Cat = couch potato? Not quite! While our feline friends thoroughly enjoy long naps and having their two-legged servants at their beck and call, their veins pulse with pure, untamed energy. Let it out, fabCat! Today, we’re diving into what happens when a cat lacks movement and play in its life—and how much activity a house cat really needs to be truly happy. Stick around till the end—it’ll be an interesting ride!

How Much Exercise Does a House Cat Need?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it’s unrealistic to expect the same level of energy and movement from a young kitten and an adult cat. Several factors influence how much activity a cat needs and can handle, including age, health, breed and genetic predispositions, diet, and weight, as well as their daily habits. Because movement in a cat’s life isn’t just about active playtime with their Hooman—it’s everything that makes up their feline lifestyle. That includes climbing shelves, scratching, chasing toys, observing their surroundings, patrolling, and exploring their home. Between naps, meals, and grooming sessions, cats manage to pack quite a bit of activity into their daily schedules. Your job, fabCat, is to ensure they have the opportunity to move.

Your Cat Doesn’t Have to Be a Lazybones

And they shouldn’t be! Just like for us humans, physical activity has countless benefits for cats. It’s not just about maintaining a healthy weight, strengthening their body, and keeping their system running smoothly—movement is an excellent way to relieve emotions, reduce stress, and beat boredom. And when it involves playing with their Hooman, it’s also a way to strengthen your bond. Bored cats are more likely to get into mischief and take out their frustration on your furniture (even the best scratching post might not save your couch from total claw destruction). They may overeat due to stress (leading to weight problems), vocalize excessively for no clear reason, and in the long run, simply become unhappy.

Of course, not all movement is beneficial in every stage of a cat’s life. If your cat is older, has mobility issues, is undergoing treatment, or recovering from an injury, they obviously won’t be sprinting after a feather wand like a marathon runner. But if there are no health concerns preventing movement, your cat definitely shouldn’t be bored, fabCat!

Chasing a Feather Wand Isn’t Everything

Though it’s probably the first thing that comes to mind when we think of playing with a cat. Feather wands are fantastic tools for engaging your feline friend—they trigger their natural hunting instincts and, when used correctly, help satisfy their need for play. The key here is proper wand play because believe it or not, fabCat—it’s more than just waving a string in front of your cat’s nose!

Want to learn the best way to play with a wand? Read more here: https://blog.mykotty.pl/en/2020/04/28/playing-with-a-cat-that-is-how-do-you-play-to-save-yourself-not-get-bored/ 

Alright, fabCat, but what if not a feather wand? What else can you incorporate into your cat’s daily routine to ensure they live an active lifestyle and make full use of their energy reserves?

• Mice, balls, sticks, and kickers – toys that allow your cat to hunt in their favorite way. Some cats love chasing and fetching balls, while others prefer to stalk and pounce on them before delivering a powerful bunny kick. Try the Kung Fu toy, and you’ll see that running after a wand isn’t the only way to exhaust your feline friend!
• Interactive toys – because mental exercise is still exercise! If your cat has to solve a puzzle to get their favorite treats or anticipate the unpredictable movements of a battery-powered toy to successfully “hunt” it down, they’ll feel accomplished when they succeed. Just remember, treats given during play count toward their daily calorie intake—playtime shouldn’t lead to weight gain!
• Scratching posts and cat highways – our all-time favorite at myKotty. Scratching is a natural feline instinct that they’ll satisfy daily—whether on a scratching post or, unfortunately, your couch. Use this instinct to your advantage, fabCat! Place scratching posts strategically so your cat can climb higher surfaces, integrating them into a larger cat highway where they can run, jump, and explore. A sturdy scratcher like the VIGO can handle even the most intense leaps—it’s an essential part of your cat’s home gym. And since scratching itself is a form of exercise that strengthens muscles and limbs, your cat won’t have an excuse to laze around all day!
• And what about… leash walks? – We’re not fans of letting cats roam freely outside, but safe, controlled outdoor walks on a leash are a completely different story! Not every cat will enjoy it, but those with a love for nature will be absolutely thrilled.

What If Your Cat Doesn’t Want to Play?

Hate to break it to you, fabCat, but there are usually two main reasons: either something is wrong (in which case a vet visit is in order, ASAP) or you just haven’t found the right type of play to excite them yet. The truth is, while all cats share common traits, each one has their own personality. It’s our job as their fabCats to discover what makes them tick. Try different toys, experiment with playtimes, and incorporate treats into play sessions. Don’t be afraid to get creative! Worst case? Your cat will completely ignore you, and you’ll have to come up with new ideas to make their day more exciting. Sounds like an adventure, doesn’t it?

Movement is health—just ask any purring kitty! So be a top-tier fabCat and play with your furry friend. Five minutes, ten, thirty—if you stay consistent, you’ll quickly figure out exactly how much and what kind of activity your cat needs. We’re keeping our paws crossed for you! Let us know in the comments what kinds of games bring the most joy to your feline friends!