How can you encourage your cat to exercise. What are effective ways to keep indoor cats active. Why is regular exercise crucial for feline health. Which household items can be repurposed as cat toys. Are there outdoor exercise options for cats.

The Importance of Feline Fitness: Why Exercise Matters for Cats

Many cat owners overlook the significance of regular exercise for their feline companions. Unlike dogs, who often eagerly anticipate walks or games of fetch, cats may seem content lounging around the house. However, veterinarians stress the vital role of physical activity in maintaining a cat’s overall health and longevity.

Regular exercise offers numerous benefits for cats, including:

• Weight management
• Improved cardiovascular health
• Enhanced muscle tone and flexibility
• Mental stimulation and reduced boredom
• Decreased likelihood of behavioral issues

Encouraging your cat to engage in regular physical activity can contribute to a happier, healthier, and more balanced feline companion. Let’s explore some effective and enjoyable ways to incorporate exercise into your cat’s daily routine.

Feline Friendship: The Benefits of a Feline Exercise Buddy

One of the simplest ways to ensure your cat gets enough exercise is by providing them with a feline companion. Dr. Jean Hofve, a veterinarian and author, suggests that having two cats who get along well can naturally encourage physical activity through playful interactions.

How do cats benefit from having a feline exercise partner? Cats with companions often engage in:

• Wrestling matches
• Chase games
• Mutual grooming sessions (which involve stretching and movement)
• Competitive play with toys

These activities not only provide physical exercise but also offer mental stimulation and social interaction. Even older cats can maintain their playful spirit when they have a compatible feline friend. If you’re considering adding a second cat to your household, it’s often easier to introduce two cats simultaneously rather than integrating a new cat later on.

Vertical Adventures: Maximizing Exercise with Cat Towers

Cats are natural climbers, and providing them with vertical spaces can significantly increase their daily activity levels. Cat towers, also known as cat trees or climbing structures, offer an excellent opportunity for felines to exercise their bodies and minds.

Dr. Susan Nelson, an associate professor of clinical sciences at Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, recommends using cat towers to encourage physical activity. These multi-tiered structures provide several benefits:

• Multiple levels for climbing and jumping
• Scratching posts to stretch and maintain claw health
• Cozy perches for resting after exercise
• Opportunities for hiding and pouncing during play

To make cat towers even more enticing, try placing small treats or toys on different levels. This encourages your cat to explore the entire structure, providing a more comprehensive workout. Regularly rotating the position of treats and toys can keep the experience fresh and exciting for your feline friend.

Toy Time: Unleashing Your Cat’s Playful Side

Toys play a crucial role in encouraging cats to exercise, especially for indoor felines who may not have access to natural hunting opportunities. The good news is that you don’t need to invest in expensive pet store items to keep your cat entertained and active.

Dr. Nelson suggests using everyday household objects as cat toys. Some popular DIY cat toy options include:

• Ping pong balls
• Crumpled paper balls
• Empty toilet paper rolls
• Cardboard boxes with holes cut out
• Feathers tied to a string
• Balled-up pipe cleaners

When selecting or creating toys for your cat, consider their individual preferences. Some cats may prefer toys that mimic prey, while others might enjoy toys that make noise or have interesting textures. Rotating toys regularly can help maintain your cat’s interest and prevent boredom.

Creating an Indoor “Hockey Rink” for Feline Fun

For an engaging and interactive play experience, Dr. Nelson recommends creating a makeshift “hockey rink” for your cat. This simple yet effective exercise solution can be set up using items you likely already have at home.

How can you create a cat-friendly hockey rink?

1. Find a large cardboard box or use your bathtub as the “rink”
2. Place a small ball (like a ping pong ball) inside
3. Encourage your cat to bat the ball around the enclosed space

The confined area causes the ball to bounce off the walls, stimulating your cat’s natural hunting instincts and encouraging them to chase and pounce. This activity provides both physical exercise and mental stimulation, making it an excellent option for indoor cats.

