Indoor cats don’t have the open space and freedom that outdoor cats do, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be active. In fact, many indoor cats don’t get enough exercise which can lead to weight gain, lethargy, and even depression.
To get your indoor cat to be more active, you’ll first need to try and figure out why your cat stopped being so active. Is it overweight? Does your cat seem bored? Whatever the cause, there’s always a solution.
Why is My Cat Not Very Active?
Every cat is different, so the specific reason your cat isn’t active could be very different from the reason for another cat. There could even be several reasons why your cat isn’t very active. These are some of the most common reasons a cat isn’t very active.
Age
Older cats don’t have the energy they had when they were kittens, and that’s alright. As cats age, they tend to sleep more and spend less time exercising. If you have an older cat and they suddenly become less active, another factor could be at play.
Boredom
Cats get bored, and the result could be a lack of interest in playing, treats, cuddling, and activities they usually love. Fortunately, there are many things you can do if your cat is bored, ranging from getting new toys to getting a second cat.
Overfeeding
Did you recently switch foods, or are you giving your cat more food than before? Changes in your cat’s diet — specifically adding food to its diet — can lead to lethargy. This is an easy fix as all you need to do is feed your cat less.
Health issues
A sudden drop in activeness in an otherwise happy cat could be a sign of a health issue, ranging from a hurting limb to something more serious. If you are concerned that a health issue might be the cause, take your cat to a vet.
Tips to Make an Indoor Cat More Active
Need some inspiration to try and get your cat to be more active at home? Here are some easy tips to follow:
- Add playtime to your cat’s routine. Cats are creatures of habit, so if you schedule playtime on a daily basis, your cat will respond by expecting to play. Pick an activity that makes your cat run around.
- Cat shelves. Cat shelves or items your cat can climb are perfect for indoor cats. Indoor cats might crave a new view, so give them something they can climb in their free time.
- Cat tunnels. Cat tunnels are perfect for getting indoor cats more active. Combined with playtime or an obstacle course, cat tunnels can provide your cat with hours of entertainment. You can check out our picks for the best cat tunnels.
- Schedule a playdate. Cats are social creatures, so consider scheduling a time for them to play with another cat. Even a casual meetup can make an indoor cat more active.
- Freshen up your home. New scratchers, toys, beds, food bowls, etc. will give your cat a lot of stimulation. Mental stimulation can quickly lead to excitement and physical movement.
FAQs for Making an Indoor Cat More Active
From extra sleeping to showing less general interest in things, cats show boredom in many ways. If you have a suspicion that your cat is bored, you’re probably right.
Depressed cats are lethargic, slow moving, and don’t seem interested in most things. A depressed cat needs a major change in its life, and getting a second cat is the perfect solution.
Kittens tend to become less active as they age. If your kitten suddenly becomes less active, it could be a sign that your kitten has a health issue that needs to be addressed.
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