Is your kitty’s physique starting to resemble Garfield’s? If your fuzzy, fluffy friend is starting to gain centimeters around the waistline, it might be time to help them get in shape.
Activity helps your pet maintain a healthy weight and will also keep their minds active and alert. Exercise also gives us opportunities to bond with our cats. Ideally, cats should exercise at least 10-15 minutes per day, whether in one concentrated playtime or in bursts throughout the day.
Start small.
If your cat is older and overweight, start with just a few minutes of activity and gradually work up to longer play time. Don’t force your animal to be active. Instead, make play time fun and rewarding.
Find something they like.
Kittens are amused by anything and everything and often won’t want to quit playing, but older cats may be harder to sell on playtime. Keep trying new things until something sparks their interests. Once they are engaged in play, vary the activity bit by bit to keep them interested.
Go vertical.
People in small spaces often struggle with having enough room for their cat to play, but most cats love jumping, which makes a vertical scratch post a great toy. There are also exercise wheels made just for cats to help those in smaller homes get their cardio.
Offer some toys and challenges.
Cats love chasing tiny beams from laser pointers, or playing with paper boxes or bags you can leave around the house. If you separate the food and water bowls, your cat will at least have to move around between the two. If your cat only wants to eat, move the bowl from a counter to the floor and back again so they have to jump before they can chomp. Make it a game and reward them with lots of cuddling so they feel rewarded.
If you have questions about whether your cat or dog is a healthy weight or want more specific advice on how to help your cat be as healthy as possible, call us at LazyPaw Animal Hospitals or make an appointment online. Our veterinarians are top animal surgeons without distraction, and taking care of animals is our passion.