How to Exercise Your Cat in 4 Ways

Are you concerned about your cat's health and well-being? Regular exercise is just as important for cats as it is for humans. Exercise helps prevent obesity, promotes cardiovascular health, and stimulates the mind. However, exercising a cat is different from exercising a dog. Cats require activities that cater to their unique personalities and instincts. How much exercise a cat needs depends on a couple of factors, but we'll explore 4 cat exercises to help keep your feline friend active and healthy.

1. Walking on a Leash

You may be asking, can you walk a cat? The answer is, yes you can. Walking a cat on a leash is an excellent way to get your cat's daily physical activity in, provided they're comfortable with it. You can use a harness or a leash, but it's essential to choose the right size and fit for your cat. Start slowly by allowing them to explore their surroundings and gradually increase the duration and distance of the walk. Walking on a leash provides your cat with fresh air, new sights and smells, and plenty of stimulation.

Benefits: Walking on a leash helps improve your cat's cardiovascular health, enhances its mood and mental well-being, and helps build trust and strengthen your bond.

2. Playing with their Favorite Toy

Cats love to play, and there's an endless variety of toys available on the market. From interactive toys to feather wands to laser pointers, there's something to suit every cat's preferences. Playing with toys helps stimulate your cat's mind and provides them with physical exercise. There is also a great opportunity for enrichment, hiding treats in mats to have them get after them.

Benefits: Playing with toys helps improve your cat's agility, promotes muscle development, enhances their mental well-being, and strengthens your bond.

DIY Cat Toys

If you're looking for a more affordable and personalized option, consider making your cat's toys for them to use at playtime. You can use items around your home, such as cardboard boxes, paper bags, and toilet paper rolls, to create a variety of toys. DIY toys are a great way to exercise your cat while also providing them with mental stimulation.

3. Climbing

Cats are natural climbers, and providing them with vertical spaces to explore is an excellent way to exercise them. You can set up a cat tree or cat tower, a wall-mounted climbing system, or even a bookshelf that your cat can climb on. Make sure the climbing area is safe and secure, and supervise your cat until they're comfortable with it. Other good options are a scratching post or a cat condo to get two birds with one stone. 

Benefits: Climbing helps improve your cat's balance, coordination, and flexibility, as well as providing these natural hunters a place to explore.

 4. Chasing

Cats are natural hunters and love to chase things, and you can use this to your advantage by providing them with plenty of opportunities to do so. You can use a toy mouse, a ball, or even a piece of string to get your cat's attention. Ensure the toys are safe and appropriate for your cat's age and size. Also, if you have the ability to care for more than one, cats love to play and chase with feline companions. 

Benefits: Chasing helps improve your cat's agility, promotes muscle development, and provides them with mental stimulation.

The Mental and Emotional Benefits of Exercising Your Cat

In addition to physical exercise, mental exercise is also important for cats. Mental stimulation helps keep their minds sharp, prevents boredom and destructive behavior, and provides them with a sense of accomplishment. You can provide mental exercise for your cat by offering puzzle feeders, hiding treats around the house, and teaching them new tricks. By engaging your cat's mind, you can help prevent cognitive decline and ensure that they remain active and healthy throughout their life. Overall, a combination of physical and mental exercise is the key to maintaining your cat's overall health and well-being.

Common Cat Exercise Mistakes to Avoid

When exercising your cat, it's essential to avoid common mistakes that can harm your cat's health or safety. These include overfeeding your cat, forcing them to exercise, and ignoring their signals. Adding natural cat food to your pet's diet may be a way to combat this, but always consult with your veterinarian before starting a new exercise routine or making any changes to your cat's diet. Regular exercise is crucial for your cat's health and well-being.