5 Ways to Get Your Cat to Exercise

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT
fast facts

TopFeatures
1
ADVERTISEMENT

It’s time to tone those kitty abs! Here are some ideas on how to get your cat to flex her muscles and move it to lose it.

Is your kitty a little chubby? Then it’s time to implement an easy workout routine to get her to be more active so she can slim down to a healthier weight. But enticing a lazy cat to get moving can certainly be a challenge.

With the tips below, you can gain a better understanding of what motivates kitties to be active so you can entice your feline friend to exercise more.

Cats Like Short Bursts of Activity

Felines are used to bursts of activity, such as when they’re on the hunt, rather than sustained physical activities. So don’t expect your kitty to run a marathon, as she’ll prefer a short, high-energy sprint instead.

Related:Top 5 Gotta-Have-‘Em Cat Toys

A laser pointer or a feather wand are a couple of toys that you can use to awaken your cat’s hunter instinct to pounce, jump, and run after “prey.” But if your kitty is particularly difficult to motivate, you can try giving her a very small treat once she achieves grabbing the toy and taking down her prey. If she knows that there will be a tasty reward at the end, she might want to participate more.

You don’t have to play with your cat for a long period of time. Even just a couple of minutes maybe two to three times daily could be helpful. You can set a schedule of playing a bit in the morning, again around the middle of the day, and again before bed, especially since kitties tend to be most active around dawn and dusk.

Make Meal Time Exercise Time

Another incentive that you can use to get your kitty to move is food. After all, your cat loves to eat, so why not use food as a tool to motivate her to exercise daily?

Related:NoBowl Feeding System Lets Your Cat Play With His Food

Don’t leave dry food out in a bowl for your cat to munch on whenever she feels like it. Instead, create a feeding schedule so you can serve a few small meals throughout the day. Once you set a schedule, don’t place the bowl down right away; instead, carry it around the house, from room to room and up and down stairs, as your kitty follows you.

Another way to encourage more movement at mealtime is by using interactive feeders or puzzle toys. You can also place the food bowl in a different part of the house so your cat will have to walk to it before chowing down.

Even just a little bit more movement like this several times a day, especially when combined with a healthy diet, may help your cat lose excess weight more easily.

Set Up a Kitty Obstacle Course

Agility training is usually associated with dogs, but you can create a homemade obstacle course for your kitty as well. Cats with a lot of energy, those that are motivated by treats and their favorite toys, and those that are trained from a young age could benefit from a run through a fun, kitty-friendly obstacle course that consists of hoops, tunnels, hurdles, and more.

The idea here is to get creative when it comes to playing with your pet. Even if you don’t want to set up an obstacle course, you can keep things easy. For example, a simple toy like a shoelace can be used to entice your cat to run around the house chasing you as you drag it behind you.

Keep Things Fresh

Your cat may become bored with the same old toys every day. When it comes to toys that are safe to leave out for your kitty to find, as well as those used for interactive play, try rotating them. Adding new toys to the mix could also help.

Encourage Climbing

Many cats enjoy climbing up to a high perch, and the process of getting up there is a good form of exercise. Invest in a cat tree with several levels, and use it during play sessions to encourage your pet to climb quickly up the tree to grab her favorite toy. Remember, daily activity and exercise is important for cats at every life stage and at any weight. With a high quality diet and regular play, you can help your kitty maintain a healthy weight or slim down if necessary.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

All-Natural Wondercide Jerky Dog Treats A Safe and Tasty Option For Co

If you like your dog jerky made in the USA, then you’ll want to turn your attention to Wondercide’s Jerky Medallions and Jerky Strips. With so mu…

Best Harnesses For Shorkies

Your Shorkie has a delicate neck and windpipe - make sure you protect her. That''s why we''ve compiled a list of the best 10 harnesses for Shorkies.

6 Sanity-Saving Tips On How To Manage Your Multi Dog Household

Your home doesn''t have to descend into furry anarchy! We have a few sanity-saving tips on how to manage your multi dog household.

Rub-A-Dub-Dub – A Pug In A Tub Is This Week’s Wet Wednesday Winner

Chillin’ out in the tub – that’s how Nacho the Pug rolls. Livin’ the Pug Life in Seattle, WA, Nacho is our fourth Wet Wednesday Weekl…

Dameranian

The lovely Dameranian will charm you from the get-go! They are a good choice for seniors and families with older children, as well as apartment dwellers.

Bourke’s Parakeet

Bourke''s Parakeet has gentle, cute looks that reflect their equally temperate behavior- which is perfect if you want a minimum hassle, affectionate pet.

Bloodhound

The Bloodhound has a personality that is among the best in the world of dogs and makes for a loyal house pet, a friendly companion, and a great friend.

Frozen Fruit and Lavender Bark for Dogs

Feeling hot and peckish? Break off a piece of this honey-sweetened frozen bark for your dog... and while you''re at it, get a piece for yourself!

Product Review: Tall Tails Cape Pocket Towel

Splish, splash! Oscar takes a bath and dries off with the Tall Tails Cape Pocket Towel It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s just Oscar after…

Potential Corgi Shortage – Say It Ain’t So! (Spoiler Alert: It Ain

Pembroke Welsh Corgis join the Vulnerable Breed List in the UK, but hold strong in the hearts of Americans Corgis have captured the heart of the royal family…

Muffin’s Halo Is A Fashionable Guide For Blind Dogs

This adorable accessory lets blind dogs lead a normal life and make a fashion statement at the same time Some accessories aren’t purely for fashion and…

And The Winner Of The Merrick Dog Food For A Year Contest Is…

Drum roll please! The winner of the Merrick Dog Food for a year contest is Lori W. She’s mom to two poodles… and another puppy on the way. She&r…

Cat Declawing Now Banned In Denver, Colorado

It’s official in Denver, Colorado–veterinarians are now banned from declawing cats unless the procedure is medically necessary. Veterinarian Aubr…

There’s a New (and Clever) Litter Box on Kickstarter Right Now

The Janar Litter Box at first glance appears to be a simple and well-designed pod-style litter box, but its simple aesthetic belies the smart functionality resting within.

Aki-Poo

The Aki-Poo brings together the eager-to-please the Poodle and the protective the Akita. A protective dog that is known to be playful and affectionate.