Indoor Cat Activities to Keep Your Kitty Healthy and Active

Although there is a lot of focus on dog exercise and playtime, the truth is that our cats need exercise, too. This is particularly the case for indoor kitties whose exercise needs are too often neglected or limited by fewer opportunities for play.

Considering that an estimated 60% of household cats are obese or overweight, there is a strong need for indoor cat activities that help beat boredom and work off calories.

If your indoor cat needs some fun and exercise infused in the otherwise humdrum routine, here are 10 of our favorite feline activities for health and wellness.

10 High-Energy Indoor Cat Activities

1. Cat tree – While many cats use the tree for cozy napping, cat trees can create an opportunity for exercise: from climbing to playing hide-and-seek in the stackable cubes, along with playing with all of the attachable feather and rope toys, a cat tree is an essential for indoor cats’ exercise needs.
2. Mealtime challenge – Rather than feeding your cat his entire meal in a boring bowl, make a game of it. Leave small portions of his meals in a variety of hard-to-reach spots in the home. This is also a great way to slow down a cat who tends to eat too quickly.
3. Fetch – Yes, fetch! Many cats really enjoy the game and will gladly return the toy to you after each successful catch. (Small, easy to grasp and carry toys work best).
4. Empty boxes – Everyone knows how much cats adore cardboard. Create a mini obstacle course for your meow pal by adding a few empty boxes or paper bags to his play area for exploration and pouncing fun.
5. Doorknob toy – While you are away from home, keep your cat entertained with a variety of toys that can be swatted and batted around. Just use thick string (extra-long, sturdy cotton shoestrings are good for this purpose) and tie a favorite toy to a doorknob.
6. Laser pointer – The gold standard among cat toys, the laser pointer gives cat owners the chance to interact with their pet while encouraging high energy playtime. Simply point the mystery laser beam on a floor or wall and watch your cat go wild trying to catch it.
7. Bird watching – Another great idea for indoor cats is to install a few window perches for your kitty. For additional mental enrichment, position your cat’s perch in front of a window with views of bird feeders. Watch those whiskers twitch as your cat imagines a fierce hunt.
8. Catnip mice – Small catnip mice are especially fun on hard surfaces, like wood or tile floors. Keep a dozen of these on hand, hiding them beneath tables and other furniture for a challenging game of mouse pounce.
9. New toys – If your kitty enjoys toys and is apt to play with them whether you are there or not, try keeping things interesting by swapping out old toys with new every few months.
10. Play pal – If yours is an only child cat, maybe adding another cat companion to the mix will help keep both fur buddies entertained and exercised. Remember, though, a slow introduction is best – as well as a prompt checkup and vaccinations for your new pet.

Looking for additional ideas to help manage your cat’s weight? Just give our cat friendly team a call!