Laser Play: Harnessing the Power of Light for Feline Fitness

Laser pointers can be an incredibly effective tool for encouraging cat exercise. The rapid movement of the small light spot taps into a cat’s natural prey drive, often resulting in intense bursts of activity as they chase the elusive “prey.”

While laser play can be highly entertaining for both cats and their owners, it’s essential to use this tool responsibly. Dr. Hofve offers the following advice for safe and effective laser play:

• Never shine the laser directly into your cat’s eyes
• Move the laser in erratic patterns to mimic prey movement
• Allow your cat to “catch” the light occasionally by resting it on a toy
• Follow up laser play with a physical toy your cat can grab and bite

The last point is particularly important, as it helps prevent frustration that can arise from never being able to physically catch the light. By ending the play session with a tangible toy, you satisfy your cat’s hunting instincts and provide a sense of accomplishment.

Wand Wonders: Interactive Play for Enhanced Exercise

Wand toys, also known as fishing pole toys, are excellent tools for interactive play and exercise with your cat. These toys typically consist of a flexible rod with a string attached, ending in a feather, toy mouse, or other enticing object.

Dr. Hofve highly recommends wand toys for several reasons:

• They allow for interactive play between cat and owner
• The unpredictable movement mimics prey, engaging hunting instincts
• They provide an excellent cardio workout for cats
• Wand toys can be used to encourage vertical movement and jumping

To maximize the effectiveness of wand toy play, try varying your technique. Move the toy across the floor, up and over furniture, or up and down stairs to increase exercise intensity. This variety not only provides a more comprehensive workout but also keeps the play sessions interesting and engaging for your cat.

The Role of Catnip in Feline Exercise

Catnip can be a useful tool in encouraging exercise, but it’s important to use it judiciously. This herb, which belongs to the mint family, can have a stimulating effect on many cats, often inducing playful behavior.

How should catnip be used to promote exercise? Dr. Hofve offers the following guidelines:

• Use catnip sparingly to maintain its effectiveness
• Apply it to toys or scratching posts to encourage interaction
• Observe your cat’s reaction, as not all cats respond to catnip
• Avoid using catnip before potentially stressful events (like vet visits)

It’s worth noting that a small percentage of cats may become overly aggressive when exposed to catnip. If you notice any concerning behaviors, discontinue use and consult with your veterinarian.

Feline Fitness Equipment: Cat Wheels and Treadmills

For cats that need more intense exercise or those living in smaller spaces, cat exercise wheels and feline-friendly treadmills can be valuable tools. These pieces of equipment allow cats to run at their own pace in a controlled environment.

Can cats really use treadmills? According to Dr. Hofve, with proper introduction and supervision, many cats can learn to enjoy running on a treadmill or exercise wheel. Here are some tips for introducing your cat to these fitness tools:

1. Start training when cats are young and energetic, if possible
2. Use toys or treats to entice your cat onto the equipment
3. Begin with very slow speeds and short durations
4. Always supervise your cat during exercise sessions
5. Gradually increase speed and duration as your cat becomes more comfortable

Remember that cats can run at speeds up to 30 miles per hour, but it’s crucial to start slowly and work up to higher speeds. Each cat will have its own comfort level and optimal pace.

Outdoor Adventures: Leash Training for Cats

While indoor exercise is crucial, some cats may benefit from supervised outdoor activities. Leash walking can provide cats with mental stimulation, fresh air, and varied terrain for exercise. However, it’s important to approach leash training with patience and the right equipment.

Dr. Hofve recommends the following steps for leash training your cat:

1. Choose a proper harness designed for cats (avoid using collars for walking)
2. Allow your cat to become accustomed to wearing the harness indoors
3. Attach the leash and let your cat drag it around under supervision
4. Gradually apply gentle pressure to the leash
5. Start with short indoor “walks” before venturing outside

The training process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on your cat’s temperament. Some cats may take to leash walking quickly, while others may never fully adjust. Always prioritize your cat’s comfort and safety during this process.

Creating a Feline Agility Course

For particularly energetic and agile cats, setting up an agility course can provide an excellent workout while tapping into their natural athletic abilities. Agility courses for cats typically involve a series of obstacles that encourage jumping, climbing, and maneuvering.

