Do Cats Need Exercise?

Yes cats need exercise to lose extra fat; kittens play a lot that helps not only improve their coordination, but also prepares them for active adult life.  It is easy for kittens to be playful and get the exercise needed, however older cats need stimulation to exercise their limbs and play; playing not only provides enjoyment to both the cat and its owner, but also helps the cat to be healthy.

Here are a few tips to exercise your cat and keep her healthy: 

• Most cats and kittens are stimulated by small moving objects; you could get safe, fun toys from the pet store or pharmacy. Many simple household objects like scraps of crumpled up paper make good toys; rotate the toys to not only keep cats active, but also to prevent them from feeling bored. However make sure these toys do not cause injury by sharp edges or swallowing. Kittens enjoy playing with yarn, but it is dangerous as if the cat swallows the yarn it could cause serious intestinal problems.

• Having an indoor cat could be a great idea, but keeping him/her healthy is equally important; committing yourself for a healthy lifestyle for your cat means that you do not spoil your kitten/cat with food treats, instead buy him/her fun toys. It is best to keep your cat/kitten moving; a stringed feather on a pole would be an ideal toy. Most cats are fascinated with using a laser point; the bouncing light is great to get even the most sessile of felines pawing at it.

• Exercising your cat outdoor would be great, but it is best to take care by building an outside protective pen with wood posts and wire netting and ensuring that the cat is protected from bad weather. It would be most ideal to include perches at different levels, trees and posts for scratching in the pen; it would be a play heaven for your cat.

• If you wish your cat has to have exercised outside, it is best to make sure he/she has a collar that has an elastic section, to enable the cat to slip off if it is caught in a fence. It would be ideal to include a name tag on the collar to; so is a bell that could keep us in track with where the pet is, though your cat may not like the idea as it would inform potential preys. 

• Lastly walking your cat is a great idea; you could do it by proper training and coaching; it is best to start the training when the cat is still young. This training is best done with a leash, harness and a collar.    

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