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How to exercise a cat: 10 Cat Exercises Your Pet Will Enjoy

by alexxlab

10 Cat Exercises Your Pet Will Enjoy

Enticing your dog to get active with a walk around the block or a game of fetch is a no-brainer and a fairly common pet health practice. But when it comes to cats, many people don’t realize the value of exercise.

Many veterinarians recommend cat workouts to keep cats healthy well into their old age. And though a cat won’t exercise as readily as a dog will, there are a few strategies that will help you keep your cat active and mobile.

Try these 10 cat exercise tips:

  1. Pair up exercise partners. Since a cat won’t respond to your requests to play as easily as a dog might, Jean Hofve, DVM, author and manager of LittleBigCat.com in Denver, has a simple solution to ensure that felines get their needed cat exercise: Start with two cats. “A pair of cats who get along well will get plenty of exercise through their own wrestling and chasing games. I’ve known older cats who still wrestle like kittens,” says Dr. Hofve, adding that it’s easier to get two cats at the same time than to introduce a second cat later on.
  2. Try a cat tower. The multi-tiered “cat towers” sold online and in pet stores are another good way to ensure that your cat will have plenty of places to play and areas to climb for a good workout. Susan Nelson, DVM, an associate professor of clinical sciences at Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in Manhattan, Kansas, suggests placing small treats in different parts of the tower to encourage climbing and playing.
  3. Keep plenty of toys around. Because cats tend to keep to themselves much more than dogs, the best strategy for cat workouts is to give them plenty of options in the form of toys. And these don’t have to be expensive toys from the pet store either. Dr. Nelson says you can use everyday household objects as toys to encourage cats to exercise. Think pingpong balls or balled-up pipe cleaners.
  4. Create a hockey rink. To make things even more interactive and fun, Nelson recommends putting a ball in a large cardboard box or the bathtub to create an instant “hockey rink” for your cat. As the ball goes flying off the walls (and the cat goes flying after it), you’ll get some laughs and your cat will get some much-needed exercise.
  5. Have fun with lasers. Speaking of laughs, few things will entertain you more — or have your cat moving faster — than a laser pointer on the end of a pen or leveling tool. “Laser toys are often good entertainment, but follow it up with a real toy the cat can catch to avoid fixation and frustration over never being able to catch the light beam,” says Hofve. “Be sure to never shine the beam directly into the cat’s eyes.”
  6. Give your cat a wand. This is a great cat exercise and a good follow-up to the laser, Hofve says. Get one of the flexible wand-style toys with a feather, mouse, or other diversion on the far end. “Interactive play with a wand or fishing-pole-type toy is fabulous exercise, usually quite funny, and extremely satisfying for the big hunter in your little cat,” Hofve says. “You can make it more challenging by running the toy up and over the sofa or up and down stairs to increase the exercise intensity. ”
  7. Use catnip wisely. Catnip is a useful tool for getting your cat to exercise, but Hofve says it’s best to use it only in the proper situations. “Remember that not all cats respond to catnip, and of those that do, a few will become aggressive from catnip,” she says. “Also, never give catnip before a stressful event, such as a trip to the vet. Your vet will thank you!”
  8. Get your cat on a treadmill or wheel, with supervision. Believe it or not, you can actually teach your cat to run on a treadmill for exercise, Hofve says. “It’s best to start when they are young, have lots of energy to burn, and are easy to entice with a toy,” she says. “Also, you should always supervise the cat while it’s on the treadmill.” Cats can run up to 30 miles per hour, but start slow and work up because you do not know what your cat’s speed is, Hofve says.
  9. Go outside. With proper training and the right equipment, you can entice your cat to walk with a leash and a harness outside, just like dogs do. “Leash-walking is great if you can get your cat to tolerate the harness and lead,” says Hofve, who favors a type of harness that is more like a soft garment for the upper part of the cat’s back, with straps built in. “Make sure the harness fits properly and can’t be wriggled out of. Young cats are easier to train, but in all cases it takes patience and perseverance.” First let them get used to the harness, then attach the leash and let them drag it, and then pick up the leash and put a little bit of pressure on it. It could take a week or two to get them really comfortable, although Hofve says they may take to it immediately.
  10. Create an agility course. If your cat is extremely energetic and agile, try some cat agility exercises, Hofve suggests. You might be more familiar with these challenges for dogs or horses, but cats can also enjoy this mix of speed and challenge. These programs include a number of obstacles, such as bars to jump over or tunnels to pass through, which push your cat both physically and mentally, Hofve says. She recommends researching cat agility courses online.

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How to Get Your Cat to Exercise

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Reviewed by Vanesa Farmer, DVM on March 16, 2023

You’re not the only one who needs to work out. Exercise is important to your cat’s overall health. Movement, especially the kind that uses their hunting skills, can keep their weight down and help them work off extra energy. Playtime is crucial for their mental well-being, too — it can help stop depression and boredom, which can lead to bigger health and behavior issues.

With a little help from you, your kitty can stay healthy and active — and have a little more fun, too.

