When it comes to how to exercise cats, you can either choose to play with your feline friends indoors or outdoors. There are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing the best place for your feline friends.
Indoor vs outdoor
Whether you choose to allow your cat to spend time outdoors or not, you should weigh the advantages and disadvantages of both options. Outdoor cats face a number of risks, including parasites and exposure to predators. Indoor cats are safer and less likely to develop infectious diseases because they are less exposed to germs. However, outdoor cats tend to live shorter lives.
To explore the factors that influence cat owners’ choice of lifestyle, researchers conducted an international study. Survey responses were received from owners living in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Owners were asked to identify why they chose an indoor-only or outdoor lifestyle. Their answers were then analyzed to determine whether they had considered the pros and cons of either option.
The results indicated that indoor-only cats were significantly associated with a younger age, a multi-cat household, and an owner who had children under 17 years old. Owners with a pedigree cat were also more likely to be indoor-only.
The findings revealed that a majority of respondents had no dogs. In addition, most respondents were aged 26-35 and lived in Europe. Those living in urban areas were more likely to adopt an indoor-only lifestyle. Moreover, a high percentage of respondents did not consider the pros and cons of an alternative lifestyle.
While an increase in physical activity can help improve a cat’s physical health, limited exposure to the outside world can lead to stress-related behaviors. A rich environment can reduce stress and promote good mental health.
Although many veterinarians recommend that cats be kept indoors, there are a number of reasons why owners may want to allow their pets to roam the outside. For example, it can be easier to protect your pet from traffic or other hazards, and your pet is safer from being stolen.
Activity wheels
Activity wheels for cats are a great way to keep your indoor cat active. These toys can help prevent obesity-related health problems, improve your cat’s mood, and even reduce aggression.
Before you buy an exercise wheel, consider the size and style of your pet. A large wheel may be too cumbersome for a small space, while a smaller wheel may not be suitable for frail elderly cats.
When choosing an activity wheel for your feline, be sure to choose one that is durable and easy to clean. Several models have mechanisms to reduce noise, which is important to some cats. You also need to make sure your cat is not afraid of the motor.
There are several types of exercise wheels for cats, and the price can vary widely. Look for wheels with a durable foam or rubber surface to avoid claw-snagging. Plastic is generally more durable than rubber, though you should check the specifications before purchasing a model.
A jumbo-sized wheel is ideal for multiple cats. They can be placed in your home or garage, depending on how much room you have. This exercise wheel is a little more expensive than its smaller counterpart, but the benefits can be worth the price.
One Fast Cat is the original manufacturer of cat exercise wheels. This brand is lightweight, made from recycled plastic, and can fit any size of cat. It has a comfortable foam surface that is easy to wipe down. However, some users have reported that assembly is a bit difficult.
The Penn-Plax cat tree has a 20-inch exercise wheel. The platform is sturdy and can hold up to 176 pounds. In addition to the exercise wheel, the cat tree comes with a climbing frame and a stable climbing frame.
Place a toy inside a box
A great way to exercise your cat is to put a toy inside a box. There are a number of options, so find the one your cat likes best.
One option is to use a cardboard box. This type of box is easy to assemble, lightweight and comes in a variety of colors. It is also reinforced.
Another option is to place a ball inside a box. If your cat loves to chase balls, this is a great way to exercise them.
You can also use a string toy. These toys are usually safe for your cats, but you should still supervise them while they play.
You can also turn a shipping box into a maze. Make sure the box is free of staples and tape. Then link the boxes together to make a fun obstacle course.
For even more fun, you can build a box fort. Using a cardboard box as your base, you can add a variety of stuffed toys and treats.
Toys are a great way to keep your cat entertained when you are away. Try to rotate them every couple of days. This will give your cat a new toy to look forward to.
Other ideas include putting a nightlight near the litter box, putting cloth or ribbons on the walls and ceiling, and blowing bubbles. Playtime helps to bond with your cat and stimulate their brains.
A final suggestion is to consider using a laser pointer. Laser pointers are inexpensive and can help your cat exercise their bodies.
Cats need physical exercise, but they also need mental stimulation. Putting a toy inside a box is an easy and inexpensive way to provide your cat with these.
Create a hockey rink
Putting up a cat hockey rink is a great way to engage your feline in some quality playtime. Aside from the fun of the actual rink, your cat will also benefit from the added benefit of regular physical activity, which helps burn off calories. Plus, when your cat is chasing a ball, you can get some much needed rest from the couch.
For starters, it’s not impossible to put up a cat hockey rink. For instance, you can simply use a box and a ping pong ball. Or, you can make the most of your bathtub by turning it into an indoor rink. Another option is to build a small maze for your feline to explore.
While you’re at it, it’s also not a bad idea to include an electric mouse in the mix. This is a great way to give your cat a good old fashioned chase without having to worry about it tearing up your sofa or scratching your expensive furniture. Of course, if you’re able to afford to have a full-on hockey rink installed, you can expect to pay around $75,000 to $100,000. But if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, there are a number of companies in the ‘hood that can do the job for you.
Finally, while you’re at it, it’s not a bad idea to incorporate some sort of ice-catching gadget into the equation. One company in particular, Rink Management Services Corporation, will help keep the ice flowing throughout the day. And since they’re experts at what they do, you can bet your cat will have a blast. After all, a cat’s natural tendency is to be hyperactive, so a little stimulation should not be too much to ask for.
Train your cat to walk with a leash and harness
Leash and harness training is a great way for your cat to get some exercise and to get to know the outdoors. It’s also a good way to help your cat to avoid behavior problems.
Training a cat to walk on a leash and harness can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. There are several steps you can take to make the process go smoothly.
The first step is to let your cat become comfortable with the harness. You can start by putting the harness on your cat’s back and holding it for a few seconds.
Once the cat has gotten used to it, move the harness to a different part of the house or garden. Try to pick a quiet spot.
You can use treats to distract your cat and encourage him to walk in the right direction. After he is walking in the correct direction, give him a treat.
You can also try pulling the leash behind your cat. This will give your cat a chance to explore the new area and gain confidence.
If your cat is skittish, you can attach the leash to the harness and drag it around. When he is dragging the leash, you can offer treats to help him learn to walk on the lead.
Your cat should be given plenty of time to get used to the new leash and harness. Don’t pick him up or force him to go outside in the early stages. Instead, you can try to slowly and gradually increase the length of the leash until he is comfortable with it.
Cats tend to be more independent than dogs. This means that they may not respond to you as quickly. Therefore, you should expect to take a lot of practice to successfully train your cat to walk on a leash.
