Yes, cats also need to play. Just like with people, a dull lifestyle can hurt your mental and physical health. But it's up to your cat to decide how much movement it really needs.
Make sure your cat gets enough movement by following these steps.
How often should cats go for walks?
Kittens
usually have a lot of energy and need to play for at least an hour every
day. Cats that are adults need to
exercise for about 30 minutes every day to stay healthy and happy. These two figures may be off, though, based
on the cat's age, breed, way of life, and attitude. Some cats might be fine with short bursts of
movement, while others might need more active playing or set times to exercise.
Cats get
plenty of exercise in the wild by hunting and playing, which is basically
practice for hunting. This is why cats
that can go outside usually get more exercise than cats that stay inside. Even if you don't have a lot of room in your
home, you can still give your indoor cat the exercise she needs by adding new
things to her surroundings.
Why is it important for cats to get some exercise?
Cats should
get regular exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. It helps them stay
physically and mentally fit and improves their general health. 1. Promoting play and exercise can also help
stop behavior problems like eating and digging things that aren't meant to be
chewed on.
Health Benefits
Cats can
stay at a healthy weight and burn calories by exercising regularly. This can help keep people from getting fat
and lower their risk of health problems like diabetes and arthritis that come
with it. 2 Also, cats can keep their muscles toned and strong by exercising. 3. This is something that can be very important
for older cats, who may be more likely to lose strength and become weak.
Perks for your mind
Cats need to
exercise to keep their minds active and to avoid getting tired, anxious, or
depressed, all of which can cause harmful behavior and other behavior
problems. Cats can keep their minds
sharp and busy by playing with toys or games that they can interact with. Playing and being active every day can help
lower stress and worry, keep your pet from acting out, and support social
contact with people and other dogs.
How to Get Your Cat Moving
To find the
best ways for your cat to exercise, you need to know what it likes. Some cats like to play by themselves, while
others are more likely to play when someone starts it. Cats are most busy at night and early in the
morning, so these are great times to play with your cat.
Try these
ideas at home to encourage your pet to exercise.
Interactive Cat Toys
Interactive
cat toys, like food puzzles and battery-operated toys, allow your cat to play
without a person. Some cats will bat
around tiny toys like catnip mice or balls, but some lose interest if they
cannot interact with the toy. Some
interactive toys distribute food or have sections to hide treats, which is
great for food-motivated cats. If your
kitty needs to shed some pounds, use vet-approved low-calorie treats in these
toys, or try using them for meal time!
Making a cat work for its food is a great way to help them lose weight
and be mentally active.
Wand Toys
Wand toys
are used by people to play with cats.
Many cats go wild when their person takes out the bird-on-a-stick or the
feather trick. A great feature of this
type of play is that it strengthens the bond between you and your cat.
Cat Trees
Cat trees
provide outdoor-like fun for cats in the safety of the indoors. They can climb, scratch, rest, and stretch
for hours. It's also a great way for
different cats to interact.
Scratching Posts
Scratching
posts and mats help cats to stretch, keep healthy nails, and exercise their
paws. While it may not look like
exercise to us, using a scratcher is kind of like dog yoga.
Exercise Wheels
Exercise
wheels look a bit like big hamster wheels.
If your kitty loves to run and you have the room, a cat wheel can be
quite rewarding. Be sure to buy yours
from a respected company for your cat's safety.
Other dogs
in the home may be ideal playmates for your cat as long as everyone gets
along. However, a friend is not a
replacement for natural stimulation and human relationship time. No matter how many pets you have, each one
needs individual care as well as the toys and gear that fit their personality.
FAQ
• Do home
cats need a daily walk?
Cats can
certainly benefit from daily walks, but it's not required for all cats. If your cat is taught to use a lead and
collar, a daily walk is an excellent way to provide exercise and mental
activity.
• How do I
know if my cat is getting enough exercise?
A cat
missing proper exercise and stimulation may develop behavioral problems,
including damaging eating or scratching and peeing outside of their litter
box. They may also gain weight or lose
muscle strength. Exercise requirements
vary from cat to cat, so talk to your doctor about your individual cat's needs.
• What if my cat doesn't want to play?
Some cats
simply don't play a lot, and that's okay.
You may need to try out a few different types of toys and games to see
if there's one your cat likes. If your
cat is food-motivated, try interactive food-dispensing toys or food games. If your cat likes watching wildlife at the
window, this is a great time to start play.
However, if your cat is not responding to play then be sure to check
with your doctor. Cats are great at
hiding pain and arthritis is super common in cats. Get your cat in for an exam and see if pain
may be the reason for your kitty's lack of interest in play.
If you think
your pet is sick, call your vet quickly.
For health-related questions, always contact your doctor, as they have
checked your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best
suggestions for your pet.