Cats need exercise to keep happy, healthy and fit

Taking Fido for walks to keep him healthy is normal, but pet owners rarely talk about regular exercise for cats. Like all of us, though, cats need some activity in their lives to stay fit and, if you have an overweight cat, helping them safely lose weight is important. Here are some simple ways to get your cat moving.

Find a friend

Okay, this might not work for everybody, but, if you're interested in bringing home another cat, a feline friend can help your current cat get up and moving. Playing together and running around the house is a great way for your cats to stay healthy and is an easy way to get an overweight cat to be more active.

Offer toys

Nothing gets my cat moving faster than tossing a toy in her direction. Having a supply of different toys available - try getting some filled with catnip! - will keep your cat both entertained and active.

Get involved

If you want your cat to get up and get moving, you've got to get moving, too! There are many cats out there that prefer to play with people rather than by themselves. With these cats, you can offer them a room full of toys and they will often ignore them. Using a laser or dangly toy to play with your cat is a great way to get your cat interested in playing. Plus, quality time with your cat is always a good thing!

Climb to new heights

Even the laziest and fattest cats at the shelter have been known to get active in order to climb a cat tower! Cat towers come in all different sizes, shapes, and prices, which make them an easy addition to most homes. If your cat is timid about exploring, sprinkle some cat nip on the different tower levels to entice him to climb higher.

Interactive toys

When you don't have time to dangle a toy all day and your cat isn't interested in playing alone, what can you do to get your cat moving? Try an interactive toy that runs on batteries. There are countless interactive toys available at local pet supply stores and online. These toys often have moving parts that can keep cats entertained for hours.

Homemade fun

There's no reason to break the bank buying fancy toys and climbing structures - just make your own! Just like small children, cats often enjoy the packaging a toy came in more than the toy itself. Try making a play area for your cat using boxes and paper bags. Crumbled paper and empty toilet paper rolls can also provide endless entertainment.

Just 10 minutes of playing a day can help keep your cat at a healthy weight. Grab some toys - or a cardboard box! - and have some fun with your cat!

Alaina Goodnough is the Promotions Coordinator at Cocheco Valley Humane Society in Dover, NH. She lives in Sanford, ME with two parrots, a cockatoo, a cat, a bearded dragon, and two dachshunds. She can be reached at CVHS at devassist@cvhsonline.org. To learn more about Cocheco Valley Humane Society, go to www.cvhsonline.org or call 603-749-5322.