Last updated on: October 8, 2023 by Crystal Uys
Owning a dog means taking him for walks and to the park, where you can throw a ball around to meet his exercise needs. But owning a cat is not that simple. Cats certainly need exercise, but how much do they need? What about indoor cats?
Generally speaking, cats should get around 30 minutes of exercise per day, but this depends on their health and age.
In this article, we explain how to get your feline the right amount of exercise, whether they are an indoor or outdoor cat, as well as what type of exercise a kitten, adult cat, and elderly needs.
How much exercise do cats need?
The amount of exercise a cat needs depends on its age, health, breed, and whether it is an indoor or outdoor cat.
Outdoor cats
Outdoor cats can get more exercise than indoor cats because they have more space to run and play. This means your cat probably doesn’t need to rely on you for exercise.
That said, you should still spend time playing with your outdoor cat, even if it’s less about physical exercise and more about building a stronger bond between you.
Indoor cats
Since indoor cats tend to live in small spaces without a lot of natural stimuli in their environment, it’s essential to ensure they get enough exercise.
You will need to find ways to get them to run, climb and jump, such as using cat toys. Engage them several times a day for short bursts, which should amount to about 30 minutes of activity.
Kittens
Depending on its age, a kitten typically sleeps about 18 to 22 hours a day and is usually very active when awake.
Kittens should get about 1 hour of exercise per day, which they can do on their own with appropriate toys and time spent with you. Let’s be real, who doesn’t want to play with a kitten!
Older cats
It’s common for older cats to slow down and spend more time sleeping and less time exercising. It’s important to involve your older cat in playtime, but only at a level that he can handle and that won’t accidentally hurt him.
You should aim for short play sessions totaling up to 15 minutes per day. Also talk to your veterinarian, especially if your cat has health problems, about the best type of exercise for him.
Why is exercise important for cats?
Exercise is a way for cats to be healthy and active physically and mentally. This allows them to indulge their natural hunting instinct, which can also prevent destructive behaviors like scratching and chewing.
Mental benefits
A cat that doesn’t get enough exercise will become frustrated and bored. They can potentially suffer from depression and anxiety, which can lead to destructive behaviors.
Exercise helps your cat stay mentally sharp and form stronger social bonds with you and other family members.
Physical benefits
Regular exercise helps your cat burn calories, which helps them maintain a healthy weight. This can prevent obesity, which can then prevent other health problems like arthritis and diabetes.
Exercise also allows cats to stretch and strengthen their muscles, which is crucial for older cats. They are more prone to weakness and muscle loss, so engaging cats of all ages in playtime is essential.
What are some ways to ensure your cat gets enough exercise?
Some cats tend to be lazier than others, so you’ll need to find what excites them and gets them interested in playing. Keep in mind that cats get bored quickly, even if moments before they were excited about attacking a toy mouse. This is nothing to worry about and is typical cat behavior.
You can try rubbing catnip on a toy if she’s not really interested. You can also put away a few of their toys and swap them out every month or so. To your cat, it will seem like he has a constant supply of new toys.
Another tip is to play with your cat at dusk and dawn, as cats are crepuscular and most active at these times. Also invest in good interactive cat toys.
What are the best toys to keep your cat active?
Not all cats will be attracted to the same toys; Cats are finicky and have their own personal preferences. Here are some of the common toys that most cats enjoy.
Cat tree and shelves
They’re not exactly toys, but cats can get a lot of use and enjoyment from a good cat tree and a few cat shelves.
Cats love being up high and cat trees also give them the opportunity to scratch, jump and snooze. If you have multiple cats, this is a great place for them to all relax and play together.
Interactive toys
Start by stocking up on toys that your cat can play with even when you’re not around. These can be simple toy mice, balls and springs.
You can go further with puzzle toys or treat balls, which can be effective for food-motivated cats. Read the reviews and determine what you think your cat might respond to best.
Feather wands
Put a feather on the end of a stick and you have a tempting cat toy! This one needs your input, so take advantage of the opportunity to have fun playing with your cat.
Try to imitate the movements of prey like birds and mice. Imagine how they might come in and out of hiding and freeze for a moment before becoming active again. Most cats can’t resist these kinds of movements!
Fishing Rod Toys
Similar to the feather wand, fishing rod toys can make your cat pounce. You can fly it around the room and hang it above their heads. Just think of the birds when playing with this one. This toy is ideal for active cats, and you can even develop their acrobatic skills if you handle it correctly.
Exercise wheel
This can be hit or miss for some cats, but if you have a particularly active breed and little space to run around, an exercise wheel designed for cats might be perfect. It’s basically a hamster wheel, about the size of a cat.
Walking on a harness
If you think your cat might likes to walk outside on a leash, you can try harness training them. Of course, walking a cat is very different from walking a dog – they’re more likely to take their time – but it’s still a chance for your cat to safely enjoy the outdoors.
Catio
A catio is another safe way to introduce your indoor cat to the outside world. You can make your own or buy one. This gives your cat the opportunity to play and relax “outside”.
Conclusion
Cats only need about 30 minutes of exercise per day, and if you can do it for a few minutes at a time, it’s not that difficult to stay on top of their needs. If your cat loves the feather wand, be sure to use it; if your cat does not respond to a catnip toy, find something else.
If your cat is not very motivated to play, make sure he at least have a few scratching posts and a view out the window so they can have mental stimulation. If your cat seems particularly lethargic, you may want to consult your veterinarian.
Featured image credit: Imageman, Shutterstock
About the Author
Mom cat to Ivy – a feisty little rescue kitten who is her one and only child. For the moment! Throughout her life, she was introduced to the special love found in the bond with a cat. Having owned several felines, she is more than certain that their love is unmatched, unconditional and unlike any other. Passionate about educating the public about everything there is to know about felines, their behavior and their unique personalities, Crystal is dedicated to ensuring that all cats and their owners know the importance of mindful living – and to love!