Aim to play with your cat for around 10 to 15 minutes at a time. If they don’t enjoy it, they’ll let you know. When they get bored, put the toys away and offer some praise and a few treats.

Introduce some new toys. You probably already know that cats are fond of feathers and strings. But you can watch them while they play to find out what kinds of objects they like best.  Try out a toy shaped like a bird, then one that looks like a mouse, and another that resembles a bug. The plaything she likes most can help you figure out what kind to buy in the future. 

Be prepared for the kill. Cats are especially satisfied when they can get their teeth and claws solidly into their playthings. Let them do it, and be ready to offer replacement toys and feathers when old ones get worn out.

Add some new levels to your games. Get a multi-story cat tree and put it near an open floor space where your cat can run, then jump onto it.

Get your cat a piñata. Cats love to bat things that hang overhead. Food inside will offer even more motivation. To make a piñata, use a plastic container, like an old yogurt or sour cream cup with a lid. Cut a small hole in the bottom of it. Put a treat or two inside and hang it up with a string where your cat can reach it. If they hit it the right way, the treats will fall out.

Put on a tail. If you tuck a string or a long piece of cloth into the back of your pants, your cat can chase it as you walk around the house. But don’t leave the string out if you’re not supervising. If your cat swallows the string, it can be life threatening.

Take a hike. Just like dogs, cats can learn to walk on a leash, though it’s best if you can teach them how while they are young. Strolls outside are best suited to cats who aren’t shy. Use a harness instead of just a collar and the leash. Before you go outside together, make sure there aren’t any loose neighborhood dogs that might spook them.

Don’t forget the lasers. A laser pointer can provide endless entertainment and, yes, exercise, as your cat chases it. Take care not to shine the laser directly into the cat’s or anyone else’s eyes.

Put playtime on the calendar. Carve out a spot in your schedule for you and kitty to have some fun every day. Cats are most active at dawn and dusk, so the evening or early morning would be ideal. You might also work in a play session before their meals to give them the thrill of the hunt as the cat “catches” their food.

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how, when and how to play with a cat

TRAINING

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Although domestic cats love to rest and nap, they also need to play and move. Find out why being active is important, how to play with your cat the right way, and how to find her favorite activity.

Not surprisingly, domestic cats move much less than outdoor cats. But play and exercise for cats are critical to their overall well-being. It’s important to find ways to tap into your pet’s natural animal instincts, and five minutes of intense play three times a day is recommended.

Why are exercises and games important?

Playing with your cat is not just an opportunity to bond with her, it’s a way to keep her healthy so you can spend more time together. Worldwide, rates of obesity in pets are on the rise, so by incorporating exercise into your cat’s daily routine, you can help your cat maintain healthy weight, tone muscles, and avoid diseases that come with obesity, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

In addition to being healthy, games and exercise also help your cat develop good habits. The game stimulates the cat in a positive way, preventing her from spoiling household items such as furniture or plants. They also teach good and bad times to play, and help keep you alert and active.

How much activity does a cat need?

Although your cat’s need for movement may vary depending on age, weight and current activity level, it is generally recommended to have at least three five-minute intense play sessions each day.

When you play with your cat, remember that they are predators by nature and these short, five-minute bursts of activity are comparable to how they hunt in the wild. Even domestic cats were born to climb, jump, hunt and chase. Don’t be afraid to tap into these animal instincts and mimic their natural behavior while playing.

How to train a cat correctly?

To find out whether your cat likes to climb or chase, try different toys and activities in turn. This will help you see which ones she likes the most. It’s also good to change toys every couple of days so your cat doesn’t get bored.

And speaking of toys, here are some of our favorites:

  • Cat Trees: The perfect cat tree is a floor-to-ceiling structure made from a variety of materials that your cat can use for both climbing and combing. claws. Also, this tree is a great answer to how to train cats, as it provides an opportunity for effective training.
  • Catnip Mice: Your cat is good at running, hunting the toy like prey.
  • Feather Stick: These toys imitate birds and cats love to hunt them. This kind of hunting is better than the real one, so you have a good way to take care of the wildlife! During the game, carry your cat, flutter and flutter with feathers of the toy, as if it were a bird.
  • Cardboard boxes: Cats love to hide and jump into boxes. The advantage of such a toy is that, most likely, you already have it at home.
  • Flashlights or Lasers: Cats love to hunt, and a laser or flashlight is an easy way to make them run by moving the beam around the room and up the walls. Just make sure your game ends with your cat catching its “prey” so there’s no frustration. (Remember not to shine a beam, especially a laser, directly into a cat’s eyes.)
  • Cat Wheel: If your pet has a surplus of energy and you have room for a cat wheel, this is a good accessory that will allow your pet to run and chase more.

Although cats love to relax, regular exercise and play have a big impact on their health. Whether you are already exercising with your cat or just thinking about it, remember that your games should engage her natural instincts. There are so many ways to play with your pet and find what she likes the most. Exercise for your cat will help her stay active and happy for years to come.

Read about why it’s important for kittens to have time to play too.

