Yes, cats need exercise too. As in humans, a sedentary lifestyle can have negative effects on physical and mental health. But deciding how much exercise your cat really needs depends on your cat's specific situation. Here's why cats need exercise and how to provide the necessary resources.
Cats typically need about 30 minutes of exercise per day to stay healthy and happy. However, this may vary depending on the cat's age, breed, lifestyle and personality. Some cats may be content with brief periods of activity, while others may require more intense playtime or a structured exercise routine.
All cats sleep a lot, but kittens typically nap for about 18 to 22 hours a day, and they tend to stay active during their waking hours. Most kittens are energetic and need an hour or more of exercise each day. The good news is that as long as you provide enough toys and games, your kitten will probably play with enough toys to get the exercise she needs.
In the wild, cats naturally get exercise through hunting and playing (which is basically just hunting practice). Therefore, cats who live outdoors usually get more exercise than cats who live indoors. However, even if you have limited space in your home, your indoor cat can still get the exercise she needs through an enriched environment.
Regular exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle for cats, helping to maintain their physical and mental health and promoting overall health. 1 Encouraging 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 tend to have short bursts of energy during the day and night. Provide your cat with opportunities for physical exercise and mental stimulation through toys, scratching posts, and interactive playtime.
Regular exercise helps cats burn calories and maintain a healthy weight. This helps prevent obesity and reduces the risk of related health problems such as diabetes and arthritis. 2In addition, exercise helps maintain and enhance your cat’s muscle tone and strength. 3 This is especially important for older cats, who may be more susceptible to muscle loss and weakness.
Exercise provides cats with mental stimulation and helps prevent boredom, anxiety, and depression, which can lead to destructive behavior and other behavioral problems. Playing with interactive toys or games can help cats keep their minds sharp and engaged. Regular play 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 likes. Some cats spend time playing independently, while others are more likely to play when their humans initiate play. Cats tend to be most active at dusk and dawn, so this is a great time to play with your kitty.
Try these ideas at home to encourage your cat to exercise:
Interactive cat toys, such as food puzzles and battery-operated toys, allow your cat to play without human company. Some cats will flap around small toys like catnip mice or balls, but other cats will 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-driven cats. If your kitten needs to lose weight, use vet-approved low-calorie treats with these toys, or consider using them at mealtimes! Making cats work for food is a great way to help them lose weight and stimulate their spirits.
Wand toys are used by humans to play with cats. Many cats go crazy when their humans bring out a bird on a stick or a feather teaser. One of the great things about this type of play is that it strengthens the bond between you and your cat.
Cat trees provide cats with a safe indoor adventure experience in the outdoors. They can climb, scratch, rest and stretch for hours. This is also a great way for multiple cats to socialize.
Scratching posts and mats give cats a chance to stretch, maintain healthy nails, and exercise their claws. While it may not feel like exercise to us, using a scraper is a bit like cat yoga.
An exercise wheel looks a bit like a giant hamster wheel. If your cat loves to run and you have the space, an exercise wheel can make your life more enriching. For your cat's safety, always buy from a reputable company.
Other pets in the home may also be suitable playmates for your cat, as long as everyone gets along well. However, playmates are no substitute for rich environments and relationship time. No matter how many pets you have, each one requires individual care and toys and equipment that fit their personality.
Cats can certainly benefit from daily walks, but not all cats need this. If your cat is leash and harness trained, daily walks are a great way to provide exercise and mental stimulation.
Cats that lack proper exercise and nutrition may develop behavioral problems, including destructive chewing or scratching and peeing outside the litter box. They may also gain weight or lose muscle mass. Exercise requirements vary from cat to cat, so check with your veterinarian to learn about your individual cat's needs.
Some cats just don't play often, and that's okay. You may want to try a few different types of toys and games to see if there are any that your cat likes. If your cat is interested in food, try an interactive food-distributing toy or food puzzle. If your cat enjoys watching wildlife by the window, this is a good time to start playing. However, if your cat doesn't respond to play, be sure to talk to your veterinarian. Cats are very good at hiding pain, and arthritis is very common in cats. Take your cat for a checkup to see if pain is the cause of your cat's lack of interest in playing.
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