Just like people, cats benefit from regular exercise. However, it isn’t always easy to keep your feline pal active, especially once she has passed her adorable kitten phase. As you may have noticed, Fluffy spends the vast majority of her time sleeping. How do you get your drowsy pet to work out? In this article, a Conyers, GA vet offers some suggestions on keeping kitties active.
Playing is a great workout for Fluffy. Make sure your kitty has lots of fun toys to play with. Cats all have their own purrsonal opinions about things. Some kitties prefer catnip mice, while others may love batting at plastic balls. Give your pet a variety to see what she likes best.
Consider getting Fluffy a cat tower, if she doesn’t have one already. This can help keep your kitty active, by encouraging her to jump and climb. (The tower will also give her a place from which she can bat at your sleeve with her claw, though that probably won’t burn many calories.)
While we definitely wouldn’t universally advise all of our clients to get another cat, it may be a good option for some. If Fluffy is young, and spends a lot of time alone, she may appreciate having a pal to play with. Of course, you’ll need to think carefully before deciding. Adopting a pet is a lifetime commitment!
Toys are great, but we also recommend playing with your cat regularly. Use toys that you can control, such as a wand toy or laser pointer. This will make playtime more challenging for your kitty, and will also allow her to indulge her inner huntress.
At times, you may have to basically trick your cat into staying active. For example, if you toss a ball down the hall, your feline buddy will probably run after it, just out of sheer curiosity. Simply calling your cat can also help. Even if your pet just runs down the hall to you, it’s still beneficial. Small things add up! Pet her or give her a toy when she reaches you, so she doesn’t think she made the effort for nothing. (Of course, Fluffy may also completely ignore you when you call her, but that’s another topic.)
Do you have questions about your cat’s diet or care? Please call us, your Conyers, GA vet clinic, anytime.
