Most people don’t think of cats and exercise together like they often would for dogs. But cats need exercise just like all other animals and the majority aren’t getting enough. With more and more owners turning their pets into indoor cats only, the ability for them to get the right amount of exercise is limited. If your cat is exhibiting any of these signs, it might be time to bring out the toys or take them for a walk.
#1 – Obesity
Obesity is often the sign of feeding your cat too much food, but even cats on a diet might maintain their weight if they aren’t getting enough exercise. Just like people, cats need exercise to stay at a healthy weight.
#2 – Over-Grooming
When cats get bored, they might start taking their frustration out in regular feline behavior. Cats may begin to spend excess time grooming themselves, often leading to irritation and even more obsessive licking and chewing.
#3 – Picking Fights
If you have more than one pet and your cat seems to be starting to bully other animals, it might be because they’re bored. Chasing and picking fights with other pets is a sign that your cat is feeling some frustration and isn’t sure how to properly address it.
#4 – Overeating
Just like people, cats will eat when they’re bored. If you free-feed, you’re much more likely to have a cat that over-eats and becomes obese. The two pretty much go hand in hand, so be sure to set regular feeding times, feeding amounts and exercise.
#5 – Destructive Behavior
If your cat isn’t getting enough exercise, especially through play, they’re likely to turn to other items as toys. These are often your favorite couches and comforters and your cats don’t realize what they’re doing is wrong. Many times destructive behavior comes from boredom and pent up energy – a deadly disaster for your home.
#6 – Depression
Exercise is important for a healthy body and a healthy mind and cats that aren’t getting enough exercise will often become depressed. If your cat starts moping around, losing their appetite and appearing sad overall, it might be because they need a little more activity and fun in their lives.
#7 – Lethargy
Depression and lethargy often go together and cats that aren’t getting enough exercise are actually apt to feel more tired than normal. It seems counterintuitive, but the same thing happens with people. Exercise releases endorphins to make you feel better, so without them you and your cat will both feel lazy and uninterested.