Outdoor cats usually get enough exercise on their own by climbing, walking, running, stalking and pouncing. But making sure indoor cats get enough exercise can be a challenge. Take advantage of your cat’s passion for climbing and perching in high places. You can reduce the wear and tear on your sofas and drapes while you provide hours of fun-filled exercise for your cat if you buy climbing towers and tubes, or put out cardboard boxes as a maze in your living room. If you have a yard, consider using cat fencing around some of it so even an indoor cat can enjoy outdoor experiences in a safe contained area.
As a change of pace from their familiar cat toys, both indoor and outdoor cats enjoy feather toys or a real feather. Your cat might have fun stalking and pouncing on a dry autumn leaf that skitters across the lawn or floor on a puff of wind or with a little help from you. A long dry blade of grass or thin rope extended around a corner or peeking out from under a rug can take on snake-like qualities with just the smallest effort on your part and will be irresistible to even the most mature and dignified cat. You will find yourself enjoying these cat games as much as your cat. Of course, cat nip toys are always a favorite when you’ve run out of other creative ideas.
If you have an outdoor cat he will get all the exercise he needs outside. But if you have an indoor cat, getting enough exercise is an important issue you need to address. Like dogs, cats that don’t get enough exercise are more likely to suffer from stress as well as heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes.
Cats sleep more than any other mammal and can sleep up to 18 hours a day. But when they are
awake it’s time to play. Get your indoor cat a feather toy or make one yourself by using strips of fabric and taping them to the end of a wooden dowel. Also, climbing towers can provide hours of fun and exercise for indoor cats and will help to save your upholstered furniture.
There are many creative ways to use catnip to provide exercise for your cat. For example you can try sprinkling catnip on your carpet for a few hours before vacuuming, or give him catnip toys to play with.
Outdoor cats get enough exercise outside by climbing, hunting and playing. But it’s still fun for both you and your cat to play inside with feather toys or strings.
living room. If you have a yard, consider using cat fencing around some of it so even an indoor cat can enjoy outdoor experiences in a safe contained area.