How can you create a cat agility course at home? Consider incorporating the following elements:

• Tunnels made from large paper bags or pop-up play tunnels
• Hurdles created with cardboard boxes or PVC pipes
• Weave poles using upright wrapping paper tubes
• Platforms at various heights for jumping and perching
• Target sticks to guide your cat through the course

Start with simple obstacles and gradually increase the complexity as your cat becomes more confident. Use treats or favorite toys to encourage your cat to navigate the course. Remember to always supervise your cat during agility play and ensure all obstacles are secure and safe.

By incorporating a variety of these exercise options into your cat’s routine, you can help ensure they stay fit, healthy, and mentally stimulated. Remember that every cat is unique, so it may take some experimentation to find the activities that best suit your feline friend’s preferences and energy levels. Regular play and exercise sessions not only benefit your cat’s physical health but also strengthen the bond between you and your feline companion.

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.

7 Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe During Fireworks

It’s common for dogs to feel anxious or scared during fireworks. Follow these pet expert tips to keep your canine companion safe and calm.

By Anna BrooksJune 29, 2022

How You Feed Your Pets Can Make Them and You Sick

Most dog owners aren’t following FDA guidelines on safely handling pet food, and that could lead to bacterial illnesses for animals and humans.

By Becky UphamApril 6, 2022

How to Get Virtual Veterinary Care for Your Pet

Telehealth and telemedicine offer safe and convenient options for pet owners to get advice, reassurance, and sometimes treatment for their pets.

By Brian P. DunleavyAugust 18, 2020

13 Gifts to Keep Your Pets Happy and Healthy All Year Round

From high-tech toys to delicious treats and trendy accessories, we’ve rounded up our all-time favorite gifts to treat your furry family member. Surprise…

By Anna BrooksDecember 17, 2019

8 Ways to Protect Your Dog From Warm Weather Health Hazards

From scorching hot sidewalks to the risk of fleas and ticks, warmer weather brings an increased risk of health hazards for your dog. To help your dog …

By Anna BrooksAugust 13, 2019

How to Care for Your Pregnant Dog

Learn how to tell if your dog is pregnant. Discover how to keep your dog safe and comfortable during pregnancy. The latest pet tips from LifeScript.com…

By November 15, 2017

Everything You Need To Know About Raising Pet Turtles

If your child has been clamoring for a pet, you may think a turtle is an easy choice. In reality, pet turtles require a good amount of responsibility …

By November 15, 2017

Pet Astrology: Are You And Your Pet Compatible?

Pet astrology can be a fun way to learn about what makes your pet tick. Find the pet horoscope for your furry friend below.

By Ashleigh FrankNovember 15, 2017

Pros and Cons Of Bark Collars

A bark collar is a specific type of training collar that is worn by a dog with a tendency to bark excessively. It is designed to negatively reinforce …

By November 15, 2017

20 Ways to Exercise Your Cat

By: Chewy EditorialUpdated: May 23, 2023

iStock.com/socreative_media

20 Ways to Exercise Your Cat

As far as getting your dog some exercise goes, it’s usually a cinch. Go for a walk, jog through the park, toss a tennis ball, throw a Frisbee—everyone knows how to get a pup moving. But what about your cat? Pet parents are often at a loss when it comes to kitty cardio.

“We have an epidemic of obesity in cats,” says Dr. Shelby Neely. “This leads to diabetes and most of the same problems that accompany obesity in people. Combined with the right diet, exercise can help your cat stay slim and avoid these health problems, leading to a happier cat and a longer, healthier life.”

Fortunately, there’s no shortage of ways to encourage your cat to exercise. Here are 20 things to try:

iStock.com/borzywoj

1

Laser Pointers

Behold, the holy grail of cat toys. Laser pointers, like Ethical Pet’s Laser Exerciser, can be a great way to get your cat moving. PetSafe’s Bolt interactive laser toy does the work for you.

However, make sure the game concludes with your cat being able to catch his “prey.”

