Keeping Your Cat In Shape

Did you know cats can sleep as much as 20 hours every day? That’s impressive. Only bats, possums, and teenagers sleep more. There are both advantages and disadvantages to your pet’s napping obsession. On the plus side, it makes her much easier to care for. Cats, on the other hand, require some form of movement to keep healthy. Continue reading for advice from a Holly Springs, MS veterinarian on how to keep your cat in good form.

What Are Some Tips for Keeping Your Cat Fit?

Trying to convince Fluffy to sprint laps around the kitchen is unlikely to get you very far. You can put her on a treadmill, but she’ll probably sleep rather than jog. (One sweet kitty did give it her all. The viral video of the floofer sprinting to Maniac is lovely and definitely worth searching.)

Your best bet? Playtime!

Fluffy’s intuition will help you in this situation. Cats are natural predators, so they are predisposed to chase things. (They are also automatically drawn to pounce on our toes and bat at our shoelaces, but that’s another matter.) Taking a few minutes each day to hold a wand toy or laser pointer for Fluffy will help keep her fit and in shape.

Here are some pointers for playing with Fluffy:

Appropriate Timing: Kitties are crepuscular, which means they are most active at dark and dawn. Fluffy will most likely prefer playing in the mornings and nights. Of course, this is not a firm rule. You are free to play with your feline pal whenever you please!

Expect Violence: Fluffy is a predator by nature, so she will naturally want to learn how to utilize her claws and teeth properly. However, some cats fail to recognize that practicing their murder talents on their humans is, well, rather rude. If your pet assaults you, immediately stop playing. Say ‘No’ firmly, and then ignore her for a bit. You might also try saying ‘No claws’ or ‘Don’t bite!’ Most cats will figure it out … sooner or later.

Aim For Short Sessions: Our feline friends have limited stamina and endurance. They’re more suited to small spurts of energy, which they replenish by napping, meditating, criticizing us, and scheming world dominance. Opt for short sessions.

Cool It In Summer: Fluffy can’t easily cool down if she becomes overheated. Panting isn’t as effective for her as it is for dogs, and she can only sweat through her paw pads. Avoid playing with your kitty companion in really hot weather.

Don’t Worry About Overdoing It: Fido will go to extreme lengths to please his humans. Fluffy will not even push herself to the point of mild fatigue. Don’t worry about your kitty getting exhausted. When she becomes tired of playing, she will simply wander off in search of her next napping spot.

Why Does Kitty Fitness Matter?

Staying fit is just as important for cats as it is for humans, and for the same reasons. Regular exercise benefits your cat’s muscles, bones, and heart. It’s also the best way to keep felines from becoming obese, which is one of their most serious health issues. In fact, almost 63 percent of domestic cats are overweight. That may sound adorable, but it is actually rather dangerous. These extra pounds can create many of the same problems in cats as they do in people!

Some of these include:

• Skin Problems
• Reproductive Issues
• Arthritis And Cancer
• Diabetes
• Weak Immune System
• Endocrine And Metabolic Disorders
• Cardiovascular Disorders
• Weak Immune System
• Endocrine And Metabolic Disorders
• Cardiovascular Disorders
• Heart Disease
• Hypertension
• Osteoarthritis
• Bladder Stones
• Aesthetic Complications

How Else Can I Keep My Cat In Shape?

Playing isn’t the only option for kitty fitness! Here are a few other pawsibilities:

• Wheel Of Fun: You can also get an exercise wheel for your pet. These seem similar to the tiny ones used for hamsters and gerbils, but they’re kitty-sized.
• Purrniture: Provide your feline friend with kitty furnishings. Cat towers are beneficial because they inspire Fluffy to run, jump, and climb.
• Trick Your Kitty: Simply toss one of her toys down the corridor. A crumpled paper ball can also be used for this purpose. Most likely, your pet will chase it out of pure curiosity.
• Try A Walk: If you have a daring, adventurous cat, you can even attempt walking it. However, there are certain limitations. First and foremost, don’t do this on a skittish cat or one who has never been outside. If Fluffy appears to be satisfied with her indoor existence, it is generally best to leave it alone. Safety first, though. Make certain that your kitty companion has a comfortable harness. You’ll need to teach her to wear it indoors and let her get acclimated to it before taking her outside. Before you take your kitty out, ensure she has been fixed and microchipped. Ask your Holly Springs, MS veterinarian for training and safety suggestions.

Schedule An Appointment With Our Holly Springs, MS Pet Clinic

Do you have any concerns about your cat’s health or care? If you have any queries or issues, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are your Holly Springs, MS pet hospital and are here for you!