What kind of indoor cat do you have?
One who gets uncontrollable zoomies and knocks over about 300 priceless knick-knacks, along with several cups of water?
Or perhaps you have a loaf cat. One who would rather sit in the window or on your lap for the entirety of the day. Perhaps you’ve noticed them getting a little rounder?
Focused exercise can be beneficial for indoor cats, no matter their normal habits. Focused exercise can help those high-energy rascals relieve some of those zoomies. And exercise can help more sedentary cats manage their weight and keep their joints and muscles strong.
Here are four ways to help your indoor cat get the exercise they need.
Why Do Cats Need Exercise?
Our cats need exercise for several important reasons:
- It maintains their weight
- It allows them to work out any extra, pent-up energy
- It gives them mental stimulation
- It helps you bond with them
1: Interactive Playtime
Interactive playtime is just what it sounds like: your cat playing with you, their human. This is a great way to bond with your cat because it helps you learn what they love to play with and how they like to play.
Some of our favorite games to play include:
- Lures
- Lasers
- Trick training
2: Obstacle Courses
Setting up an obstacle course is a great way for your cat to get some exercise and mental stimulation when you’re not at home. It doesn’t need to be elaborate, or expensive. You can use anything from cardboard boxes and solo cups to an expensive vertical course built on the wall.
There are several things you can include:
- Different heights to climb to
- Boxes to jump into
- Hidden treats
Wondering how to get your cat to try an obstacle course? Well, some might just like the new play area and take themselves through it on their own. For others, we suggest bribery. Hide some of their daily allotted kibble throughout the obstacle course and let them follow their nose to the prize. Cats love to perch up high too, so maybe include your cat tree in the obstacle course.
3: Snack Balls or Lick Mats
Lick mats and snack balls can be a great way to stretch out meals for a kitty on a diet, or one that likes to gulp it down. But they also provide a little bit of mental and physical exercise, as well. If you have a particularly smart cat, you might want to check out treat puzzles. While typically designed for dogs, they’re also great for cats because they provide intellectual stimulation and satisfy a cat’s curiosity.
4: Outdoor Walks
Yes, you read that right! Leashed walks outdoors are a wonderful way to help your kitty get more exercise.
However, there are some safety tips to think about:
- Use a harness, not a collar. A collar could damage your cat’s delicate throat if they pull against it. Harnesses are also much harder to wiggle out of.
- Use a leash that does not extend. While leashes that extend and retract may seem convenient, they can be dangerous because they do not give you adequate control over your pet.
- Watch out for other animals! Encounters with dogs and wildlife can be dangerous for a cat. Keep an eye out for other animals so you can remove your cat before there is a problem.
Expert Cat Care in Gilbert, Arizona
Worried that your cat isn’t getting enough exercise? Have questions about their current state of health? At our annual veterinary checkups we always include time for Q&A, and we offer the best veterinary care in Gilbert, Arizona.
If your cat is due for a checkup, don’t delay! Contact East Valley Animal Hospital to make an appointment.
Photo by Hailey Hou on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 3/26/26.