It’s no secret that exercise is one of the key ingredients for a long and healthy life and this is true for our pets as well. Unlike humans, cats don’t need 20 minutes of aerobic exercise 3 times a week to stay fit. They also do not need to be taken for a walk several times a day like dogs, but they do need to lead an active life. It’s a challenge not only for us but also for our furry feline pets to get off the couch and engage in some form of cat physical activity that gets the heart rate up and provides a good workout.

Outdoor cats get all the exercise they need, exploring, chasing leaves, birds, flying insects, climbing trees, and just being curious, stalking and attacking fictional or real prey, including scratching, clawing, chasing, and climbing. “Fat cats” that enjoy the outdoors are rarely found.

“Feline obesity” is more of a concern for indoor cats, however they can also be healthy and content, as long as they get exercise in other ways. It can help if your indoor cat has a companion pet and if you can encourage him to play for an hour or so each day, such as chasing or running after and smashing toys, etc. Also, cats exercise best when doing something that comes naturally to them, such as predatory acts, stalking or climbing, etc. However, it will take some effort on your part to ensure that your pet participates in your cat fitness program.

To help you encourage your feline to be more active, there are some great cat exercise equipment and toys that you can make yourself or buy, such as:

cat toy

Laser Bolts, Fling-ama-string are examples of some of the toys that will get your cat excited. Cats love to chase rays of light or try to catch whatever is at the end of the string. Some of these are automated so your cat will use them with or without you. There are tons of other toys that encourage the cat to do what comes naturally… chase and catch. Some imitate birds, mice or insects. Even though your cat is not hunting, it still enjoys the actions and movements involved in the hunting process and will create a form of play. Balls are great, anything your cat can hit, possibly carry and try to smash, bite and roll. Keep toys for your cats, especially if they spend a lot of time alone.

cat scratching posts

Scratching is very natural for cats, with or without claws. There are so many scratching posts to choose from, from the inexpensive covered cardboard, rope, or carpet posts to the more elaborate ones found in many of the cat trees and gyms discussed below. The cat scratching post is an essential piece of exercise equipment for cats and they love to use it, even more than your expensive furniture.

cat trees

These climbing structures are designed for cats whose natural instincts are to climb, relax in safety, and gaze at the world below. This goes back to the beginning of Cats. Many of these cat trees are made of rope or carpet fabric that allows them to use their claws to climb or without claws to jump or get traction to get up. Most incorporate multiple platforms on various levels that cats love to relax on. Depending on the size and number of platforms, condos, accessories, including scratching posts, these trees vary in price, but there is one for every budget. Trees can be quite large, but can easily be placed in corners and in out-of-the-way places. Cats love their own furniture, they will claim it and use it.

cat gyms

There are plenty of game possibilities with these too. Cat gyms come in various sizes and prices, and can include multiple platforms, trays, towers, squish toys, and tunnels. The cats will use their imagination and make good use of the gyms. If you spend a little time with your cat by getting him interested in how to use his own gyms, you’ll soon find that he’ll play by himself, if only for several minutes at a time. Cats only need minutes here and there to be considered active.

cat exercise wheel

Cat exercise wheels are fairly new. They are simply a very large wheel that the cat walks, trots or runs on much like hamster wheels. Training the cat is pretty simple in that you position the cat, keep it there with a treat or two, and move something in front for it to walk and spin the wheel. Soon, they will have the wheel turning. These are expensive and also quite large, so budget and space will determine if they are appropriate for your home and pets.

Outdoor Pet Runs, Cages, Mesh Tunnels

If you have a patio or even a deck where you can put your cat outside to get some fresh air but you don’t want them to escape, then this could be the solution. Again, there are many sizes, styles, and prices to suit every budget or purpose.

Collar, leash and harness for cats

This is not for all cats, but there are some who like to take short walks. It is best to start teaching “cats” to walk when they are young, although some older ones are on leashes like the old pros. Get kitten used to wearing a collar with a “safety device” that allows the cat to escape if the collar gets caught on something. Then attach a long, thin leash or cord to the collar and begin walking the cat inside, gradually moving outdoors in safe areas and finally onto sidewalks when you feel your cat is well prepared. Some cats will flatly refuse, but others, especially cats that have a “more dog-like temperament” such as Siamese, Burmese, Russian Blues, ragdolls, oriental shorthairs, will consider “leash walking” if the walk it is short. If you are traveling with your cat, then a collar, harness and leash is something you should spend time getting your cat used to so you can take it out of cat bags or carry-on bags and let her “stretch” her legs without fear. running away and getting lost or injured.

DVDs and videos

There are many Cat-inspired audio and visual products on the market to help your cat deal with loneliness and stay mentally alert. Plus, there are even “cat exercise videos” to encourage activity.

Make exercise “fun” and your cats will participate. Play is healthy and can incorporate fitness, which is essential for your cat’s physical and mental well-being. It helps overcome boredom and discourages the development of behavior problems, especially for those who spend a lot of time alone or don’t get much individual “attention.”

Enrich the life of your Cats and they will enrich yours. Keep them entertained with lots of play toys, exercise equipment, and high places to relax. You will have a very happy and content fit cat.