Cats Need Exercise, Too - 10 Ways to Help Them Get It

Like dogs, responsible pet owners must help ensure that their feline companions get sufficient exercise. A healthy adult cat requires approximately 30 minutes of exercise daily, which is best broken into multiple shorter bouts throughout the day.  

Mature cats, or those with health issues, will likely get by with less than half an hour. Obese pets will need to be eased into exercise slowly to avoid injury.  

Outdoor cats will typically achieve their exercise needs independently. And kittens are naturally energetic. But since adult cats spend most of their time indoors, they may require stimulation to be sufficiently active. The following are 10 ways you can encourage your cat to move. 

1. Wand Toys 

Cats are predators, so tapping into their natural hunting instincts is an easy way to engage their minds and bodies. Dangling light feathered, colorful, or sparkly items from the end of a wand or rod can mimic birds, butterflies, and insects. These are the natural prey of cats, so they will respond by chasing the item. 

 
Wand toys are perfect where space is limited because you can direct your cat backward and forward in the same area without them growing bored. They're also great for owners with limited mobility because they don’t require you to do more than move your hand. 
 

2. Lasers 

Laser pointers can also be used to encourage stalking and chasing behavior. Even sunlight reflected off a shiny surface will create a "target" (ever caught your cat chasing the reflection of your wristwatch?). However, it may become disheartening over time not to catch something tangible. So, avoid relying solely on these. 

3. Climbing “Trees”/Towers 

Climbing “trees,” or cat towers, are constructions of objects and shapes that challenge and intrigue cats. The saying “curiosity killed the cat” didn’t come from nowhere—if there’s something to be climbed and investigated, cats can’t resist. 

 
You'll find a variety of them for sale in pet stores, but you can easily make your own. Create multi-stories from old cardboard boxes and other containers, and try to include a variety of textures. Including some "hidy holes" will provide your kitty with a safe space to nap or take time out from other household pets and children. 

If you have free wall space, consider including shelving in your climbing tree. But keep in mind that a free-standing tower can be moved between rooms. Be sure to observe your cat do a “full circuit” to ensure there are no dangerous sections that might trap or harm them. 

4. Scratching Posts 

 
In the outdoors, a cat's claws are naturally filed by rough ground or tree bark. But indoor cats need a textured scratching post to trim their claws (or they will use your furniture). Scratching is also a form of exercise because the cat will balance on two or three legs, strengthening and extending its limbs. (However, older cats may struggle to perform their nail grooming and require you to clip their nails.) 

5. Interactive Toys 

 
When choosing toys for your cat, opt for interactive ones that will keep them entertained even when you're not there. Cats lose interest in static toys much quicker than dogs. Look for battery-operated toys that can be chased or that dispense/hide treats like catnip. This kind of toy will stimulate the cat's hunting instincts and keep them stimulated. Swap toys out to keep things interesting. 

6. Puzzle Feeders 
 

Puzzle feeders make a cat work for its food. They are a great way to keep them mentally stimulated and to slow food intake for cats that need to lose weight. Pet stores will stock a range of feeders, but you can also make your own. Use a wooden or plastic tray as a base and build a maze of small containers, empty toilet paper rolls, and Lego blocks. But avoid small parts that could come loose and result in choking. Then, scatter and hide your cat’s food in the maze to replicate the effort they would make if they had to catch their food themselves. 

7. Piñatas 

Piñatas aren’t just for children. A small piñata made to replicate something a cat would usually prey on, like a bird or mouse, can be filled with treats and hung to provide hours of entertainment. 

8. Walking  
 

Increasingly, we see people walking their cats. Cats can be trained to walk on a leash, but it's preferable to start training them as kittens. And not all cats will take to it. It's better to use a harness than a collar on a cat because they can more easily slip out of a collar than a dog.  

9. Exercise Wheels 

Cat exercise wheels come in various sizes and are an excellent way for indoor cats to exercise while their pet parents are at the office. Getting your cat acquainted with the wheel may require some enticement at first. Placing treats strategically or using a wand toy will help move the wheel.  

10. Hide and Seek 

Cats can be open to a game of hide and seek. Try hiding their favorite toys around the house for them to find. Or hide yourself behind furniture and reward them with a cuddle when they find you. 

Exercising your cat will keep them healthy and help maintain their optimal weight. It also engages them mentally and can thus help prevent them from becoming bored, depressed, or destructive. But perhaps the best thing about exercising and playing with your pet is that it will strengthen your bond. Make sure whatever you do is an enjoyable experience for each of you, and it won't feel like exercise at all.