| It's probably one of those old wives' tales that | | | | she drags it behind her. Then switch, so they can |
| cats sleep 20 hours a day (mine sure don't), but | | | | take turns. This gives them plenty of exercise |
| what else has a housecat to do anyway? | | | | while you can sit in a chair and work on your belly |
| Sometimes we force them to live up, or down, | | | | muscles from laughing! |
| to our expectations. The truth is, cats need a fair | | | | Cats are very curious, as everyone knows, so |
| amount of exercise to maintain their health, too. | | | | you can use that interest as the motivation for |
| The easiest way to make sure your cat gets | | | | another low impact exercise: hide-n-seek. Simply |
| enough exercise is to simply play with her! | | | | hide something inside something and let kitty |
| Take advantage of what your cat likes to do. If | | | | figure out how to find and then extract it. |
| she likes chasing something, as most cats do, | | | | You can make your own "hidey toy" with found |
| make your own "fishing pole" cat toy, using found | | | | materials, too, such as a shoe box that you've |
| objects around the house. Start by finding a | | | | taped shut. Put a toy inside that makes some |
| "stick." | | | | noise, such as a crochet ball with a bell inside it. |
| It could be an old spring tension curtain rod you | | | | Or, you can put cat treats into the box. Cut |
| no longer use, about 18-24 inches long, or an | | | | holes, about 2 inches wide, in the top and maybe |
| actual stick or branch from your yard. Plastic | | | | one or two sides of the box, and let kitty work it |
| works best, as it's sturdy, light weight, won't | | | | out. |
| wear out as quickly, and is pretty hard to break. | | | | This toy is a good way to help kitty be active |
| To one end of this "stick" attach a strong piece | | | | while you're absent, perhaps at work all day. It |
| of string or very light rope, about 24-36 inches | | | | provides some physical activity and some mental |
| long. Then tie something to the loose end that will | | | | stimulation. |
| serve as an interesting toy for the cat... perhaps a | | | | Other easy toys include wadded up balls of paper, |
| crocheted ball with a bell inside it, or a tuft of | | | | paper towel rolls cut into 2-4 inch lengths, and |
| feathers, or the cut-off toe of an old sock, into | | | | again, the good old crocheted yarn balls. Hang one |
| which a little catnip has been sewn. | | | | by a very strong string from a doorknob for |
| Now you can exercise your cat while you sit | | | | self-motivated playtime. |
| down. Just swish the toy around and watch kitty | | | | And never leave string, yarn, or string style toys |
| chase it! Or, if you could use a little exercise | | | | around the house when you're not there. If kitty |
| yourself, get up outta that chair and move around | | | | were to choke on one while you're gone, you |
| so you're giving kitty more territory to run | | | | might not get back in time to prevent a tragedy. |
| through. | | | | Another "home alone" style play activity is a |
| If you don't have the materials or ability to make | | | | homemade jungle gym, made of boxes. Just |
| this toy, they are available at most pet stores. | | | | stack them about 3-4 high and kitty will have |
| And if you can't get to the store, simply walk | | | | them all toppled within minutes. Then she'll be |
| through your home and let kitty follow you! | | | | darting in and around them for hours, if she gets |
| Generally, they like to be where you are and will | | | | excited about it. Beware, however... some cats |
| follow your movements through the house. They | | | | really love chewing up cardboard, so don't be |
| just won't be very athletic about it, so this might | | | | surprised to find a room full of cardboard |
| be the best way to offer "low impact" exercise | | | | shreddies when you get back. |
| to an older cat so they don't spend all day just | | | | You can either smile and vacuum up the mess, |
| sleeping out of boredom. | | | | knowing your kitty had a great time, or you can |
| If you have two cats, tie a very light leash to | | | | take this game off your list. Hey, at least it's not |
| one's collar and let the other one chase her as | | | | the couch, right? |