how do you train cats to do more exercise?

Answer 1

Well, my cat sure could use some good old fashion exercise, She eats the best food, I give her vitamins and she is way to pampered, so I've been thinking the same thing as you, so lately i get her to run by tossing a small ball, and she actually brings it back to me, just like a dog does. A give her that running back and forth thing for about 20 minutes everyday, she loves it, hopefully she will shed a few pounds. And also I cut down the amount of food she was eating, she weighs 14 pounds now, a bit chunky don't you think.All the answers here are great!,,but not the Van one! no, no!

Answer 2

My cats are not interested in toys or catnip, so I cant get them things to amuse themselves with.

The best toy so far has been ME playing with them, with a long shoe lace dragged on the floor, under newspapers etc.

for a bit of fast jumping action I have a stick with a long string and a mouse toy at the end (a bit like a fishing rod with a fish on the end) and I flick that around the furniture and the jump, run, catch, crouch and generally really give themselves a good workout without me having to exert myself much.

My cats are inside with an outside "cat run" enclosure with lots of tree branches to climb etc. but exercise is still a problem because they just dont want to run & climb like they used to in the garden....

Answer 3

Play with them, using toys that bounce around on rope or elastic,
You cant train cats like dogs, you play with cats which will give them lots of exercise and have fun at the same time

Answer 4

I recommend trying Da Bird. This is one of the best cat toys, and it's a great way to give your cat some added exercise.

Answer 5

I used to have a wee toy on the end of a bit of elastic tied to the ceiling. My cat used to play for ages swatting it and trying to catch it. Shes 10 now and as fit as a fiddle. She now plays with the light cord in the bathroom as it reaches to the floor. Cats generally give themselves enough exercise and dont over eat.

Answer 6

My friend once did some training at the end of october with a bit of sellotape and a banger... It really worked, I've never seen a cat run so fast!!

(Only joking)

It was a rocket!

Answer 7

Do you give your cats cat-nip toys? That encourages them to run and play. There are new cat-nip toys out called appeteezers, they are shaped liked sardines, cheese, mice, etc.. My cats (even my 14 yr old overweight cat) both play like kittens when I toss these out.

I get them at my local grocery store, but I'm sure pet supply places would carry them, and here is a website for you..

Answer 8

All the answers on toys are good. I own a huge cat, 60cm 8kg. I work him out using pringles chips lids. He jumps to catch them like a border collie going for a frisbee. Table tennis balls and fake mice are also popular with cats.

Answer 9

I have not been able to train my cat to do more exercise.

I have been using a laser pointer to make him run around and jump more. He & I both really enjoy it.

Answer 10

Pick up a little laser pointer at radio shack. My cat goes crazy trying to catch the little red dot. She's usually very calm and lazy, but when i whip that thing out, she's a maniac.