Understanding the Importance of Cat Exercise
Why is exercise important for cats?
Exercise is important not only for your cat's physical health but also for their mental and emotional well-being.
What are the best types of exercises for indoor cats?
The best type of exercise for your indoor cat is whatever your indoor cat can do safely. We have some kitty cats that are very active and like to play with their housemates. If they do, that is great as long as the housemates agree.
If your cats enjoy playing with toys, whether that's different balls that you can throw or little feathers that you can move around on sticks, or even cat wheels, some cats will like those.
How can I encourage my cat to be more active?
It's really about interacting with them and trying to find what they like to do. Even our kitty cats that are very lazy, you can try to get them to move a little bit more by making them work for their food.
How can I play with my cat if I have limited space?
It's all about trying to figure out what your cat likes and how you can incorporate it. If you are limited on space, running up and down the halls might be something you can do.
Investing in a cat wheel might not be feasible, but you can still use ball-like food toys to help them work for their food. You can still have them jump around and chase different toys. It just depends on what works for your cat.
Are there specific exercises for overweight cats?
For our overweight cats, if they haven't been active prior, it's really about starting slow and working your way up. You don't want them to suddenly start running around like crazy because that may cause them to injure themselves since they haven't used those muscles for a while.
It's all about starting slow and working up. If your cat has been lazy for quite a while but likes food, you can try to incorporate a food ball or a food puzzle so they have to work a little bit for their food.
What are some interactive toys that can help my cat exercise?
Luckily, there are so many options for interactive cat toys. Food balls are one. They have to interact to get the food out of it. There are toys that allow interaction with their family.
For instance, there are cat balls that you can throw. There are toys on sticks that you can move around to get your cat interested. There are also battery-powered toys that move in certain ways to entice the cat's interest.
Can exercise help with behavioral problems in cats?
It can. Some of our indoor kitty cats will start to exhibit stress signs, like not using the litter box appropriately or showing aggression towards people or other animals in the house, or just overeating due to lack of exercise. Increasing exercise really helps enhance their emotional and mental well-being.
How can I keep my senior cat active?
The best thing you can do is keep trying different things. If your cat is suddenly not interested in a toy that it's liked for a long time, try a new toy.
Also, keep in mind that as your cat gets older, they may have changes that need medical attention. If your very active cat suddenly changes, it's best to have them seen to ensure you're not missing something else going on.
Can my cat get too much exercise?
I wouldn't say that your cat can get too much exercise, but they can get too much exercise all at once. If your cat hasn't been doing much, start slow and work your way up. If your cat is suddenly avoiding exercise and hasn't previously, it's best to have them seen to ensure nothing is wrong.
What are the pros and cons of using a cat exercise wheel?
Cat exercise wheels are a cool option for your kitty cat, but they are a financial and space commitment. If you can manage it, you can definitely try it for your cat. However, cats being cats, they may only use the box it came in rather than the wheel, but it's always worth trying.
How can I train my cat to use a scratching post for exercise?
It can be hard to train your cat to use a scratching post if it doesn't already come naturally to them. If they like treats, you can try to encourage the activity by giving them a snack after they scratch a little bit. Otherwise, it can be pretty difficult.
What outdoor activities are safe for my cat?
Exploring the outdoors can be fun for cats, but it is also a dangerous place for some. If you have an indoor-only cat that you want to explore the outdoors with, first get them used to a harness and leash inside. Once they're comfortable with that, find a quiet, remote area to let them explore safely where there won't be car horns or dogs that might scare them. Slowly help them explore within their comfort zone. It's not something we want to push them into.
Can I use food puzzles to help my cat get exercise?
Absolutely. It's a great idea, especially for our lazy kitty cats that are still very food-motivated!
At Central Providence Veterinary Hospital, your pet always comes first. Whether they need routine care or something more urgent, call (704) 318-2228 or email [email protected] to schedule a visit. Our team is here for you and your pet.