“When playing with laser pointers, a vigorous laser session needs to end with a little play with a similar toy that has something attached that the cat can actually get his paws on,” says Neely. “Otherwise, they are left very frustrated.”

iStock.com/sdominick

2

Leash Training

Your dog enjoys a stroll around the neighborhood—and given the opportunity, your cat may, too.

“You can take your cat for walks on a leash,” says Neely. “It’s very important to use a harness, not just a collar, and to let your cat get accustomed to short periods of time wearing the harness indoors before going outside.”

PetSafe’s Come With Me harness and bungee cat leash, for example, is designed to give you control while keeping your cat comfortable.

iStock.com/Lucas Rizzi

3

Bird Feeders & Aquariums

An interesting, enriching environment naturally leads to exercise—and there’s nothing more interesting to a cat than watching birds and fish in their natural habitats.

“Cats need stimulation,” says Neely. “This includes multiple places to jump and climb, bird feeders [to watch] outside windows, aquariums to view and even videos made especially for cats that feature birds, fish, and other moving things that catch a cat’s interest.”

Make viewing the outside world easier with a cat window seat, like Oster’s Sunny Seat window-mounted cat bed, or by placing a cat tree in front of the window.

If you opt for real-deal animals over TV versions, make sure that all creatures are safely behind glass and out of your cat’s reach.

iStock.com/SammiHood

4

Catnip

For kitties who respond to catnip, the plant can be a great way to kick playtime into high gear. Grow your own or look for cat toys stuffed with the good stuff.

iStock.com/piranka

5

Clicker Training

Clicker training isn’t just for dogs. Not only do cats respond to the method, but they can learn some pretty impressive tricks, including obstacle courses.

“I had a cat who was 9 years old, who never had exposure to training, and I trained him to ride a skateboard,” says Ingrid Johnson, certified cat behavior consultant. “We don’t give cats enough credit.”

iStock.com/ahloch

6

Catios

Although completely screened in, “catios” provide cats with an engaging, stimulating taste of outdoor life.

“They can experience the seasons, but they’re safe,” says Johnson, who custom-built her own catio. “It can be a pretty exciting place for a cat to be.”

Chewy.com

7

Cat Puzzle Toys

Not only do food puzzles and foraging games like the KONG Active Treat Ball toy prevent cats from eating too quickly, but they turn mealtime into exercise time.

iStock.com/anurakpong

8

Feather Toys

Cats love feather toys because cats love birds. With that in mind, try to think like a bird.

“Interactive play is really important,” says Johnson. “You can’t just dangle a feather toy in front of your cat’s face—you have to be the prey, be the bird. Let it flutter, let it tumble across the floor.”

Pet Fit For Life’s 2 Feather Wand comes with two feathery attachments, like the name implies, and a detachable bell to help keep her interested.

iStock.com/vladans

9

String

As cliché as it is, a ball of yarn is cat toy gold—as long as you ensure your cat doesn’t chew or swallow it.

“The old standby that cats cannot seem to resist is a string pulled along the floor,” says Susan Bulanda, a certified canine and feline behavior consultant.

For an engaging play session, make sure you dangle the string and move it across the floor as if it’s “alive” or a snake. Additionally, make sure you put away the string once you’re done playing with it, and make sure your cat is never left alone with a string toy. Swallowing the string could cause serious problems.

iStock.com/AaronAmat

10

Hidden Treats

Cats are natural hunters, and hiding treats provides exercise and a sense of adventure.

“Hide them in different places each time and check to see that the cat found them,” says Bulanda. “Since cats are smart and observant, don’t let the cat see where you hide the treats.”

iStock.com/Nils Jacobi

11

Hidden Toys

Just like treats, cats want to stalk their toys.

“A basket of cat toys looks fun, but from the cat’s point of view, the basket is full of dead prey,” says Suzanne Denk, animal enrichment specialist at Animal Friends, a non-profit companion animal resource center. “Toys should be hidden so the cat can discover the toy in the course of the day. Toys should rotated so they stay new and interesting. ”

iStock.com/Remains

12

Bubbles

Fun to pop and chase, bubbles are a natural but often-overlooked cat toy that provide visual stimulation, says Denk. They even make catnip-infused bubbles for added fun. SmartyKat’s Bubble Nip Catnip, for example, are just like soap bubbles, but they’re spiked with catnip oil.

iStock.com/Bebenjy

13

Vertical Space

Have a climber? Save your curtains by providing your cat with vertical space to explore.

