Cats, like us, need exercise to shed extra weight and maintain good health. And also like us, the consequences of carrying around extra weight are serious, ranging from osteoarthritis and high blood pressure to decreased life expectancy.<\/p>\n
Watching what your cat eats is a given – healthy diet, healthy cat, right? We know that moderate portions and healthy foods are important for them just as they are for us. But a healthy diet isn\u2019t enough. Without the other side of the equation – proper exercise – our cats won\u2019t be fit.<\/p>\n
Where do you start? Approach your cat\u2019s \u2018workout regime\u2019 with a few key points in mind. First, cats are natural hunters. Their ancestors used to stalk prey for their meals. Second, they\u2019re also notoriously lazy. Your cat is happy to spend most of its day lounging in the sun. It\u2019s up to you to help your cat overcome that urge. Finally, your cat doesn\u2019t have a very long attention span. Keep that in mind when it\u2019s time to engage them in play.<\/p>\n
Combine Mealtime and Playtime<\/strong> Devote Time Every Day<\/strong> Use What\u2019s Lying Around the House<\/strong> Climbing to the Next Level<\/strong> If you can provide sturdy and safe shelving for your cat to climb up, then do so. There are also plenty of pieces of cat furniture available in pet stores that can help you to help your cat get elevated.<\/p>\n Adjust With Your Cat\u2019s Age<\/strong> A healthy diet isn\u2019t enough – cats, like people, also need exercise. Please contact us at Dr Paws Anakie Road Veterinary Clinic if you’d like any more information.<\/p>\n Serving the pet community of the City of Greater Geelong. The pawfect location for pet parents living in Bell Park, Geelong, North Geelong, Post Hill, Newcombe, Lara and surrounding areas!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Cats, like us, need exercise to shed extra weight and maintain good health. And also like us, the consequences of carrying around extra weight are serious, ranging from osteoarthritis and high blood pressure to decreased life expectancy. Watching what your cat eats is a given – healthy diet, healthy cat, right? We know that moderate […]\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2191,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1467","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-petcare-articles"],"yoast_head":"\n
\nPlay to your cat\u2019s natural instinct to \u2018stalk\u2019 their food with simple toys that parcel out goodies as they engage in a little fun. A simple cardboard box filled with a small bit of dry food and a few holes can keep your cat active during meal time. Feeding your cat on top of their cat climbing tree is another great way to get a little extra exercise at meal time \u2013 as is feeding them at the top landing of a set of stairs.<\/p>\n
\nDevote time every day to exercise your cat. Keep the sessions short – 10 to 15 minutes in active play. Fishing rod toys, toy mice, motorised toys and other toys can keep your cat moving. Even a flashlight can get your cat active. Just remember to let your cat catch what they are stalking occasionally or they could get bored and move along.<\/p>\n
\nOf course, scratching posts and cat trees can entice your cat to keep moving. But a few open boxes or a few empty toilet paper rolls can keep your cat moving too. Pay attention so none of it turns into a choking hazard. Remember that the best type of exercise for your cat is object play. Cats love their toys. The right type of play will not only keep their bodies fit, but their minds sharp as they pounce, tumble, hunt, paw or stalk across the living room.<\/p>\n
\nMost cats love to climb and any climbing activity, if undertaken regularly, will help to improve your cat\u2019s fitness levels. The best climbing trees provide many and varied levels, scratching and climbing options. Scratching is a great way to expend energy \u2013 so look for a climbing tree that includes a post which allows your cat to scratch at full stretch.<\/p>\n
\nYounger cats may initiate playtime and will likely stay engaged longer than older cats. Older cats – or overweight cats – may not have the endurance to stick with it. But remember that any time you can spend benefits your pet.<\/p>\nTips to Take Away<\/h6>\n
\nUse your cat\u2019s instinct to stalk to coax him or her to exercise.
\nMake 10 to 15 minutes a day to actively engage in play with your cat.
\nDon\u2019t push your cat too hard \u2013 know when to stop (no panting).<\/p>\n