Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Palatine Animal Hospital

496 W. Northwest Highway

Palatine, IL 60067 US

847-359-1688

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • What to Expect
    • Veterinary Resources
    • Payment Options
  • About Us
    • Services
      • Boarding
      • Emergency Services
    • Meet Our Veterinarians
  • Contact Us
  • Veterinary Topics
    • Pet Health
      • Chronic Conditions
      • Digestive and Oral Health
      • Diseases and Viruses
      • Pests and Parasites
      • Orthopedics
    • Today's Veterinarian
    • Choosing Your Pet
      • Finding Your Pet
      • Cats
      • Dogs
      • Exotics
        • Amphibians
        • Birds
        • Reptiles
          • Lizards
          • Turtles
      • Small Mammals
        • Ferrets
        • Rabbits
        • Domesticated Animals
          • Prairie Dogs
        • Pocket Pets
          • Chinchillas
          • Guinea Pigs
          • Hamsters
          • Hedgehogs
          • Rats
      • Livestock
        • Cows
        • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
        • Goats
        • Pigs
        • Poultry
        • Sheep
    • Living With Your Pet
      • Bringing Your Pet Home
      • Children and Pets
      • Providing Care
      • Travel
      • Saying Goodbye
    • Newsletter Library
      • Tips for Pet Owners
      • Seasonal Topics
      • Nutrition & Food
      • Recognizing Illness
      • Visiting the Vet
      • Equine
      • Cats
      • Keeping Pets Healthy
      • Fleas & Parasites
      • Pet Dangers
      • Behavior & Training
      • Newsletter Archive
        • Fun with Pets
        • Unbelievable Pets
    • Video Newsroom
      • Health Topics
      • Technology and Science
      • Other Interests
    • Client Survey
    • Pets4Kids
  • VETSOURCE PHARMACY
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • Cats >
  • How to Help Your Cat Get More Exercise

How to Help Your Cat Get More Exercise

  • Created in Newsletter Library, Cats
Cat Playing

How to Help Your Cat Get More Exercise

Has your cat turned into a fluffy couch potato? Energetic kittens can quickly become overweight cats if they don't get enough exercise. Luckily, your feline friend can become more active with a little help from you.

Inactivity Increases the Risk of Health Issues

Your cat needs regular exercise to keep his or her heart, lungs, muscles, and bones strong and healthy. Lack of exercise and subsequent weight gain can lead to a slew of health problems, including:

  • Arthritis
  • Strain on the Heart
  • Diabetes
  • Urinary Tract Infections
  • Decreased Lifespan
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Skin Infections
  • Fatty Liver Disease

Daily Exercise is the Key to Good Health

Regular exercise sessions play an important role in your cat's health. A little exercise not only prevents your pet from gaining weight but also relieves boredom and keeps your furry friend's mind sharp. Exercise sessions don't have to be long. Your pet will benefit from two or three sessions per day that last five to 15 minutes.

How Can I Increase My Cat's Activity Level?

These cat-approved activities and toys can help your furry friend improve his or her fitness level:

  • Fishing Pole. The kitty fishing pole is a classic, inexpensive piece of feline exercise equipment. Your cat will love chasing the dangling "bait" at the end of the fishing line while you swish the rod back and forth. Fishing poles are available at pet supply stores, or you can make your own using a rod or dowel, a securely attached string, and a soft toy or feathers.
  • Fetch. Many cats like a rousing game of fetch just as much as dogs do. Choose an item that your cat can easily fit in his or her mouth, such as a ball or small toy.
  • Chase the Light. Any game that mimics chasing prey, even if the prey is only a dancing light beam, is sure to be popular with your cat. Wave a small flashlight or laser pointer at the wall and watch your cat attempt to catch it the bouncing beam.
  • Walking. Although walking a pet is a little different when a cat is involved, it offers an excellent way for your pet to get a little exercise and enjoy some time outdoors. During your walk, your cat decides where he or she wants to go and you follow. Attach the lead to a harness, not a collar, as pulling on a lead attached to a collar can injure your cat's neck. Choose a safe place for your walk, such as an enclosed backyard.
  • Climbing Towers. Indulge your cat's natural love of climbing with a store-bought or homemade climbing tower. Be sure the tower also includes plenty of cushioned perches for resting.
  • Battery-Operated Toys. Some cats love pouncing on battery-operated birds and mice that make noise and light up. Toys that feature quick movements are more likely to entice your cat.
  • Treat-Dispensing Toys. Balls and other toys that contain compartments for treats increase activity and encourage ingenuity. The toys only dispense the treats when they're positioned precisely, which helps ensure that your pet gets a healthy workout. Although too many treats may cause weight gain, occasional treat-seeking sessions are sure to convince your cat that a little exercise is a good thing.
  • Paper Balls and Boxes. You don't have to spend a lot to encourage your cat to move. A crumpled up paper tossed on the floor can provide hours of fun. Boxes are irresistible for most cats, particularly when you put a toy inside or connect a few boxes together.
  • Agility Training. Agility training isn't just for dogs. In fact, the sport is a featured attraction at cat shows these days. During agility training, your cat runs through tunnels, jumps over hurdles and negotiates obstacles. You can create your own course in your home with boxes and homemade obstacles. Training can be a fun activity for you and your cat, although it will take a while for your pet to master the course. Luring your pet through the course with a fishing rod or other toy is an excellent way to encourage him or her to give the course a try.

