The next time you leave your cat out of any exercise routines, remember that you are not the only one who needs to keep fit. At the end of the day, you want your beloved pet to live a long and healthy life.
Cat routine exercises are one of the best ways to ensure your cat does not succumb to issues like overweight. It also helps alleviate their boredom and depression (yes, cats get depressed, too), which affects their overall health and behavior.
There are many ways to keep up with your cat's exercise routines, even when you think there are no ways to do it. Try out these 5 tips:
1. Schedule Exercise Time
The best way to ensure your cat gets maximum exercise is by creating an exercising schedule. Just like you like working out in the morning or the evening, there is a time for your cat. Cats are most active at dusk or dawn.
Scheduling their exercise time within this period ensures they are in the mood for it. Alternatively, you can schedule exercise or playtime around mealtime.
2. Keeping Playtime Short
Yes, short spans of playtime will yield you results in the long run. However, unlike dogs that could play for extended periods, your cat needs at least 10 to 15 minutes of playtime for each session. You can do this at least twice or thrice a day if you have an elderly cat. For younger cats and kittens, you can do up to 10 sessions a day.
3. Learn to Read Your Cat
Yes, know when your cat is in the mood to play or when they want to sit back and relax. If your cat is not interested, you will tell by their body language. They will be disinterested in whatever you do, even if you throw their favorite toy at them.
If you persist, their reaction could worsen, with scratching, biting, hissing, or the ears pointing forward.
When in the mood, your cat will offer you a more positive response to any activities. Throw their favorite toy around, and they will rush towards it.
It is also important to know when to pause the games and let your cat catch their breath. If your cat starts breathing heavily or panting, it's time to take a break! Playtime should be fun, and playing with an exhausted pet is not fun.
4. Get a Play House
Or a play tree or a playing item with multiple access levels. If you have an open space with enough spare area, such an item would be an excellent addition. It provides your cat with several places to explore. Even when they jump a few meters high to get to another level, that's an exercise they would not get when lying on the couch.
5. Always Have Enough Toys
Like wild cat cousins, pet cats will want to dig their claws and teeth on things they consider a kill. So if you're going to keep your cat's exercise routine, you need to be prepared to get the new play toys often, especially when old ones are all chewed up.
Of course, there is no specific toy that is ideal for all cats. Like us, cats have different personalities. Ensure you learn your cat's personality. Know what toys they love the best. However, spice the collection a bit with birds and mouse toys since most cats love hunting these.
Workouts For Your Cat
There are many exercise options that you can try with your cat, and here are a few options to explore:
Laser Pointers
These are not just for your cat. They will provide you with an endless dose of laughter as you watch your cat try to move fast. Ensure you don’t shine the beam on their eyes, though!
Leash Training
If your cat loves the outdoor, leash training is an excellent opportunity to get them running around and burning calories.
Puzzle Toys
These are more than playing toys. They provide your cat with positive reinforcement, mainly when you include treats inside.
If you are wondering how to keep your cat engaged and healthy, try the above 5 ways to increase your cat's exercise routine. With the added workout tips, your cat will be up and running whenever needed and stay fit.
