enquiry shows that61 percent of favored cats are fleshy or obeseand should probably be on some type of weight loss plan . That does n’t mean you may just put your Arabian tea on a diet , however . They need to get exercise , too .
But encouraging your indoor cat to work out can be a real challenge . It ’s not as easy as taking your kitty out for a walk like you might with a dog . So how can you exercise a cat ? We have six great ( and easy ! ) slipway you may keep your indoor bozo active and primed .
Why Exercise Is Important for Cats
Even though cat are inherently indolent creatures , they need exercise . steady movement will help them maintain a levelheaded weight , which in itself can preclude debilitating health conditions like diabetes and arthritis , but it also helps strengthen their muscle , heart , and lungs .
forcible natural action is also good for a cat ’s mental wellness . It can get down their stressand stave in off ennui . The goal is to make practice session something enjoyable that your cat look forward to , like playtime .
6 Exercises Your Cat Will Love
It ’s all about involvement . Give your khat a reason to do something , and they ’ll be excited while they play . you could get your Arabian tea moving by incorporating these round-eyed game into your daily routine .
1. Try the Laser
cat utterly love lasers , and this toy is a tremendous way to give your cat a physical exercise . polish the optical maser a few inches in front of your cat and wiggle it a minute to lure them to trail the dot . As soon as they do , move it a bit further and further until you have your cat running around the entire room after the laser point .
Just do n’t overdo it with laser cursor play . Some CAT who have very high prey drives — the desire to give chase and catch prey — get frustrated and obsessive with laser pointers , because it ’s all " Chase " and no " Catch . "
2. Use Teaser Wands
computed axial tomography wand toyscan also get your cat run for . you may find these in pet storage or even make them yourself . Just verify it has something on the end that your cat lie with , like a feather or opus of fuzzy fabric . Drag the wand around the business firm and prompt your cat to chase it .
You do n’t want to take your cat from 0 to 60 , so to speak , because this could lead in hurt . Slowly still your cat into exercise and increase the duration or intensity level as they build up their survival .
3. Encourage Climbing
Cats get it on mounting , and it ’s a terrific exercise for them . If you do n’t already have a cat tree , get one now . you’re able to boost your cat to climb it by playing with a puzzle wand on the tree or placing other toys on the top . Invite your big cat to jump between the tree ’s surfaces by move your hands from open - to - airfoil . This can be a fun soldering secret plan , as well !
4. Get Them a Playmate
Solo cats may not be as alive as those with buddies because theydon’t have someone to toy with . This is something you ’ll desire to consider cautiously , but it could be helpful to get your Arabian tea a housemate . fetch a kitten or younger playfellow into your home to keep your guy busy and Salmon P. Chase around the house ( in a playful direction , of course ) . Just remember thatit ’s a process introducing a new catinto your current cat ’s territory , so be cautious .
If you ’re not ready for a second cat , why notset up a cat play datewhere your jackpot can play with other cats ?
5. Consider a Cat Wheel
Cat exercise wheelsare the feline equivalent weight of a salt mine , but they do require some preparation . The first part involves getting your cat used to the cycle and teaching them how to use it . Some cats arrest on quickly and dead love go in the wheel , whereas others would rather just lie on it . It ’s best to incentivize the activity with treats and positive reinforcement .
If your cat is loath , lead them to the employment wheel with a treat they love . First , just get them to put their mitt on the wheel and treat them . Do this for a few days until your hombre jumps into the wheel on their own . Then , hold the treat out in front of them , just out of reach , so they have to walk on the bike to get the treat . Give them a net ton of extolment along with the treat . Keep this up until they are moving on the wheel by themselves .
6. Start Leash Training
We were just joking about the “ not being able-bodied to take your cat for a walk ” affair earlier because you actually canleash - walk your catif you choose to . Many cats be intimate exploring the outdoors , and this collapse them a safe style to do it . You ’ll first need to get your cat used to the harness , then slowly inaugurate them to the outdoors .
Cats are n’t like dogs , in that most do n’t take to walking on a tierce in the same elbow room . Many kat do n’t respond to being pulled , so you have to be patient and take the time to work with them . Keep treat on hired hand and attempt to keep their attention as you lead them around . Walking your Arabian tea may not face like what you would wait . But it ’s groovy employment for them , and it gets you both out of the house .
Cats should get between 15 and 30 minutes of practice each day . Because qat are most participating at dusk and dawn , train to work out them around those hours .
Make Cat Exercise Fun For Your Pet
Even though we can reason that the overall benefits of exercise outweigh the initial irritation , it ’s unsufferable to convey that to your quat . Instead , you need tomake their usage fun . mask it as playtime , and never pressure your cat to exercise when they ’re tired or just not feeling it . abbreviated periods of movement here and there throughout the day add together up and can help extend their sprightliness .