Are you concerned about your cat's weight, activity level, or health? Call us to schedule an appointment for your pet.

Sources:

PetMD: How to Exercise and Play with a Cat

https://www.petmd.com/cat/wellness/evr_ct_exercising_with_your_cat_a_how_to_guide?page=show

VetStreet: How to Exercise Your Overweight Cat, 3/17/14

http://www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/how-to-exercise-your-overweight-cat

  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Exotics
      • Amphibians
      • Birds
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Small Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Domesticated Animals
        • Prairie Dogs
      • Pocket Pets
        • Chinchillas
        • Guinea Pigs
        • Hamsters
        • Hedgehogs
        • Rats
    • Livestock
      • Cows
      • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
      • Goats
      • Pigs
      • Poultry
      • Sheep
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Children and Pets
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Equine
    • Cats
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Pet Dangers
    • Behavior & Training
    • Newsletter Archive
      • Fun with Pets
      • Unbelievable Pets
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids

New clients receive $25 OFF wellness exam. (Only one per new client)

Sign-up using the form or call us at 847-359-1688 to take advantage of this exclusive offer.

CHECK OUT OUR ONLINE PHARMACY

  • Online Pharmacy

    Shop now on our online pharmacy for easy convenience! 

    Shop Now
  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.
    Learn More
  • Make An Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!
    Schedule Now
  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.
    View Forms

Office Hours

Monday:

7:30 am

7:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am

6:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am

5:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am

6:00 pm

Friday:

7:30 am

6:00 pm

Saturday:

7:30 am

1:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "I really like the staff, very caring and informed! My questions always answered in a timely manner. I have taken three of our pets through the years there and everything I just mentioned above has been consistent through the years,. I highly recommend Palatine Animal Hospital."

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

    How to Tell When Your Cat Is Sick

    Not sure if your cat is sick? Take a look at these signs. ...

    Read More

    Vet Care Doesn't Have to Break the Bank; Pet Insurance

    Wondering if pet insurance is a good idea? ...

    Read More

    Human vs Pet Medications: Why You Should Never Share Medicine with Your Pets

    Could your medications harm your pets? ...

    Read More

    Ways to Take the Stress Out of Your Pet's Next Veterinary Visit

    Does your pet dread veterinary visits? ...

    Read More

    Signs on Heatstroke: Keep Your Pets Safe This Summer

    Do you know how to protect your pet from heatstroke? ...

    Read More

    Why Heartworm Protection Is Necessary for All Pets

    Is your pet protected against heartworm? ...

    Read More

    Cat-Safe House Plants

    Not sure which house plants are safe for your cat? Take a look at our list. ...

    Read More

    Feline Skin Allergy Symptoms and Care

    Has scratching become your cat's favorite activity? A skin allergy may be to blame. ...

    Read More

    The Next Step

    The grieving process includes accepting the reality of your loss, accepting that the loss and accompanying feelings are painful, and adjusting to your new life that no longer includes your pet. How do I tell my family? Family members usually are already aware of a pet's problems. However, you should ...

    Read More

    Battling Canine Cancer

    Every day, Cindy Fleischner lines up her crew of cuddly canines for breakfast. As the four other dogs eat, Cindy pulls Katy, her 12 year old Shepherd mix aside for a peanut butter treat. Katy is battling lymphoma and this treat hides her daily dose of chemotherapy drugs. Katy is not alone in this war. ...

    Read More

Newsletter Signup

Sign up for more articles

Connect With Us

  • Copyright © 2022 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map