Different cat breeds (and even cats within the same breed) can have drastically different personalities and activity levels. While it’s easy to assume that certain cats are just lazy, that’s not really the case - they’re simply wired differently from what owners expect.
The best approach when working out how to get a lazy cat moving is to identify why they may be less active and find practical ways to encourage more movement.
Why some cats don't play as much as others
There are many reasons why certain cats don’t engage in play as often as others. Understanding your cat’s personality and natural routine can help you work out how to play with cats in a way that keeps them interested.
Some cats are balls of energy, but others are naturally more laid-back and prefer to rest.
Timing can make a big difference when encouraging cat activity, particularly as many cats are most energetic at dawn and dusk.
While some cats love a specific toy and become attached to playing with it time and again, many can become bored of their toy offerings more quickly. When it’s the same toys in the same environment every single day, they can become disinterested until you find something new and novel for them to engage with.
One quick note: if your cat’s level of playfulness suddenly increases or decreases alongside other symptoms (aggression, lethargy, hiding, etc.) it’s worth booking in a vet visit to make sure an underlying condition isn’t contributing to their changes in activity.
Try ending each play session while your cat is still interested. Stopping before they lose focus can help keep the activity exciting and make them more eager to play next time.
Exploring different toy options
When exploring the cat toys out there, there are a few pointers to keep in mind.
The first is that, for most cats, movement matters. Static toys (like a plushie) are usually far less appealing than the likes of wand toys and motorised toys. Unpredictable movements better catch your cat’s attention and will encourage them to pounce, especially when moving a toy around an obscured corner or through a smaller space such as a cat tunnel.
Even with plenty of toys, most cats will become bored with the same experience each day. Embrace variety and regularly swap out your toys to maintain novelty. Rotating toys is an easy way to keep things interesting when you play with cats regularly.
If your cat is heavily food-motivated, then there are also a variety of puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys (ones your cat may need to smack around to access the treats) that can fuse playtime with mealtime.
You can read more about a range of cat toy and enrichment ideas in our blog, Cat Toys and Enrichment Ideas for Indoor Cats.
Encouraging your cat to climb
Encourage your cat to get moving by giving them more places to climb! Climbing taps into your cat’s natural instincts, while additional vertical space can support their wellbeing. High perches give cats a secure place to observe their surroundings — including you
Creating safe climbing opportunities is one of the simplest ways to make an indoor cat more active, particularly if they spend most of their time inside.
Cat trees and cat shelving are your best choices for increasing vertical space, but you can also rearrange furniture and shelving in your home to create more platforms for exploration. Just make sure you’ve accounted for any awkward gaps or potential hazards to keep it nice and safe.
If your cat isn’t interested in exploring their new climbing space, place a few treats on different cat trees, shelves, and furniture to build a positive association with the activity.
Having more vertical space is particularly beneficial if you have a multi-cat household. More vertical perches can reduce competition for floor space, helping create a happier household.
Differences in activity levels with age
When considering how to make a cat more active, adjust the length and intensity of play to suit their age, mobility and interest.
Kittens
Kittens are very high energy and learn through play. Their play often comes in short bursts spread throughout the day. This is when you’ll need to be most involved in your cat’s play, as play is fundamental to how they learn and develop motor skills.
Adult cats
Adult cats generally have more consistent activity levels. They still need regular play, but the sessions can be shorter and more structured. You’re looking at 20 to 30 minutes of play per day, usually broken into 10 to 15-minute sessions.
Senior cats
Most cats enter into their senior years between 7 and 10 years and naturally start to slow down in kind. Though they may take a gentler pace to life, they shouldn’t stop playing altogether. It’s still advised to get 20 to 30 minutes of play in per day, but to do so in even shorter bursts (5 to 10 minutes max).
The type of play may also need to change to accommodate reduced stamina. Even senior cats with limited mobility can enjoy engaging their natural hunting instincts.
Setting up for success
A few more practical cat exercise tips to finish off:
- Along with offering shorter, more frequent sessions, try to play with cats at dawn or dusk to match their natural rhythm
- Always play at your cat’s pace and never force them to engage. If they show no interest after five minutes, take a break and try again later
- If your cat isn’t interested in traditional toys, offer more vertical space, encourage exploration or use treat-dispensing toys
Are you ready to get your cat moving? Shop Petstock’s range of cat toys and climbing trees online now.