Did you know that over 50% of domestic cats in the U.S. are overweight or obese? Even more alarming, obesity in cats can lead to serious health issues like diabetes, which has been steadily rising in feline populations. While your cat might look adorable lounging all day, inactivity can have long-term consequences.

Let’s explore how you can keep your indoor kitty active, healthy, and happy with a few simple changes—and some fun products available at Braxton’s Animal Works!

Why Cat Fitness Matters

A fit cat isn’t just about weight management—it’s about overall health. Regular exercise helps prevent:

  • Obesity-related illnesses like diabetes and arthritis.
  • Behavioral problems caused by boredom, such as scratching furniture. If scratching is an issue, schedule a nail trim at Braxton’s to help protect your home and keep your kitty comfortable. Book here.
  • Stress and anxiety by mimicking natural hunting behaviors.

Fun Ways to Keep Cats Moving

Here are some top tips and tools to make exercise irresistible for your cat:

  1. Interactive Toys
    Keep your cat engaged with toys that stimulate their hunting instincts:

    • Smartykat Feather Wands: Perfect for chasing and pouncing.
    • Kong Laser Pointers: Endless entertainment as they chase the elusive red dot.
    • Outward Hound Catstages Toys: New options are now available at Braxton’s for even more variety!

  2. Climbing Adventures
    Cats love to climb, and it’s a fantastic way to keep them active.

    • Check out our locally made Feline Design cat trees. These high-quality, sturdy structures are worth the investment for their durability and safety, even for the most adventurous felines.

  3. Treats with a Purpose
    Motivate your cat with healthy treats during play sessions:

    • Vital Essentials Single-Ingredient Treats: Try rabbit bites or whole minnows for a delicious and nutritious reward.

  4. Environmental Enrichment
    Keep your cat’s environment stimulating:

    • Live Cat Grass: A natural and safe way to give your kitty a taste of the outdoors.
    • Bird Watching: Set up a window perch near one of our wild bird feeders, featuring seed from our new supplier, Lizzie Mae’s. Stay tuned for next week’s blog to learn more about this fantastic brand!

  5. Daily Playtime
    Set aside 15-30 minutes daily for interactive play to mimic a cat’s natural hunting cycle of stalk-pounce-eat-rest.

Join the Fun!

Mark your calendar for our kissing booth fundraiser with All 4 Paws on February 8th from 11-1 pm! Bring your dog or cat for some adorable photos (don’t forget your camera) and help raise funds for this amazing organization.

By incorporating these activities and tools, you can help your cat stay fit and live a longer, healthier life. Visit Braxton’s Animal Works for all the toys, treats, and enrichment options you need to keep your feline friend active and happy. Together, we can make every day a purr-fect one for your pet!