Is Your Cat Getting Enough Exercise?

How Much Exercise Does Your Cat Need?

According to behaviorists and veterinarians, cats should have between 20-60 minutes of exercise per day, The time range depends on your cat’s health, age, and specific needs. This should be done 5-10 minutes increments to mimic your cat’s natural activity. Cats are hunters and like to sneak, stalk, and chase their prey before they pounce. When playing with your cat, try to mirror this behavior - then you’re sure to get the most out of your play sessions! Check out this list of the top 11 Best Cat Toys of 2023.

Signs Your Cat Needs More Exercise

If you aren’t aware, you may miss some of the signs that your furry needs more playtime. Here are some of the most common signs below:

1. Destructive and Aggressive behavior

As I’m sure some of you have unfortunately experienced, some cats will tear up your furniture. Instead of channeling their built-up energy into a toy, cats that are bored and lacking in proper mental and physical stimulation will turn to items that can find around the house.

Similarly, cats that have lots of pent-up energy might choose to release it in aggressive behaviors. If your cat is attacking your feet when you walk through a room or clawing at you when you try to pet them, they might just be bored.

2. Obesity& Overeating

If your cat has put on weight, that’s a major sign that they aren’t burning enough calories every day and probably overeating. Just like humans, cats will turn to food when they’re bored or stressed. If you free-feed your cat, you may notice them returning to their bowl more frequently throughout the day. Obesity is unfortunately common but very dangerous for your cat - particularly as they age. It’s a great idea to start incorporating more playtime into your routine to help your cat in the long run.

3. Over-grooming

Lack of exercise makes your cat bored - which is stressful for them. Grooming gives your cat an outlet to control their anxiety, but over-grooming can lead to hair loss and irritated patches of skin, if not addressed quickly. If you see this sign, make sure to address it right away.

4. Lethargy

If your cat seems to be sleeping more than normal or they aren’t especially interested in playtime, this could be a sign of lack of exercise. The same thing happens with us humans. The more we avoid our workout routines, the less energy we have and the less likely we are to add exercise into our days. As soon as we make the effort to exercise regularly, we have an instant energy boost. The more you work with your cat to exercise, the more energy they will have throughout the day.

Ways to Encourage Your Cat to Exercise

While cats need exercise, they aren’t always as ready and willing to play as dogs can be. Here are a few ways you can make playtime fun and exciting for your cat.

1. Appeal to Your Cat’s Natural Instincts

Games and toys that encourage a cat’s natural hunting instincts will be much more enriching for your cat. Use slow, controlled movements to encourage your cat to chase the toy, and make sure to let your cat catch the “prey” every once in a while, so they don’t become frustrated with the game.

Doing these play sessions in short bursts throughout the day is perfect for your cat’s physical and mental health.

2. Provide Vertical Access for Jumping and Climbing

For times that you can’t be there to initiate play, having shelving or cat towers around the house is a great way to encourage exercise.

Being high up is comforting for many cats, and the jumping and climbing movements are fantastic exercises for them.

3. Use Treat Toys and Enrichment Activities

If your cat really needs some extra motivation to exercise, use their food or a special treat as motivation. Puzzle toys are great options to engage their brain, while also working out some of their extra energy. You can also DIY your own enrichment toys and games using things you have around the house. Toilet paper rolls can become great puzzle toys by just filling them with treats and bending down the openings. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

4. Rotate Your Cat’s Toys for Added Excitement

If your cat no longer seems interested in playing with their toys, it might simply be because they’re bored of playing with the same toys. To help with this, rotate through a set of your cat’s toys, so they only have access to a few at a time. This makes it even more exciting every time you bring out a different toy.

5. Create a Playtime Routine

Cats are also creatures of habit, and they prefer an exercise routine that happens at the same time every day. The more you stick to the same times, the more your cat becomes conditioned to participate in exercise every day. Schedule your cat’s playtime into your daily routine, so that your cat feels even more encouraged.

Want a Denver Cat Sitter that Cares About Your Cat as Much as You Do?

At Denver Pro Pet Sitting, we know how important exercise is to your cat’s overall health and happiness. Our trusted cat sitters provide love, attention, and fun enrichment for your cat while you’re away, so get much-needed exercise while you have peace of mind.

Nelson RithJanuary 30, 2023