“Cats enjoy any perch that expands their territory,” says Denk. “Cat trees are ideal but can be expensive. Provide a wall shelf with a pillow, a raised box or a basket on top of a cabinet.”

iStock.com/lisegagne

14

Cat Trees

If a cat tree is in the budget, the right one can help keep your kitty entertained and fit.

“A good cat tree reaches from floor to ceiling, does not wobble and has several different materials on it for scratching as well as climbing,” says certified animal behavior consultant Debbie Winkler. Pro tip: Place cat trees near a window for optimal bird watching.

iStock.com/w-ings

15

Toilet Paper Roll Toys

Cats don’t just love unraveling toilet paper—the empty rolls are tempting toys, as well. Fray the ends of the cardboard roll with scissors and it’s a blast to bat around (assuming you’re a cat, of course).

iStock.com/Dragi52

16

Furry Fake Mice

The furry mouse toys you can pick up at almost any pet store are perennial favorites for a reason.

“Can a toy substitute for a mouse? No. It doesn’t smell right, it doesn’t make the right noise, and its movements aren’t right,” says author and behavior consultant Celia Haddon. Still, she highly recommends the furry fake mice as a satisfying alternative—not only is the texture appealing, but they’re lightweight enough to be batted around like prey.

iStock.com/LewisTsePuiLung

18

Rod Toys

“Most cats get excited by hunting and will enjoy rod toys with feathers or fur mice,” says feline behavior consultant Anita Kelsey. “Even older cats or cats that appear not to play can be motivated by seeing the right ‘hunting’ toy.”

iStock.com/DmitriMaruta

19

Cat Wheels

As crazy as a cat exercise wheel sounds, some friskier felines love them. Kelsey recommends them for clients who have agile, high-energy cats—and, of course, the space to accommodate a cat wheel.

Chewy.com

20

Electronic Toys

Many cats love the high-energy play session that an electronic toy can provide, Kelsey says. The SmartyKat Feather Whirl Electronic Motion Cat Toy moves erratically and incorporates feathers to pique your cat’s interest. Just make sure to schedule interactive playtime with your kitty, too—there’s no substitute for you!

By: Monica Weymouth
Monica Weymouth is a writer, editor and certified Weird Animal Lady. She lives in Philadelphia with her two rescued Shih Tzus.

Share:

BeWell

Featured Products

How to train a cat and what commands to teach?

To learn how to train a cat at home, start with the simplest steps – encouraging good behavior and preventing bad. But can a cat be trained the same way as a dog? Yes and no. Since cats are very independent animals, they may seem uninterested or uninterested in being with you. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be trained. All it takes is a little patience and understanding, and you can quickly teach commands to your kitten or older cat.

What do you want to teach your cat?

First, decide what you would like to teach your cat as a beginner trainer, and then move towards this goal in small steps every day. However, before you start training your pet, think about what commands you will give her and what skills you want to achieve. Remember that you asked questions before: how to teach a cat to use a tray, how to ensure her calmness during trips to the veterinarian, how to stop scratching carpets or furniture? These are the tasks that you will solve during training.

Here are some general goals:

• To litter train your cat.
• Teach your pet to come to you when you call her by voice or gesture.
• Teach your cat to be calm when you brush it.
• Teach her to interact with you, other people or animals.
• Teach your kitten to play with toys, with you or another cat.
• Teach the animal to remain calm while traveling (when boarding and driving).

There are many important reasons for training your pet. But most importantly, if you teach a cat to behave properly, it will not avoid people and other animals. Training is also important for your own peace of mind: if the pet is calm when you cut her nails, or during trips, neither you nor she will have a reason to worry. The better the cat is brought up, the closer your relationship with it.

Each training session should be short and natural

Once you have determined which commands your cat needs to learn, start training. The first thing to consider is the fact that a cat’s attention span is shorter than yours. You should not expect that every time you train her, she will show interest in this. Stop training as soon as the animal gets tired.

