to pounce. Yet, this encourages cats to lunge at humans, which could lead to more bites and scratches. If your cat likes to pounce on you, redirect their energy to a cat toy instead.
Pay Attention to Your Cat’s Body Language
Cats can’t outright tell us when they like or don’t like something, so pay attention to their actions. If your cat has flattened ears, a stiff posture, or angry vocalizations like hissing, they might not want to interact with you. If they’re panting heavily, they might be too tired to keep playing. Exercise should be fun for your cat, so know when it’s time to stop or reschedule playtime.
What to Do if Your Cat Refuses to Exercise
Every cat has different energy levels. Some will happily accept all types of exercise while others prefer to lounge around as much as possible. If you’re having a hard time getting your cat to exercise, keep trying different forms of exercise to see if you can find one that interests them. If they still won’t move around much after you’ve tried everything, consult a vet to ensure their lack of energy isn’t related to a health concern.
Keep Up with Your Cat’s Exercise Routine
Cats need daily exercise, and that can come in many forms. Now that you know how to exercise your cat, you can figure out what types of activities your cat will enjoy the most. Then, build an exercise routine around that. Commit to offering some form of exercise for your cat daily so they can thrive.
If you have to leave your cat alone for long periods, it can be tricky to keep up with their exercise routine. By finding an experienced cat sitter, you can ensure all your cat’s needs are met, which can include playtime in addition to food and water.
The Comforted Kitty can pair you with the perfect cat sitter in your area so you can ensure your cat receives plenty of love, attention, and exercise even when you’re away. Just let the sitter know the details of everything your cat needs.