How Much Exercise Does a Cat Need?

If you're a cat owner, you may be wondering how much exercise your furry friend needs to stay healthy and happy. Like humans, cats need exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. However, unlike us, indoor cats are not naturally inclined to exercise, which means they need a little help from their owners. In this article, we'll explore how much exercise cats need, why it's essential, and a variety of cat exercises that will help them be happy and healthy.

Why is Exercise Important for Cats?

Before we dive into how much exercise cats need, it's essential to understand why exercise is essential for their health and well-being. Cats are natural hunters and require physical activity to maintain their natural instincts, agility, and flexibility. Exercise, along with a health diet such as raw cat food, helps to maintain a healthy weight, reduces the risk of diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, and provides mental stimulation by reducing stress and boredom.

How Much Exercise Do Cats Need?

Cats are often perceived as lazy creatures that spend most of their day lounging around or sleeping. While it's true that cats love their downtime, they also need daily exercise to maintain a healthy life.

So, what’s the recommended amount of daily exercise for cats? According to experts, cats need at least 20-30 minutes of moderate exercise per day to stay healthy. This can include activities like playing with cat toys, running up and down the stairs or even chasing a laser pointer. It's important to note that this is more of a general guideline, as the amount of exercise per cat needed varies depending on a number of factors.

Amount of Exercise Needed: Age, Breed, and Other Factors

 Age

Age is one of the most important factors that can impact the amount of exercise a cat needs. Kittens, for example, have boundless energy and need plenty of opportunities to play and explore. They often get the zoomies, and run around, providing a lot of physical activity. Older cats may need less exercise than younger cats, as their activity levels naturally decrease with age. Although, it is important to note that older cats still require regular physical activity to maintain muscle mass, joint mobility, and overall health. 

In fact, exercise can help to alleviate age-related health issues such as arthritis and obesity. It is recommended to adjust the amount and type of exercise for older cats based on their individual needs and abilities. Senior cats may benefit from gentler exercises such as slow-paced walking on a leash or play sessions with interactive toys. It is always best to consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate level of exercise for an older cat.

 Breed

Breed can also play a role in how much exercise a cat needs. Certain breeds, such as the Bengal or Abyssinian, have a lot of energy and require plenty of physical activity to stay healthy and happy. These breeds are known for their high energy levels and love to run, jump, and play. Owners of these breeds should provide plenty of opportunities for their cats to engage in physical activity. This can include providing them with toys, scratching posts, and climbing structures to play on.

On the other hand, some breeds are more laid-back and may not require as much exercise as their more active counterparts. For example, the Persian or British Shorthair are typically more relaxed breeds that prefer to lounge around and enjoy the company of their owners. While they still need some exercise to stay healthy, they may not require as much as other breeds.

As a cat owner, it's important to do your research on the specific breed of your cat to determine their exercise needs. This can help ensure that your cat is getting the appropriate amount of physical activity to maintain good health and well-being. Additionally, it's always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your cat's exercise routine.

 

Other Factors

In addition to breed, several other factors can also affect a cat's exercise needs. One such factor is the cat's overall health. If a cat has a medical condition that affects its mobility or energy levels, it may not be able to exercise as much as a healthy cat. Similarly, a cat's weight can impact its exercise needs. An overweight or obese cat may require more exercise to lose weight and maintain their health.

Another factor that can impact a cat's exercise needs is their lifestyle. Indoor cats, for example, may need more exercise than outdoor cats as they have fewer opportunities to run and play. According to a study by DVM360 on weight management in cats, indoor cats are particularly prone to obesity due to their sedentary lifestyle. Therefore, it's essential to provide indoor cats with ample opportunities to exercise and play to help them maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being.

Overall, several factors can impact a cat's exercise needs, including their breed, health, weight, lifestyle, and age. Owners should pay attention to their cat's behavior and activity levels and consult with their veterinarian to develop a suitable exercise routine that meets their cat's unique needs.

How to Ensure Your Cat Gets Enough Exercise

There are a number of ways on how you can exercise your cat. Here are some tips:

1. Provide plenty of toys: Cats love to play, and having a variety of toys available can help keep them engaged and active. Toys like balls, feather wands, and laser pointers are all great options.
2. Create a safe and stimulating environment: Cats love to explore their surroundings, so creating a safe and stimulating environment for them to do so is important. This can include providing cat trees or perches for them to climb on, hiding treats or toys around the house for them to find, or even setting up an indoor agility course.
3. Incorporate exercise into mealtime: You can also help your cat get some exercise by incorporating it into mealtime. For example, using a food puzzle toy with natural cat food can help keep your cat mentally stimulated while also providing a physical challenge.
4. Schedule playtime: Finally, scheduling regular playtime with your cat can help ensure that they are getting enough exercise. Even just a few minutes of playtime each day can make a

 

Types of Exercise for Cats

Just like dogs and humans, there are two types of exercise that cats need: aerobic and anaerobic. Aerobic exercise involves activities that get the heart and lungs pumping, such as running, jumping, and chasing. Anaerobic exercise, on the other hand, involves short bursts of energy, such as sprinting and climbing.

Aerobic Exercise

Cats love to run, jump, and chase, and these activities provide them with the aerobic exercise they need. Some of the best aerobic exercises for cats include:

• Interactive Toys: Toys that encourage chasing and jumping, such as feather wands, laser pointers, and balls, are great for getting your cat moving.
• Cat Trees: Cat trees provide cats with a space to climb, jump, and scratch, providing them with a full-body workout.
• Treadmill: Yes, cats can use treadmills! It's essential to start slowly and make sure your cat is comfortable and safe. You can also walk your cat with proper training and tools.

 Anaerobic Exercise

Anaerobic exercise helps cats to build muscle and improve their strength. Some of the best anaerobic exercises for cats include:

• Sprinting: Encouraging your cat to sprint up and down the hallway or around the house is a great way to get them moving and build muscle.
• Climbing: Cats love to climb, and it's an excellent anaerobic exercise for them. Installing cat shelves or a climbing tree can provide them with a challenging workout.
• Scratching: Scratching posts and pads not only help to keep your cat's nails healthy, but they also provide a great workout for their upper body.

 

In conclusion, regular exercise is essential to help cats achieve a healthy lifestyle. Not only does exercise help cats maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity-related health problems, but it also helps them build and maintain strong muscles and bones, improves their circulation and respiratory function, and can even help reduce stress and anxiety. By understanding the different types of exercise that cats need and how to encourage them to be more active, cat owners can help their pets achieve optimal health and happiness.

 

Sources:

1. Capuzzi, Joan. “Exercise Is Key to Weight Management in Cats.” Dvm360, vol. 52, no. 10, 31 Aug. 2021, www.dvm360.com/view/exercise-is-key-to-weight-management-in-cats. Accessed 24 Apr. 2023.