How much exercise should a cat get by age group?
There’s a misconception by some that cats don’t need to exercise, they are a pet that just does their thing. As a result of no exercise and free feeding, far too many cats become obese. Daily exercise for indoor cats can help keep your cat stay healthy and happy. There are many benefits to keeping exercise. Here are some examples:
- It reduces the risks of diabetes, arthritis and obesity.
- Helps strengthen the muscles and bones
- It can boost mental health.
- Prevents boredom which can lead to depression and destructive behaviour
The age of your cat can help you determine how much exercise they should get. Here are a few exercise tips for your cat separated by age groups:
Exercise for Kittens (up to 6 months):
Kittens need lots of exercise. It helps their bodies develop. It also keeps their minds active. Exercise in the form playtime with their human can help kittens build a stronger bond early on. Playtime activities should cater to a cats natural hunting instincts. For example chasing after a feather toy or pouncing on a ball as it rolls around.
Kittens are generally pretty active and playful though they need a lot of sleep. As they’re playing, make sure to keep an eye on them. Their little bodies are still developing. They are not quite as strong yet, so they should not overexert themselves.
When awake, they will have short bursts of high energy. That is prime exercise time. You should play with them for 15-20 minutes a few times a day. Interactive toys, like laser pointer robots, keep them fit in body and mind.
Exercise for Adult Cats (1-7 years):
Adult cats need to play often. They need activities that stimulate their minds and bodies. You should schedule at least 15-20 minutes of playtime a day. The best toys to use are those that mimic prey. Move a feather wand toy around the room in a way that encourages your furry friend to jump, climb, and scratch.
But, some cats may be more active. By nature Bangles are a high energy cat that needs lot of exercise and playtime. A cat wheel is the perfect way to make sure they are able to spend all their extra energy. On the other end, lower energy cats like Ragdolls aren’t are eager to move around . But, you’ll need to adjust their diet so they don’t eat more than they should.
This cat treadmill is perfect for high energy cats
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My cat is 3.5 years old. She doesn’t really play on her own or maybe I’m not getting the toys she likes. But as I mentioned in this article, she LOVES when I take out the laser pointer. My place is not very big. But, I can get her to do 3-4 laps around the whole place before she tires out and stops paying attention.
Exercise for Senior Cats (7 years and older):
As an adult cat turns into a senior citizen, they become less active. Encourage them to exercise by playing lightly. Here are some benefits of doing a light exercise routine with your senior friend:
- Maintain muscle tone
- Maintain joint flexibility
- Maintain overall good health
Depending on your cat’s movement abilities, it may be best to stick to low-impact movements. But, it might help some senior cats to keep kit by climbing around. You can encourage them by having them follow a laser pointer, for example. Gauge how much exercise your furry friend needs based on their health and energy.
If you’re a first-time cat parent, it may be hard to determine how much exercise your fur baby should get as they get older. I recommend you ask your vet. They know your cat’s health history. So, they can recommend a safe routine.
In conclusion, making sure Kitty gets enough exercise early on is key. Keep them engaged with interactive toys and lots of play. These things will keep them healthy and happy for years.