It’s no secret that exercise is one of the key ingredients for a long and healthy life and this is true for our pets as well. Unlike humans, cats don’t need to do 20 minutes of aerobic exercise 3 times a week to stay fit. They also don’t need to be walked several times a day like dogs, but they do need to lead an active life. It’s challenging not only for us but also for our furry feline pets to get off the couch and engage in some kind of cat physical activity that gets the heart rate up and provides a good workout.
Outdoor cats get all the exercise they need, exploring, chasing leaves, birds, flying insects, climbing trees, and just being curious, stalking and attacking fictional or real prey, including scratching, scratching, chasing, and climbing. Rarely do you find “fat cats” who enjoy the outdoors.
“Feline obesity” is more of a concern for indoor cats, however, they can still be healthy and content, as long as they get exercise in other ways. It can help if your indoor cat has a companion pet and if you can encourage him to play for an hour or so each day, such as chasing or running after and crushing toys, etc. Also, cats get better exercise when they do something that comes naturally to them, like predatory acts, stalking or climbing, etc. However, it will take some effort on your part to ensure that your pet participates in your cat fitness program.
To help encourage your feline to be more active, there are some great cat exercise equipment and toys that you can make yourself or purchase, such as:
cat toy
Laser Bolts, Fling-ama-string are examples of some of the toys that will get your cat active. Cats love to chase bolts of light or try to catch whatever is at the end of the rope. Some of these are automated so your cat will use them with or without you. There are tons of other toys out there that encourage the cat to do what comes naturally…chase and catch. Some mimic birds, mice, or insects. Even though your cat is not hunting, she still enjoys the actions and movements involved in the hunting process and will create a form of play. Balls are great, anything your cat can hit, possibly carry and try to smash, bite and roll. Keep toys for your cats, especially if they spend a lot of time alone.
cat scratching posts
Scratching is very natural for cats, with or without claws. There are so many scratching posts to choose from, from the inexpensive covered cardboard, rope or carpet posts to the more elaborate ones found in many of the cat trees and gyms discussed below. The cat scratcher is an essential piece of exercise equipment for cats and they love using it, even more than your expensive furniture.
cat trees
These climbing structures were intended for cats whose natural instincts are to climb, relax in safety, and gaze at the world below. This goes back to the beginning of Cats. Many of these cat trees are made of rope or carpet fabric that allows them to use their claws to climb or without claws to jump or get the traction to get up. Most incorporate multiple platforms on various levels that cats love to relax on. Depending on the size and number of decks, condos, accessories, including scratching posts, these trees vary in price, but there is one for every budget. Trees can be quite large, but can easily be placed in corners and out of the way places. Cats love their own furniture, they will claim it and use it.
cat gyms
There are plenty of game possibilities with these as well. Cat gyms come in various sizes and prices, and can include multiple platforms, trays, towers, squish toys, and tunnels. Cats will use their imaginations and make good use of gyms. If you spend a little time with your cat getting him interested in how to use his own gyms, you will soon discover that he will play on his own, if only for several minutes at a time. Cats only need a few minutes here and there to be considered active.
cat exercise wheel
Cat exercise wheels are fairly new. They are simply a very large wheel that the cat walks, jogs, or runs on much like hamster wheels. Training the cat is pretty simple in that you place the cat, hold it there with a treat or two, and move something in front of it to make it walk and spin the wheel. Soon, they will have the wheel turning. These are expensive and also quite large, so budget and space will determine if they are appropriate for your home and pets.
Outdoor pet pens, cages, mesh tunnels
If you have a patio or even a deck where you can place your cat outside for fresh air but don’t want her to escape, then this could be the solution. Again, there are many sizes, styles, and prices for every budget or purpose.
Collar, leash and harness for cats
This is not for all cats, but there are some that like to take short walks. It’s best to start teaching “cats” to walk when they’re young, although some older ones walk on the leash like the old pros. Get the kitten used to wearing a collar with a “safety device” that allows the cat to escape if the collar gets caught on something. Then attach a long, thin leash or cord to the collar and begin walking the cat indoors, gradually moving outdoors in safe areas, and finally onto sidewalks when you feel your cat is well groomed. Some cats will absolutely refuse, but others, especially cats that are more “dog-like in temperament” such as Siamese, Burmese, Russian Blues, Ragdolls, Oriental Shorthairs, will consider “leash walking” if the walk it is short If you’re traveling with your cat, then a collar, harness and leash is something you should spend time getting your cat used to so you can get him out of the cat bags or carry-on bags and let him “stretch” the Fearless legs. fleeing and getting lost or injured.
DVDs and videos
There are many Cat-inspired visual and audio products on the market to help your cat deal with loneliness and stay mentally alert. Plus, there are even “cat exercise videos” to encourage activity.
Make exercise “fun” and your cats will join in. Play is healthy and can incorporate getting in shape, which is essential for the physical and mental well-being of your cats. It helps to overcome boredom and discourages the development of behavior problems, especially for those who spend a lot of time alone or don’t get a lot of individual “attention”.
Enrich the life of your Cats and they will enrich yours. Keep them entertained with lots of toys to play with, exercise equipment and high places to relax. You will have a very happy and content cat.