With the end of the year just around the corner, some of you may be thinking about your New Year’s resolutions. Eating better, getting more exercise, and losing weight are always popular ideas and can really increase your health and happiness. But, did you know these are good ideas for your kitty as well? If you and your lazy cat need a little motivation to increase your activity, here are some ideas that both of you may enjoy.

The Benefits of Activity

Increased activity will help your lazy cat achieve or maintain a healthy weight and strong muscles that are necessary for a long, loving life. Activities like playing and socializing also exercise their mind to keep it alert for many years. Finally, if you need just one more reason to boost your cat’s activity levels consider this: playing and interacting with your cat helps to build and cement that lifelong bond that we all strive for as cat parents.

Playful Ideas to Up Your Cat’s Activity

You might find it easier to exercise if it’s something fun that you like to do; a game of basketball sure beats running laps for most of us. Kitties like fun activities as well, especially if they involve you. Check out these simple ideas to rev up your cat’s curiosity and movement.

• Cat and Mouse: Use your cat’s natural hunting instincts to stimulate this type of play. A crumpled piece of paper on a string or even just a piece of yarn that is dragged around the house may entice your kitty to chase just like if he were out hunting. If you’re looking to mechanize this process, a motorized toy will do the movement for you. You can still join in the fun by watching and encouraging your cat to chase.
• Fetch: That’s right, some cats will play fetch too. It’s not just a dog’s game anymore. Start by throwing a toy on a string, and pulling the toy back to you as needed until they get the idea. Some cats will learn to bring back thrown toys. Play a modified version by tossing single pieces of your cat’s kibble for her to go and find. She doesn’t have to retrieve them, but the food makes a great incentive to get moving. Be sure to take this kibble out of her daily allowance so that you don’t end up overfeeding her.
• Laser Pointer: I’m sure you’ve all heard about how much cat’s love laser pointers. They do! Getting your cat to chase a laser pointer can provide hours of endless entertainment. Shine the laser pointer up the wall or on the ceiling to get your cat to jump and run. Just be sure to never shine it in his eyes or have him jumping off of things that could get him hurt.
• Jungle Gym: It seems that the cat furniture market has exploded in the last several years, and with good reason: cats love it- even your lazy cat will! Cats are naturally curious and love to explore and climb. Look into investing in a cat tree or, if you’re handy, build your own. It can be extravagant or as simple as a few shelves that your cat can safely jump between; just something that will get them moving and exploring.

Cat Activity Guidelines

It may seem unnecessary but in order for you both to have the best possible experience there are some general guidelines to follow when playing with your cat. First of all, always use positive reinforcement when teaching a new game. Not only will it help your cat to catch on faster, it will provide another way that you can bond with her. Also, never use your fingers, hands, or feet as the toys in your games. This will only encourage him to chase and attack you when you’re least expecting or wanting it.

Giving your lazy cat an energy boost is not a huge time commitment. Just providing him an extra 10 minutes of playtime two to three times a day is plenty. Obviously there is not an upper limit in the amount of time you can spend interacting with your feline friend. You can even incorporate play with other activities you’re already doing. Try playing fetch while cooking dinner or brushing your teeth.

One final note on these guidelines is to keep things novel. If your cat has a bunch of new toys, only offer a few at a time. Don’t leave them all out for him to play with while you’re at work, because he won’t be interested when you get home. Leave him one or two but then bring out some different ones once you’re ready to join him.

Increasing your cat’s activity level will not only help her live a longer and healthier life, it will also strengthen your companionship. Taking just a little time every day to interact with your cat and engage her mind and body will brighten everyone’s new year.