'Get Physi-Cat!' with Exercises for Indoor Cats

Make A Cat Gym

It might be as a simple as a multi-tiered cat tower or you could put together a full obstacle course! Tunnels to squeeze through, bars to jump over—these will challenge your cat both physically and mentally. (If kitty needs a helping hand to get motivated, consider laying some healthy treats around the track for her to sniff out.)

Toys Aplenty

One of the perks of cat ownership is that they aren’t too reliant on their owners for stimulation. Make sure your cat has enough toys around to stay occupied, and they might just give themselves a workout! Even everyday household objects will do—balls of tinfoil, corks on a string, knots of old fabric…your imagination is the limit! 

Kitty Soccer

Find a large cardboard box (or tape some boxes together) to build a walled field. Throw a ball onto the ‘pitch’ and enjoy the game! You could even add cutouts for goals—or if they’re not spooked by it, a large bathtub might also work as their playing field.

Laser Tag

If you’re looking to exercise your cat, but not feeling too energetic yourself, a laser pointer can send most cats bonkers—and drain some pent-up energy. It’s a good idea to give your cat a real toy after a laser session, so they don’t get fixated or frustrated by the light that they can never quite catch. (And of course, be careful to avoid shining it directly into kitty’s eyes.)

Find A Play Pal

No one knows how to help a cat have fun better than another cat! So long as they’re friendly with one another, they’ll wrestle and chase their way into a healthy exercise session without even trying. While younger cats who live in the same household tend to get along best, if you know someone else with a kitty who could also use a workout, why not organize a regular playdate?

Catnip

Catnip can be a useful tool for cat exercise…but beware. Not every cat will respond to catnip and if they do, some might become overly aggressive. Start small—with just a pinch, then increase the dose to about the size of a quarter. If kitty does enjoy it, pay attention as they use catnip over time—it’s rare, but in some cases owners have noted stomach upset.

The Great Outdoors

With proper training and the right equipment, even steadfastly indoor cats can be enticed to join you for a brief outside stroll (so long as the weather cooperates). Some cats might take to the outdoors immediately—but you should be prepared to spend a couple of weeks getting them accustomed to a foreign, and possibly overwhelming, environment.

You’ll need a leash and a harness—ensure it fits snugly and can’t be wriggled out of. First, let them get used to the harness inside, then attach the leash and let them drag it. Once they’re used to that, pick up the leash, apply some gentle pressure, and get ready for your outside adventure!