Read About Your Cat and Exercise

You know you need a healthy diet and exercise, but did you know your cat does too?

Cats that live outdoors usually get their exercise naturally. Indoor cats, especially when there´s only one in the household, are a different matter altogether. They need you to help them exercise. You need to make an effort to keep them active for at least 20 minutes a day. You should make exercise fun for them and you.

  1. Start your cats exercise program for 5 minutes and then gradually increase it in 5-minute intervals until you have reached 20 minutes. Don´t forget your cat will need a breather in between. If your cat has any signs of excessive panting, then you need to stop. Doing these exercises with your cat will keep him healthy, keep him from running through the house in the middle of the night on the prowl, and keep you safe from the sneak attack on your foot when you´re least expecting it.

  2. Your cat will love anything that wiggles, dangles, or something he can chase. Some cats even fetch their toys. You will rarely find a cat that doesn´t like chasing or swatting at something. Try catnip toys, wand toys, feather toys, string toys, furry catnip mice, crumpled pieces of paper, or anything that allows your kitty to feel like the hunter he is.

  3. Exercise will improve your cat´s physical condition; it will also help prevent him from becoming obese and prevent some behavioral problems from forming. Cats are curious, social creatures. When you don´t give them time to get the exercise they need, they get depressed and lethargic.

  4. By playing with your cat on a regular basis, you will see his eyes light up and his coat become healthier. Movement increases their metabolism, heart rate and their circulation.

Help kitty track down his favorite prey (catnip toy). It doesn´t matter what age your cat is, he will enjoy play time as much as you and it will give you both a chance to bond.