Cats are quite active in nature; if given the chance, they will play and roam around. However, indoor cats are really easy to become overweight. They don’t have as many opportunities for outdoor exercise, so it’s important to create opportunities for them.
For indoor cats, your home is their ultimate playground. Exercise is essential for indoor cats as it can help them release stress, digest food, and release some mischievous energy. Otherwise, you may end up with a naughty cat on your hands!
Here are some creative tips below to help ensure your kitty stays healthy and trim, while burning up all of their extra energy.
1. Cat Tower
Cats have a natural inclination to climb, and providing them with a cat tower is an excellent way to redirect this behavior away from countertops, refrigerators, and cabinets. Cat towers are typically constructed with sturdy materials that can double as scratching posts for your cat. You can also enhance your cat’s experience by placing toys throughout the tower for them to climb up and play with.
2. Scratching Post
Scratching has been an innate behavior in cats for as long as anyone can remember, which is why most of them adore using a scratching post or tree. A scratching post not only encourages your feline to work out, extend, and fortify its muscles, but your kitty will also use it to climb and jump. Additionally, you can place a high scratching post next to a window so your cat can ponder about hunting birds, mice, squirrels, and other creatures that it would naturally target.
3. Laser Pointer
A great value option, in my view. Even the largest of cats have been known to leave their comfy spot for a chance to play with the laser. Just be careful where you shine it – some cats will pounce on the harmless red dot. Pointing it at curtains or near fragile objects could lead to trouble.
4. Place their water and food in different rooms
A greater distance between locations results in more calories burned throughout the day. If you have a two-story house, it’s advisable to place things on different levels.
5. Homemade toys that won‘t break the bank
You don’t need fancy toys to entertain your cat – a crumpled piece of paper can provide 15 minutes of playtime. Boxes, tubes, mirrors, and bags can also keep your feline friend entertained on a daily basis. They may not realize that the playful activities you leave for them at home are actually a form of kitty crossfit, but it’s a great way for them to get some exercise.
Why it is So Important
A healthy weight is essential for a cat’s longevity. Being overweight can lead to serious health issues such as diabetes and heart disease, as well as make it difficult for your feline to breathe comfortably and put strain on their joints. Ultimately, excess weight can greatly reduce your pet’s quality of life and life expectancy. It’s important to maintain a healthy weight to ensure your cat lives a long and happy life.