How to Exercise a Cat

New Year’s Resolutions for Your Cat?

Happy New Year! We’ve all got a few resolutions we’re working on this year, and for many of us, that includes trying to live a healthier life. If you’ve got a cat at home, you want them to be healthy too! However, kitties love treats and they don’t always love exercise. You may be wondering if it’s even possible to exercise your cat. Cats do love to play but can often get bored quickly and flop right down after two minutes of playtime! Here’s a few tips on how to exercise a cat from your friends at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill.

A Few Tips on How to Exercise a Cat

Playtime is exercise time, but what do you do when your cat gets bored quickly or just isn’t interested? Here are a few tips on how to exercise a cat:

• Short sessions a few times per day – Your cat may have a short attention span (don’t we all?), so 10-15 minutes of playtime is all your cat may be interested in. That’s okay! Try playing a few times per day if you have a few minutes here and there. Repeated playtime isn’t just great for your cat’s physical health, but for their mental health, too!
• Change up the environment – Your cat might just be bored playing in the same area every day. Add new obstacles and toys every once in awhile to liven things up. Switching out your scratching post for a new cat tree may just be the boost your cat needs to feel interested again.
• Try puzzle toys – Feathers and laser pointers are great, but a bored cat (or a lazy one) might just feel they’ve outsmarted that toy already. Puzzle toys will keep a mindful cat’s interest for longer.
• Let their toys be the prey – Your cat is a natural predator! They will want to bite, chew, scratch, and chase. If you want your cat to exercise, encouraging this behavior is a great idea! Be prepared for them to chew up or destroy their toys just as you might expect with a dog. It’s natural and not only will it help them stay active, but you’ll notice they’re happier as well!

Concerned for Your Cat’s Health? Call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill

If you’re having trouble getting your cat to exercise, or you’re concerned about their health, eating habits, or weight, it’s time to talk to the vet! Call the Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill for more information on how to exercise a cat, our medical services, or to schedule to an appointment at 856-662-2662.