Because some kittens are litter trained quickly (or may have already learned before you bring them home), this training may take very little time. But you may still need to bring your cat to the litter box for a while to remind her where it is. If you are teaching a kitten to play with toys (and with you), this training should be done in stages. Cats prefer to learn new toys on their own, which means that your role is only one thing – not to disturb the pet and at the same time not to leave her alone. Then, when she gets to know the new item, you can play with her.

Start small

If you enjoy training your cat, you can start teaching commands right away. To achieve success, it is better to teach one thing at a time. Once your cat has mastered what you are teaching her, you can move on to the next exercise. For example, when you bring a kitten home, you can litter train it right away. When you’re done with that, start introducing the kitten to other pets, then teaching it to sit quietly while you brush its fur, and so on.

Go beyond one area

Once your cat has learned the command, practice it in different areas of your home. If you introduce a kitten to animals already living in the house, bringing them together only in the living room, he may think that another animal lives only in this space. There is no problem if your other animal is a fish, but if a kitten is dating a dog, he should understand that he can meet her in any other places in the house.

As with the litter box, some commands need to be taught in different places in the house. When you litter train your cat, you may need more than one litter box. When you wean your cat from scratching carpets and furniture, you need to do this in different places in your house, as he will find such items in several rooms.

Involve other people

If you and your cat are the only people living in the house, you don’t need to worry too much about involving other people in the training process. And if you still want your cat to be sociable, shortly after you bring her home, invite friends or family members to chat with the new pet. However, remind them not to show their superiority during this introduction. As with your short sessions, give your pet free rein.

If you bring a kitten into a large family, it is extremely important to involve everyone in the process of training. There are many reasons why the whole family should be involved in training, but the most important is interaction and relationship building. After all, a cat will see familiar faces every day! All family members should be clear about the learning objectives and the methods you will use to succeed.

Use a reward system

Good behavior rewards are a great motivator, especially during training. There are two types of rewards for your furry friend that you can try out. First, know that your cat will love any of your praise. Speak in a kind, cheerful voice and remind your cat that you are proud of her. Say, “What a nice kitty” and “Well done!” while stroking her fur so that she understands that these gestures mean that she did everything right.

Cats also love treats. If suddenly your pet did what you wanted her to do, give her some Science Plan food. To do this, you can use the “clicker” system. When your cat executes the command correctly, turn on the tool that clicks, and then give a treat – a signal that the command was correctly executed. If a cat hears this click every time it performs an action correctly, it will learn to do what you teach it to do well.

If it doesn’t work

Learning does not happen overnight, and sometimes the pet will make mistakes. Can you teach a cat to correct mistakes? Certainly. But before you begin, you must come up with a plan to correct a mistake or put your cat on the right track when she doesn’t seem to want to. Punishment will not work here, because the animal simply does not understand why something does not work out for him. And because of the punishment, the cat can become isolated and just leave.

Never knock, shake hands or use physical punishment on a kitten during training. Keep your voice calm. If the animal feels threatened by you, the training will be useless, and the cat will be afraid of you.

If you need to correct an animal’s misbehavior (such as furniture scratching), try making a brief noise. It will not be useless if you repeat the same phrase every time: “Bam!” “Wow!” or “Meow!” The point is to get your cat alert and distracted from what it’s doing right now. Avoid words you use regularly, such as “no!” or “hey!”, as the cat may be confused by hearing them under other circumstances.

Cat training can be fun for the whole family. Be patient and kind and you will reach your goal.

Contributor Bio

Erin Ollila

Erin Ollila believes in the power of words and that her message can give people a lot and even change them. Her articles can be found all over the internet and in print, and include interviews, commissioned articles, blog posts, and creative non-fiction. Erin is a fan of SEO and all social media. She graduated from Fairfield University with a Master of Arts degree in creative writing. Follow her on Twitter @ReinventingErin or find out more at http://erinollila.com.

how, when and how to play with a cat

TRAINING

Share

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 it 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 prefers 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.