No
doubt your cat will benefit from regular exercise. Yet, there are a variety of
misconceptions about what amount of exercise is the right amount. Some of this wrong
thinking stems from concern over their weight, from people mistaking them for
dogs or from not understanding what their natural modes of exercise were when
they were in the wild.
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| Photo: Ann Horne Evanger's Cat Food provides high quality protein needed to maintain a healthy weight and immune system |
Here’s
some insight on your best options to provide your cat the proper amount of
exercise.
Myth
#1–Cats become fat from lack of exercise. While a bored cat that constantly
lounges isn’t likely to remain sleek and toned, cats typically become fat from
being overfed and being fed the wrong food. With proper nutrition and a focused
feeding routine, cats perk up and find ways to stay active on their own. For
tips on a healthy weight-friendly meal for your cat, check out our tips
on weight management for cats.
Myth
#2–Cats need to be exercised. In the wild, dogs live in packs that run around
together all day. As domesticated breeds, they’re expected to chase prey all
day or pull carts or sleds all day. Cats are different creatures that have
never followed this formula.
Myth
#3–Cats have more exercise when in their natural habitat. No doubt cats in the wild are more
likely to need to run flat out to escape a predator. But that has never stopped
them from running amok through the entire house simply for their pleasure. In
fact, kittens will play themselves into total exhaustion. Adolescent cats, Alpha
types and Beta buddies are other cat types that tend to play themselves out. If
your cat doesn’t find incentive to exert himself at least once daily, lend a
hand. Especially older cats need the extra push of us throwing toys around to amp
them up. Or consider wand toys, lasers and cat exercise equipment.
If
everything indicates that your cat needs more exercise, consider the options
below.
#1–Water and food workout. If you have a lazy cat that’s fixated
on food, separate his water and food so that simply moving from one to another
burns some calories. It’s good for cats to get some type of workout. This will keep him happy
and healthy into old age.
#2–New treats. If you're committing to a
healthier lifestyle for your cat, it will likely lead to you spoiling him less
with food treats. But just because you want your cat to lose weight doesn't
mean you can’t provide him with any special treats. Find a healthy cat treat
made of single source muscle meats, or buy fun toys instead of food treats.
Focus on items that will really get your cat moving, like a stringed feather on
a pole that your cat will never get tired of swatting.
#3–Create more vertical space. Provide safe vertical spaces for
your cat to jump into and from within a safety realm. This could be a set of
empty shelves, windowsill or cat tree. Even when you're not home to play with
your kitty, he still has options for burning calories.
#4–Cheap non-toys. Cats love to play with paper,
boxes and bags. Leave these items around the house in high places where your
cat can safely jump to and turn play sessions into workout time.
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