Kittens are known for their wild spirits! And we’re willing to bet you’ve got more than one video of your kitten pouncing on their pretend prey. As adorable as it is, too much boundless energy can turn into destructiveness and anxiety, not to mention a constant distraction for you!
Most kittens are starting to settle into a calmer routine by now, but if yours is still a bundle of energy, intentional physical exercise is a great way to help them feel more at ease.
Exercise for your kitten is extremely important. Aside from helping to curb your pet’s wild energy, it also plays a role in physical health by warding off obesity and keeping your kitten’s joints and muscles strong. Just as your physician recommends a regular exercise routine for you, we recommend a regular exercise routine for your kitten. Not only is this great for your cat, but it strengthens your bond with one another.
Before you begin a regular exercise plan for your kitten, make sure to consult with your veterinarian. Most cats can tolerate exercise very well by this age, but if you have a flat-faced breed (e.g., Persian), giant breed (e.g., Maine coon) or your kitten has underlying health conditions, your veterinarian may have specific recommendations for ensuring your exercise routine is safe for your best friend.
Recommendations for exercise include:
- Training your kitten to leash walk
- Playing with laser pointers
- Playing fetch
- Using self-propelling toys
- Playing with wand toys
- Turning mealtime into exercise by using puzzle toys
Bonus points if you add some vertical jumps into the play! For instance, have your cat run to the top of the cat tree to catch the wand toy.
Remember that consistency is key! A short play session every day is better than a long Sunday play session. If you’re just starting out, make sure to start off easy and slowly increase the time and intensity of your kitten’s workout time.
If your kitten has already put on a little extra weight, follow these tips to provide good exercise for weight loss.