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7 commands you can teach your mustachioed pet

– Mood is no joke, cat breeders say. – When your pet is in the mood to play, at such moments you can teach him to bring a ball, a bow, some other small toys, or learn the “jump through the hoop” trick. But you must understand that it will take much more time to train a cat than to teach the same commands to dogs. And not because some are smarter, while others are not. Cats are wayward, and if at some point your pussy becomes lethargic, sleepy, or just not in the mood, then you will not force any commands to follow (or learn them).

7 simple cat commands

There is a standard set of commands that almost any cat can learn.

Give a paw

Put a treat on your palm, bring it to the mustachioed pet and wait for the kitty to put its paw on your hand, as if asking for a treat. If she won’t reach for the treat, show her what needs to be done, then praise her, let her eat a treat and stroke her. The next time your mustachioed friend starts to raise his paw at the sight of a treat in his palm, say the command “give paw.” Repeat this 5-7 times, then take a break.

Sit

When the cat is circling next to you, press gently on the croup and the moment she starts to sit, give the command “sit”. After you make a request, you can snap two fingers to get the animal’s attention. Dog breeders at this moment raise their index finger. The click must be played after each command so that the cat reacts to it.

You can teach your kitty this exercise not only by pressing on the croup, but also by repeating the command along with the click when your furry friend sits next to him.

Crawl

The command must be learned when the kitty is lying down. With one hand, start stroking the fluffy, gently pressing on his back, not letting him get up. With the other hand, hold the yummy, gradually moving it away from the muzzle to the side. The cat, unable to stand up, will reach forward for the treat, pulling itself up on its claws.

Bring

You can teach this command to a cat if he is playful and likes to wear some things and toys. The next time you throw a ball, a bow or a mouse to your kitty (it can be on a string to pull it a little towards you) and she brings it to you, give her a treat for this. If it drops on the way, don’t give anything. Repeat the exercise several times in a row, accompanying the throw with the sound of the command. Do not spend more than 3 – 5 minutes on the exercise, otherwise the kitty will quickly get tired of it. Give treats only when your pet does everything right. And don’t expect quick results.

Come to me!

First, figure out how you will call the mustachioed pet to you. It can be “kiss-kiss” or some other expression. For the first time, beckon your cat to you by picking up her favorite toy or treat. Pet treats should be lured before eating, 15 minutes before feeding, when the cat is already hungry. As soon as she approaches you, reward her with a treat and pet her. As soon as the animal begins to approach you from small distances, start increasing them. Repeat the exercises in different rooms two or three times a day.

Jump

If you have an adult cat, a small hoop will work for this exercise, if you have a kitten, you can use a large hoop. Put them in front of the kitty, and on the other hand, beckon her with a treat. As soon as the animal crosses the circle, reward it. In a few days, when the fluffy understands what they want from him, and will do everything right, start little by little, literally a couple of centimeters, to raise the hoop so that the kitten makes a jump. Accompany the exercise with the “up” or “jump” command.

Voice

Practice this command before eating, teasing the kitty with treats. Take a yummy, bring it to the muzzle so that the pet can smell it, and lift it higher. Wait until the mustachioed friend starts making different sounds, demanding food. When you hear a distinct “meow”, let him gobble up a treat.

Parenting Tips

Training a kitten is easier than training an adult cat. In the second case, you just need more time.

Suitable age for training a kitten is 6-8 months.

You need to train your pet 1-3 times a day, no more. Each approach should not take more than 5 minutes.

If the cat does not respond to commands, do not force or scold. Take a break and start over after a while.

For treats, choose treats that are different from your pet’s normal diet. If feeding dry food, give wet food and vice versa. Kitty must want to eat this yummy.

When training cats, treats should be given at the moment when the kitty has completed the exercise. The treat should be ready by now. If you hesitate and treat your pet after a minute, the animal will not understand that he was given a treat for the trick he performed.

Training should be done before the main meal.

In addition to treats, do not forget to stroke the animal, scratch behind the ear and praise it.

After your cat learns to quickly execute a particular command, start weaning the animal from treats. Give treats not for every trick, but for 2-3 performed in a row. Then, instead of a treat, you can simply stroke and praise the pet.

Popular questions and answers

We talked about how to teach a cat commands from veterinarian Anastasia Kalinina and zoopsychologist, cat behavior correction specialist Nadezhda Samokhina.

Which cat breeds are best trained?

– All breeds can be trained to some extent. The main thing is to find an approach, – says Nadezhda Samokhina. – But it is believed that Bengal, Abyssinian, Somali cats, Chausie, Orientals, Maine Coons are best trained.

– And also active sociable cats, for example, Siamese, Kuril Bobtail, Rex, Sphynx, Siberian and common mongrel, – says Anastasia Kalinina.

Which cats cannot be taught commands?

– It does not depend on the breed. It’s just that some breeds are easier to train, while others are more arrogant and stubborn,” explains Anastasia Kalinina. – Persian cats are the most difficult to learn, they are not very sociable and get tired of the importunity of people.