How Can I Help My Cat To Get The Exercise It Needs?

Cats are naturally quite sedate animals, being fortunate in that they have a high metabolic rate to prevent them from becoming too overweight.  However it is still important for cat owners to ensure that their cat does have at least 10-15 minutes worth of exercise each day, as this will help to prevent the cat from becoming overweight and will also help to maintain muscle tone.  Exercise doesn’t only benefit the cat physically, but as with humans, exercise can help a cat to stay active mentally too.

But what is the best of way of getting a cat to exercise regularly?  Young cats will enjoy playing chase with a piece of wool or string (though ensure the wool is put away safely at the end of the game to prevent choking) and scratching posts and cat trees can also help to encourage climbing and play.  Some cats will naturally be more playful than others, so if the cat owner has just one cat they may need to engage with the cat in order to get it moving.

Some cats are naturally curious and enjoy exploring in outside areas, but for those who live on a busy main road, sometimes this just isn’t safe.  A cat run in a back garden can provide the ideal solution as it offers a safe environment for a cat to exercise and play.  Many cat owners also build cat runs onto the rear or side of their house as this means that whilst the owners are out of the house for long periods of time, the cat can still exercise freely or rest when it chooses too.

Animal cages and cat runs are also the ideal place for a cat to retreat to when they are looking for a quiet space.  Not all cats are sociable and it is important that they can have a safe place to go to when they need some time away from the hustle and bustle of the main household.  Animal cages can be bought from many pet supplier retailers but it is important to ensure the cage is big enough for the cat to be able to stretch out easily.  They should always have access to fresh water.

Cat runs need to be made from a material which is long lasting and will not perish in wet and cold conditions.  Galvanised metal is ideal as it is strong and long lasting.  Some metal panels may be completely solid or perhaps just solid on the lower half so as to provide additional shelter from the wind or sunshine.  Installing shelves or hidey holes will encourage the cat to exercise within the run and can also allow the cat to establish a favourite hiding area.

To find out more about cat runs and animal cages, feel free to visit the Weld Mesh website.