Yes, cats need exercise too. As with humans, a sedentary lifestyle can have negative effects on physical and mental health. But how much exercise your cat really needs depends on your individual cat. Here’s why cats need exercise and how you can provide the necessary resources.
Cats generally need about 30 minutes of exercise per day to stay healthy and happy. However, this can vary depending on the cat’s age, breed, lifestyle and individual personality. 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 sleep about 18 to 22 hours a day and tend to remain active when awake. Most kittens have high energy levels and need an hour or more of exercise every day. The good news is that as long as you provide plenty of toys and games, your kitty will likely play enough to get the exercise he needs.
In the wild, cats move naturally through hunting and playing (which is basically just hunting practice). For this reason, cats that have access to nature tend to get more exercise than indoor cats. However, enriching the environment can still give your indoor cat the exercise it needs, even if space in your home is limited.
Regular exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle for cats. It helps keep them physically and mentally fit and promotes overall well-being.1 Promoting exercise and play can also help prevent behavioral problems such as destructive chewing and scratching.
Cats spend a lot of time sleeping, lounging and grooming and are prone to short bursts of energy during the day and night. Provide your cat with opportunities for physical activity and mental stimulation through toys, scratching posts, and interactive play with people.
Regular exercise helps cats burn calories and maintain a healthy weight. This can help prevent obesity and reduce the risk of related health problems such as diabetes and arthritis.2 Additionally, exercise helps maintain and build muscle tone and strength in cats.3 This can be especially important for older cats, who may be more prone to muscle wasting and weakness.
Exercise mentally stimulates cats and prevents boredom, anxiety and depression, which can lead to destructive behavior and other behavioral problems. Playing with interactive toys or games can help cats stay mentally fit and engaged. Regular playtime and activity can help reduce stress and anxiety, prevent behavior problems, and promote social interaction with people and other pets.
To find the best exercise options for your cat, you need to know what your cat enjoys. Some cats spend their time playing independently, while others are more likely to play when a human initiates play. Cats are typically most active at dusk and dawn, so these times are ideal to start a play session with your cat.
Try these ideas at home to encourage your cat to exercise:
Interactive cat toys like food puzzles and battery-operated toys allow your cat to play without people. Some cats bat around tiny toys like catnip mice or balls, but others lose interest if they can’t interact with the toy. Some interactive toys dispense food or have compartments to hide treats, which is great for food-loving cats. If your cat needs to lose a few pounds, use vet-approved low-calorie treats in these toys or consider using them for food! Making a cat work for his food is a great way to help him lose weight and be mentally stimulated.
Wand toys are used by people to play with cats. Many cats go wild when their human brings out the bird on the stick or the feather feather. A great advantage of this type of play is that it strengthens the bond between you and your cat.
Scratching posts offer cats outdoor-like adventures in the safety of indoors. You 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 claws and exercise their paws. Although it may not seem like physical exercise to us, using a scratching post is similar to a type of cat yoga.
Balance wheels look a bit like giant hamster wheels. If your cat likes to run and you have enough space, a cat exercise bike can be a real asset. For your cat’s safety, be sure to purchase it from a reputable company.
Other pets in the household can be suitable playmates for your cat, as long as they all get along. However, a playmate is no substitute for environmental enrichment and human bonding time. No matter how many pets you have, each one needs individual attention and toys and equipment that suit their personalities.
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