Yes, cats need exercise, too. As with humans, a sedentary lifestyle can lead to negative effects on physical and mental health. But determining how much exercise your cat truly needs comes down to your individual cat. Here's why cats need exercise and how to provide the necessary resources.
Cats generally need around 30 minutes of exercise per day to stay healthy and happy. However, this can vary depending on the age, breed, lifestyle, and individual personality of the cat. Some cats may be content with short bursts of activity, while others may need more intense playtime or structured exercise routines.
All cats sleep a lot, but kittens typically snooze about 18 to 22 hours a day and they tend to stay active during their waking hours. Most kittens have high energy levels and need to exercise an hour or more each day. The good news is as long as you provide plenty of toys and games, your kitten will likely play enough to get the exercise she needs.
In the wild, cats naturally get exercise through hunting and playing (which is basically just hunting practice). Because of this, cats with access to the outdoors typically get more exercise than indoor cats. However, your indoor cat can still get the exercise she needs through environmental enrichment, even if space is limited in your home.
Regular exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle for cats, helping to keep them physically and mentally fit and promoting overall well-being. Encouraging exercise and play can also help prevent behavioral issues like destructive chewing and scratching.
Cats spend a lot of time sleeping, lounging, and grooming and tend to have short bursts of energy throughout the day and night. Provide your cat with opportunities for both physical exercise and mental stimulation through toys, scratching posts, and interactive playtime with people.
Regular exercise helps cats burn calories and maintain a healthy weight. This can help prevent obesity and reduce the risk of associated health problems such as diabetes and arthritis. Plus, exercise helps maintain and build muscle tone and strength in cats. This can be especially important for older cats, who may be more prone to muscle loss and weakness.
Exercise provides mental stimulation for cats and helps prevent boredom, anxiety, and depression, which can lead to destructive behavior and other behavioral concerns. Playtime with interactive toys or games can help keep cats mentally sharp and engaged. Regular playtime and activity can help reduce stress and anxiety, prevent behavioral problems, and encourage social interaction with humans and other pets.
Finding the best exercise options for your cat is all about knowing what your cat enjoys. Some cats spend time playing independently while others are more likely to play when a human initiates play. Cats tend to be most active around dusk and dawn, so these are great times to initiate a play session with your kitty.
Try these ideas at home to encourage your kitty to exercise:
Interactive cat toys, like food puzzles and battery-operated toys, enable your cat to play without a human. Some cats will bat around tiny toys like catnip mice or balls, but some lose interest if they cannot interact with the toy. Some interactive toys dispense food or have compartments to hide treats, which is great for food-motivated cats. If kitty needs to shed some pounds, use vet-approved low-calorie treats in these toys, or consider using them for meal time! Making a cat work for its food is a great way to help them lose weight and be mentally stimulated.
Wand toys are used by humans to play with cats. Many cats go wild when their human brings out the bird-on-a-stick or the feather teaser. A great feature of this type of play is that it reinforces the bond between you and your cat.
Cat trees provide outdoor-like adventure for cats in the safety of the indoors. They can climb, scratch, lounge, and stretch for hours. It's also a great way for multiple cats to socialize.
Scratching posts and mats give cats the opportunity to stretch, maintain healthy nails, and exercise their paws. While it may not look like exercise to us, using a scratcher is kind of like kitty yoga.
Exercise wheels look a bit like giant hamster wheels. If your kitty loves to run and you have the space, a cat wheel can be quite enriching. Be sure to purchase yours from a reputable company for your cat's safety.
Other pets in the home may be suitable playmates for your cat as long as everyone gets along. However, a playmate is not a substitute for environmental enrichment and human bonding time. No matter how many pets you have, each one needs individual attention as well as the toys and gear that fit their personality.
Cats can certainly benefit from daily walks, but it's not necessary for all cats. If your cat is trained to use a leash and harness, a daily walk is an excellent way to provide exercise and mental stimulation.
A cat lacking proper exercise and enrichment may develop behavioral issues, including destructive chewing or scratching and peeing outside of their litter box. They may also gain weight or lose muscle mass. Exercise requirements vary from cat to cat, so talk to your veterinarian about your individual cat's needs.
Some cats simply don't play a lot, and that's okay. You may need to try out a few different types of toys and games to see if there's one your cat likes. If your cat is food-motivated, try interactive food-dispensing toys or food puzzles. If your cat enjoys watching wildlife at the window, this is a great time to initiate play. However, if your cat is not responding to play then be sure to check with your veterinarian. Cats are great at hiding pain and arthritis is super common in cats. Get your cat in for an exam and see if pain may be the reason for your kitty's lack of interest in play.
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