Cats can be a great companion for anybody. They are not only cute but always seem to have boundless energy. They can keep you amused for hours on end. In their young years, they are full of life and add joy to others as well. However, as they become old, they lead more sedentary lives, and this can lead to health ailments and obesity in your senior cat. Here are 6 simple tips for exercising your senior cats.
They are more vulnerable and prone to chronic medical conditions linked to heart diseases, osteoarthritis, and even diabetes. Well, it’s time to get your senior cat some exercise to keep him healthy and fit. This article gives you simple tips that go a long way when exercising your senior cats.
6 Simple Tips for Exercising Your Senior Cat
1. Give treats or rewards:
Train your cat to get up and move around. You can do this by offering your cat some treats or rewards after exercise. Make your cat get up and work for the treat, and make each of them count. Place a treat at the end of each exercise goal. Keep them on top of a tower to get him to climb up. You can also toss it across the floor as he rolls to it. Make him nimble across the floor as he chases his favorite toy with the treat in it. Exercise activities should be those that require your cat to use more energy. It will prevent your cat from lazing around all day and popping down just about anywhere.
2. Keep them interested in toys:
Cats love colorful looking toys as it captivates and keeps their interest for long. You could get new toys or choose one from his favorite collections. Keep your cat focused by getting him a toy that he loves to play with and keeps him interested. However, give some thought to whether the toy is safe to play with. The toy should be tempting enough to lure him from just lying around. Avoid using toys that might pose a threat or place your cat in a dangerous situation. Avoid using string toys and those with small particles that can be swallowed and lead to choking.
3. Set the right environment for exercising:
Exercising for cats is all about doing so in the right environment. It not only gets them interested but also encourages and motivates them to take this critical step despite the health ailments. You could try changing everyday activities into one that promotes extra movement in your cats. Place the cat food on a higher plane. It will make them put in extra efforts to climb up and access their favourite food. It is like a motivation to get up there for food, and he exercises on the way. It is essential to take small steps to get your cat there and increase the goal a little more each time. As time goes by, you can make the exercises harder to get your senior cat more fit. Avoid placing everything that your cat needs within his reach. It makes it easier for him to laze around and develop age-related ailments. When transforming the environment in which your cat gets exercise, make sure the goal is not impossible to reach. In such cases, your cat might give up and wait until you hand over a platter before them.
4. Strategize your cats exercise:
Just like humans, cats exercises too need schedules and strategies. You should schedule and strategize your cats exercise routine to make the best out of it. Prepare an exercise routine depending upon your cat’s abilities and your personal situation. Discuss with your vet about the best possible exercises that your cat can perform to stay fit and healthy. It boosts metabolism and promotes an active life free of any physical constraints. The tasks that you choose for your cat needs to be safe and free of any potential hazards. It should be one that is appropriate for your cat.
5. Provide space for exercising:
Your senior cats need their own space and any other facilities for exercising. You could include towers, walls, stairs, slides or set up one on your own. No matter age your cat might be, all of them love to jump, climb, roll and dash around. The space that you provide for your senior cat to exercise should be free from any obstacles. Let the exercising area be more spacious. Avoid exercising your cat in confined places as it might cause injury or accidents. As they exercise, give them fun sights to see like birds in the air, insects scurrying, etc. Your senior cats would love these visual treats, and it would act as an energy booster. However, keep in mind all that your ageing cat can perform and their limitations. It enables better exercising sessions and tap into its full potential. Choose a setting where your cat can surmount them to his full potential.
6. Bring out your cat’s inner natural instincts:
Cats are predatory in nature and have strong instincts which weaken with age. Helping your cat stay in touch with his instincts will make them feel young and energetic. Your cat becomes his original self all over again. Bring out his or her playful self so that they stay focused and engaged in the exercise. You can achieve this by using fun ways such as feathers, toys, laser pointers, colourful balls, etc. Anything that teases and captivates the attention of your cat will serve the purpose. Train your cat to engage in chasing, interaction, playful use of his paws, etc.
Conclusion:
All of the above tips have the potential of getting your senior cats on their feet once again. While your cat exercises, join him in fun and work together to keep your cat healthy, happy and pleased in his aged years. With a good exercise routine, your cat will show improvement and stability in health.