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Though the cat's lifestyle seems quite sedentary, many models remain lithe and trim their entire lives. Some experts theorize that felines may get all the exercise they need from their post-nap stretching rituals. However, a wise owner still sets aside playtime with his or her feline. These sessions both increase bonding and exhaust excess feline energy that might otherwise be used to harass the family dog or to climb the curtains. Keep play sessions brief (10 to 15 minutes). Cats are designed for short bursts of intense activity, not marathons. Often, a cat will signal its fatigue by losing interest and departing the play area. When the session ends, lock most of the toys away. This will prevent the cat from losing them under the furniture or tearing them apart.
Playing is especially important to an over-weight cat. We play with Nemo 3 times a day, 10-15 minutes each. After his fang removal surgery we stopped the play sessions for about a week. He was eating half of what he used to eat but he actually gained weight! Cats are like humans, healthy eating and exercises are equally important.
purred by
Susie & Nemo
on Apr 17, 2008 AT 11:33 am PDT
The Cat Owner's Manual is a basic guide to cat care. The book was written by a celebrated veterinarian and an acclaimed author. It provides cat owners with well-researched and helpful information presented in a lighthearted manner. The creators chose to write the book in a style similar to what you'd find in "operating instructions" for a car or computer. Of course they--and we--respect the fact that our beloved pets are not products or machines!
Playing is especially important to an over-weight cat. We play with Nemo 3 times a day, 10-15 minutes each. After his fang removal surgery we stopped the play sessions for about a week. He was eating half of what he used to eat but he actually gained weight! Cats are like humans, healthy eating and exercises are equally important.