Cats are known to lounge. If you have a cat, especially an indoor one, you may be concerned that it isn’t getting enough exercise. Each cat’s needs are different, so you may not know how much your cat should be exercising in a day.
The exercise needs of each cat vary and depend on your cat’s age, weight, and diet, and whether it’s an indoor or outdoor pet. You can help your cat get an adequate amount of exercise by playing with it for a few minutes several times a day, totaling around 30 minutes. Your cat may run around your home on its own, and intentionally enticing it into exercise is generally unnecessary. But if you’re worried about your cat’s weight or happiness, playing with it several times a day can help it get the exercise it may be missing.
At Critter Sitters, we know how close your pets are to your heart. When you enlist the help of Critter Sitters for cat sitting, you can depend on our attentiveness and care. While you’re away, the Atlanta cat sitters at Critter Sitters will check in on your cat and keep it on schedule. Its litter boxes will be kept tidy by our cat sitters, and we can help make sure it continues to get the daily exercise it needs. If you are traveling and need a cat sitter for your furry friend, call Critter Sitters today at (404) 793-6178.
How Much Exercise Does My Cat Need?
The amount of exercise your cat needs depends on several factors. Your cat’s age, weight, and diet play a part in determining how much exercise it needs. Also, whether your cat is an indoor or outdoor pet is an important factor.
Senior Cats Versus Kittens
Although your senior cat may not be as active as it was when it was a kitten, exercising is still important. Because your senior cat may exercise less on its own, intentionally making time for play sessions can help. While senior cats may have less energy as they age, exercise can help keep your pet healthy and agile. However, it may be hard to convince your senior cat to exercise. Using treats and toys can help convince even grumpy, older cats to take part. A few short sessions of exercise throughout the day is usually enough for older cats.
Kittens have a lot of energy. Exercising can help your kitten exert energy and relax. Intentional exercise is less necessary for kittens as their curiosity will cause them to exercise plenty on their own. However, a few substantial play sessions per day can help your kitten to learn and grow. Taking time to engage with your kitten can help improve its health and keep a lid on its energy.
Underweight Versus Overweight Cats
Underweight adult cats may still need to exercise. If your cat is underweight, speak to a veterinarian about how much additional exercise your cat requires. Intentional play is important to sustain the bond between you and your pet. However, if your cat is active enough on its own and is underweight, try involving play that won’t cause it to expend a lot of energy.
Overweight cats may need to exercise more. Even with a healthy diet, a cat can become overweight if it doesn’t get enough exercise. There are many methods to exercise an overweight cat, such as putting obstacles around its food and playing with the cat with toys. If your cat is overweight and has difficulty exercising, speak with a veterinarian for help.
Healthy Diets Versus Unhealthy Diets
If your cat has a healthy diet, it will still need to exercise daily. Health doesn’t end with your cat’s diet; a cat that eats healthy must exercise as well to have well-rounded health. If your cat only lounges, it may still gain unnecessary weight regardless of its healthy diet. Several installments of play per day can help lazy cats with healthy diets stay fit.
Cats with unhealthy diets may not have the energy to exercise at all. If you’re unsure whether or not your cat’s diet is healthy enough to sustain exercise, speak with a veterinarian. They can advise you on the best foods for your cat’s breed, age, and lifestyle. An unhealthy diet may cause your cat to be sluggish. If that’s the case, it may not exercise independently and may find it harder to participate in intentional play.
Indoor Versus Outdoor Cats
Generally, indoor cats get less exercise than outdoor cats. If your cat can roam around outdoors, it can get enough exercise from hunting and exploring. Indoor cats might not. While intentional play with both indoor and outdoor cats is important, taking note of how often your indoor cat exercises on its own can help you gauge how much additional exercise it needs.
Why Won’t My Cat Exercise?
When your cat isn’t interested in exercise, it may become overweight. If you’ve noticed that your cat isn’t exercising independently and refuses to partake in intentional play, it may be time to speak with your veterinarian. Maybe your cat is bored and doesn’t feel the urge to play or move about. In that case, get creative and try new ways to keep your cat fit.
Although we know you’d love to spend every moment with your cat, that’s not always possible. Sometimes, work and life may take you away from your furry friend for a bit. When that happens, Critter Sitters can check in on your cat while you’re away. Our cat sitters will not only feed your cat and clean its litter box, but we can also play with your cat to make sure it gets the daily exercise it needs. Let us know how your cat prefers to exercise, and we’ll take it from there.
If your cat struggles with exercise, Critter Sitters can help maintain intentional play while you’re away. While our cat sitters take care of your cat, they help it get the daily exercise it needs.
If You Need a Pet Sitter, Call Critter Sitters Today
When traveling or working during the day, it’s important to know your pet is safe at home. Call the Rosewell cat sitters at Critter Sitters to watch your cat while you’re away at (404) 793-6178.
