by Maria Devore, Denver Pet Health Examiner

You know that you should walk your dog often to provide exercise – for both of you! Did you know that your cat needs regular exercise as well? Exercise can prevent obesity, which elicits a host of health problems. It can keep your cat mentally stimulated, reducing the likelihood that she will create her own toys out of your curtains and furniture. Cats are often considered the epitome of laziness, so it takes creativity to motivate your cat to burn calories.

What can you do to interest your cat? Unless you start training her at a young age, it’s doubtful that she’ll enjoy going for a walk or jog with you. Toys are your best bet. You don’t have to purchase expensive ones; you can use items you have around the house. Try a ball of aluminum foil, a piece of yarn (supervised use only), ping-pong balls, shoelaces . . . you get the idea. Most cats love to play in boxes or even paper bags. Sew, knit, or crochet toys that you can stuff with catnip. Be sure to rotate your cat’s toy supply; she will get bored with toys that are always available. If you prefer to buy ready-made toys, try a “toy on a stick” from the pet supply store. Make your cat leap and dance to get the dangling end. Don’t make it too easy for her to “win”, but do let her get the prize often so she remains interested in playing. Also available are motorized toys that let your cat play on her own schedule. Be careful that your cat’s toys don’t become a health hazard. Never leave yarn or string out; if your cat swallows it she will require costly surgery to prevent an intestinal blockage.

Don’t ever force your cat to play with you. If she isn’t interested in what you have to offer, try again later. Leave a toy out so she can investigate it on her own. Try other ways to incorporate exercise into her daily routine. Make sure that your cat has to walk around the house to get to her food and water bowls. Don’t place her litter pan in an inaccessible area, though, or she may choose a new one for you. If possible, invest in a cat tree, a multi-level structure for climbing, perching, and scratching. Place a bird feeder outside of a window to entertain your cat and keep her interested in moving from place to place.

Ensuring that your cat has enough exercise has many benefits. Interactive play with your cat can strengthen your emotional bond. You can learn more about her personality and typical behaviors, which can alert you to possible health problems when she acts “out of sorts”. Many health problems, such as diabetes and arthritis, can be avoided by keeping your cat at an ideal weight. Do not, however, put you cat on a strict diet to shed pounds. Cats who lose weigh suddenly are at risk of hepatic lipidosis, a life –threatening condition. If you want to incorporate weight loss into your cat’s exercise program, speak with your veterinarian about how to do it safely.