Keeping Your Feline Buddy Fit

Did you know that cats may sleep up to 20 hours every day? That’s quite impressive. Fluffy sleeps more than virtually any other animal on the globe. Only a few bats, possums, and teenagers sleep longer. Your pet’s preference for napping has both positive and negative aspects. On the positive side, it makes her easier to care for. However, cats do need some form of physical activity to keep healthy. In this article from All About Animals Veterinary Services, your Carrollton, GA pet hospital, serving the Villa Rica Area area, a local veterinarian offers tips on how to keep your cat in shape..

How Can I Keep My Cat Fit?

Attempting to convince Fluffy to sprint laps around the kitchen probably isn’t going to work too well. You can put her on a treadmill, but she’ll probably fall asleep rather than start jogging. Your best approach is to provide toys and playtime.

Fluffy’s instincts will serve you well here. Cats are natural predators, thus they have an instinctual need to chase things. (They are also naturally inclined to leap on our toes and bat at our shoelaces, but that’s another story.) Taking a few minutes each day to hold a wand toy or laser pointer for Fluffy can help her stay fit and healthy.

Here are some tips on playing with Fluffy:

Time It Right

Kitties are naturally crepuscular, which means they are most active around dusk and dawn. Playing with Fluffy in the mornings and evenings is likely to be the most successful. Of course, this is not a hard and fast rule. You can play with your cat whenever you want!

Short and Sweet

Our feline friends do not have a lot of stamina or endurance. They’re better suited for short spurts of energy, which they recover from by napping, meditating, criticizing us, and scheming about world domination. Short sessions are best.

Take It Easy When It’s Hot

This also comes into play throughout the summer. Kitties do use a lot of energy in a short amount of time while hunting. However, Fluffy does not have many effective means to cool down if she becomes overheated. Panting doesn’t work as well for her as it does for dogs, and she can only sweat via her paw pads. Kitties presumably worked out a long time ago that erring on the side of laziness is beneficial for them. (They’ve also got us to basically wait on them hand and paw, so there’s that.) Do not play with your feline companion in extremely hot temperatures.

Don’t Worry About Overdoing It

This is one area where dogs and cats differ significantly. Fido will work himself to the point of weariness to satisfy his humans. Fluffy won’t even push herself to the point of becoming mildly exhausted. As soon as she becomes tired, she stops playing and wanders off in search of her next sunbeam or napping area.

Figure Out Fluffy’s Taste

Cats all have their own opinions on toys. You may need to experiment a bit. You can always go with a classic, like holding a laser pointer or a string toy. Or, opt for smart toys. There are some really fun ones on the market.

Why Is Kitty Fitness Important?

Staying in shape is as vital for cats as it is for humans, and for similar reasons. Regular activity benefits your feline friend’s muscles, bones, and heart. It’s also the most effective method to prevent feline obesity, which is one of the most serious health risks these cute furballs face. In fact, around 63 percent of pet cats are overweight. That may sound sweet, but it is actually very dangerous. Those additional pounds can create many of the same complications in cats as they do in humans.

Some of these include the following.

• Weakened Immune System
• Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
• Skin Issues
• Reproductive Problems
• Arthritis Cancer
• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Hypertension
• Osteoarthritis
• Urinary bladder stones
• Anesthesia Complications

Ask your Carrollton, GA veterinarians for cat care tips and advice on feeding your pet.

How Else Can I Keep My Cat Fit?

Fluffy’s preferred form of exercise is playing, but that is not the only one. You might also get your pet an exercise wheel. These are similar to the smaller ones used for hamsters and gerbils, but are kitty-sized.

It’s also a good idea to get your feline companion some kitten furniture. Cat towers are ideal because they inspire Fluffy to run, jump, and climb.

Make An Appointment At Our Carrollton, GA  Pet Clinic

Have you got any questions about your cat’s health or care? Please don’t hesitate to contact All About Animals Veterinary Services, your Carrollton, GA pet hospital, serving the Villa Rica Area area, if you have any queries or issues. We are here for you!