Activity for cats? Many people think cats are low maintenance. They don’t require daily walks, trips to the park, or to be let outside every few hours to do their business.
Cats sleep a lot. They lounge anywhere. They seem perfectly content doing… well… not much.
But in Part 2 of our interview series with integrative veterinarian Dr. Randy Aronson, we uncovered a powerful truth:
Cats aren’t lazy. They’re under-stimulated predators.
And for indoor cats, daily mental and physical activity isn’t a bonus. It’s nonnegotiable.
As Dr. Randy puts it:
“We’re seeing so much cat obesity. And we’re seeing a ton of arthritis that goes undiagnosed because cats don’t show pain. Activity is so important – and it’s directly tied to their health span.”
Activity for cats is health care, not entertainment
Many cat parents think of play as enrichment – a “nice extra” when time allows.
But activity supports critical biological functions:
→ Joint and muscle health
→ Circulation and lymphatic flow
→ Nervous system regulation
→ Digestive health
→ Stress reduction
→ Longevity and mobility
When an indoor cat sleeps all day, it doesn’t always mean they’re content. Sometimes, it means they’ve quietly adapted to a life with too little stimulation.
And the consequences show up later:
→ Obesity
→ Diabetes
→ Osteoarthritis
→ Chronic inflammation
→ Stress-related illness
Dr. Randy explains:
“Getting them moving makes a huge difference. It’s good for their nervous system, muscles, circulatory system – everything. Just like it is for us.”
Your house cat is still a predator
We call it “playtime.” Your cat calls it practicing their natural instincts.
Cats are biologically designed to:
→ Stalk
→ Chase
→ Pounce
→ Climb
→ Hunt
→ Problem-solve
When they live indoors, we become the environment that must provide those opportunities.
As we discussed in the interview:
A bored cat is often a stressed cat. A stressed cat is more vulnerable to disease.
Dr. Randy says it simply:
“Activity is a longevity treatment. That’s why I call it non-negotiable.”
The real barrier isn’t your cat – it’s us
Your cat is ready. They’re willing. They’re wired for engagement.
The challenge is our modern life:
→ Long workdays
→ Busy schedules
→ Exhaustion at night
→ Easy snuggle routines replacing movement
Dr. Randy recommends scheduling activity like any other essential care:
“I tell people to schedule 10 or 15 minutes of play. Whether it’s a wand toy, aluminum ball, bottle cap, laser pointer – I don’t care. Just do something. Get them moving.”
Because consistency matters more than perfection.
What daily activity for cats can look like
It doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.
Engaged play (with you)
→ Wand toys (feather or worm lures)
→ Laser pointer (always end with a toy they can catch)
→ Catnip kickers
→ Foil balls or bottle caps
Even seated play counts – perfect for older guardians or those with limited mobility.
3D movement and climbing
Cats think in three dimensions.
→ Cat trees
→ Wall-mounted shelves
→ Window perches
→ Bird feeders outside for “cat TV”
As Dr. Randy says:
“Cats like to think in 3D. Vertical space matters.”
Make feeding time hunting time
Movement without you:
→ Puzzle feeders
→ Treat balls
→ Scattered freeze-dried treats
→ DIY treat rolls
Dr. Randy loves this strategy:
“I love people who make feeding time like hunting time. They move, they search, they engage – even when you’re busy.”
Multi-cat households
If you have multiple cats, good news:
→ Play energy is contagious
→ One engaged cat can invite the others
→ A single wand session can activate the whole group
You don’t need individual 15-minute sessions for each cat. Shared movement counts.
Senior cats need movement too
Older cats slow down – but that doesn’t mean stopping activity.
First step: a veterinary exam to identify pain or arthritis.
Then adapt:
→ Horizontal play instead of vertical climbing
→ Gentle wand movement
→ Moving food plates a few steps at a time
→ Supervised outdoor or catio time
Dr. Randy emphasizes:
“Baby steps. Even small motion starts blood flow and lymphatics. It makes a difference.”
For overweight cats
Calorie restriction alone isn’t the answer.
Healthy progress looks like:
→ Better quality food
→ Gradual movement
→ Slow, steady weight loss
→ Bloodwork to rule out metabolic issues
Dr. Randy reminds us:
“You can do this without medication. Start slow. Each cat is an individual.”
Start today: One Simple Step
Pick one activity your cat already enjoys. Pick a time.
→ After morning coffee
→ After work
→ Before bed
Start with just 5 minutes. Build consistency. Because activity for cats isn’t enrichment. It’s preventive medicine, stress relief, joint protection. It’s longevity.
And most importantly:
It lets your cat be fully who they were designed to be. So go ahead…
Go play with your cat.
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