Did you know cats may sleep up to 20 hours every day? That’s more than nearly any other animal on the globe. Only a few bats, possums, and teenagers sleep more. This is cute, but even the laziest furball will need some form of physical activity to stay healthy. Continue reading for some advice from a local vet on how to keep your cat in shape.
How Do I Keep My Feline Buddy Healthy?
Trying to convince Fluffy to sprint laps around the kitchen is unlikely to be successful. You could try placing her on a treadmill, but she’ll probably fall asleep rather than start jogging. (Note: one super cute kitten gave it her all. The viral video of the floofer sprinting to Maniac is charming and well worth checking out.)
Your best option is to provide toys and playtime. Fluffy’s instincts will help you out here. Cats are natural predators, therefore they have an innate desire to pursue prey. (They also have an instinctive desire to leap on our toes and swat at our shoelaces, but that’s another story.) Taking a few minutes each day to hold a wand toy or laser pointer for Fluffy can help her stay fit and in shape.
Here are some suggestions for playing with Fluffy:
Time It Correctly
Kitties are naturally crepuscular, which means that they are most active at dusk and dawn. The best time to play with Fluffy is definitely in the mornings and nights. Of course, you can play with your cat at any time!
Short & Sweet
Our feline buddies don’t have much stamina and endurance. They’re better suited to short spurts of energy, which they replenish by napping, meditating, and scheming about world dominance. Just aim for 5 to 10 minutes at a time.
Do Not Worry About Overdoing It
Cats and dogs are markedly different in this respect. Fido will push himself to the point of exhaustion to satisfy his humans. Fluffy will not even push herself to the point of becoming the least bit tired. You won’t have to worry about your kitty friend getting too worn out. As soon as she becomes tired, she will stop playing and go in search of her next sunbeam or napping area.
Why is Kitty Fitness Important?
Staying fit is equally vital for cats as it is for humans, and for similar reasons. Regular activity is great for your feline friend’s muscles, bones, and heart. It’s also the best way to prevent feline obesity, which is one of the most serious health issues confronting these cute little furballs. In fact, almost 63 percent of pet cats are overweight. That may sound sweet, but it is very dangerous. Extra pounds can create many of the same complications in cats as they do in humans!
Some of them include the following:
- Reproductive Problems
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Heart Disease
- Hypertension
- Osteoarthritis
- Lower Immunity
- Endocrine And Metabolic Disorders
- Skin Issues
- Bladder Stones
- Anesthesia Complications
What Games Do Cats Like?
That actually depends on your pet. You can always stick with the tried-and-true, such as holding a laser pointer or string toy. This sort of interactive play is fantastic. Fluffy often finds it more enjoyable and challenging when she has no idea what her ‘prey’ would do next. This is also great for bonding because your pet will know you’re doing something special for her.
Here are some other things you could try:
- Fetch
- Remote-control toys
- Smart toys
Trickery also works well. Simply toss a toy or ball down the corridor. Your furry pal is likely to pursue it.
Try Walking Fluffy
If you have a daring, adventurous cat, you can even attempt taking her on walks. There are a few rules of thumb here, however. First and foremost, do not impose this on a shy cat or one that has never been outside. If Fluffy appears to be satisfied with her inside life, it’s generally better to let things be.
Make sure your kitty companion has a comfortable harness. You’ll need to train her to wear it indoors and allow her to become accustomed to it before taking her outside. You should also ensure that your cat is fixed and microchipped before taking her out. Make sure to ask your Las Vegas, NV vet about training and safety guidelines.
Contact Our Las Vegas, NV Pet Clinic To Make An Appointment
Do you have questions about your cat’s health or care? Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns. As your Las Vegas, NV pet hospital, we are here for you!
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