The Best Ways To Get Your Cat To Work Out With You

Dogs have long been considered man's best friend, partially because of their loyalty and desire to be in their humans' company, but cats can exhibit these same qualities. They might seem lazy at times, and you'll probably never see one run a 5K alongside its human like you'd see a dog, however, that doesn't mean your feline friend can't be your workout buddy. 

There are many ways to get your cat to exercise with you or include them in your solo workouts while they exercise their senses. For example, you could walk your cat or push it in a stroller outdoors, or encourage it to chase you around the house. Cats benefit from exercise and mental stimulation, just like humans and dogs do. If your cat is your BFF or just loves being around you, working out with it can be an opportunity to strengthen your bond. Just keep in mind that some activities require training, or your cat might flat-out hate them. Always make sure your kitty is comfortable and safe during whichever exercise you choose, be flexible, and have fun!

Some cats enjoy a leisurely leashed walk around the block or through a park, just like dogs do. If your cat is already leash trained, you can both exercise together by walking half a mile, a mile, or however long you and your cat can handle outdoors. If not, it's never too late to at least attempt to leash train a cat, but it might be more challenging for adult cats. Just be patient with the process, start with harness training, and follow up with brief indoor leash training sessions before heading outdoors.

If Mr. Felix or Ms. Luna won't cooperate with being walked for any reason, or if you want to add some speed to your cardio routine, consider pushing him or her in a pet stroller. Some pet strollers are designed to travel only about 3 miles an hour. Others can go faster, so read the product description to be certain you're choosing the style you want if you're shopping around for one. You can walk, jog, or run while pushing your feline in a stroller, but you might have to take time to stroller train your cat.

Pulling your cat behind you in a pet bike trailer is another outdoor cardio option for you. This option allows you to cover more ground at a faster speed while your cat gets to see more squirrels, birds, and rabbits along the way.

Most healthy adult cats weigh about 7-12 pounds, while male Maine Coons can reach up to 25 pounds. You probably pick your cat up several times throughout the week, or maybe throughout the day, so why not do it as part of your strength/resistance training routine a couple of times a week? That is, assuming it will cooperate.

If your cat enjoys lying on you, try doing weighted pushups while it's relaxing on your back, but start slowly. You might also want to add a weighted blanket on your back first to make the workout more challenging. As another option, simply hold your cat while you do squats or lunges. Or, if you have a pet backpack, wear it with your kitty inside — if it doesn't mind — while doing your exercises, allowing you to carry dumbbells simultaneously. You can also do bicep curls and upright rows with the weighted backpack, or with your cat in its carrier.

Is your cat a fan of hiding in cardboard boxes as many are? If so, try adding a couple of light dumbbells (5-10 pounds each) to a large, sturdy box and place your feline friend's favorite blanket and some catnip on top. Once your cat is inside and comfortable, slowly and gently lift the box in front of you from the bottom and do some deadlifts.

Want to get your kitty to run with you? Grab a laser pointer or any other toy that it will want to chase. Jog around your house while pointing the laser, or tie a long string on your cat's favorite teaser or mouse toy and attach it to your ankle before jogging around. This can be a great warmup for you before doing your other exercises for the day.

These activities benefit your feline both physically and mentally, but keep a few things in mind to ensure that they stay enjoyable. Laser pointers are safe to use with cats, if you use them correctly. Never flash the laser directly at your cat's face or in an area that you don't want it jumping on, like your kitchen counter. You should also allow your pet to catch the dot or toy every now and then to keep it interested in the chase, and to reward its hard work.

Most walking pads reach a maximum speed of 3-6 mph, and many feature a space-saving design, making them the perfect compact cardio equipment for cats. Assuming you have a treadmill or your own walking pad, you and your cat can get your heart rate up together. Unlike other options, however, this one will likely involve the most training; cats don't typically stay on a moving walking pad for more than a few seconds after first setting their paws on one.

To train your cat to use a walking pad, place some food on the motor cover area where the digital display is before turning on the pad. Encourage your cat to walk on the pad as it pursues the treats, and give it time to get comfortable on the motionless belt. After it seems confident (which may take a few days), turn the pad on as your pet chows down on the snacks. Then, gradually increase the speed. It should be fast enough to require some effort to get the treats, but slow enough to keep your cat engaged and prevent it from jumping or falling off.

Keep in mind that some cats may never warm up to a moving walking pad, or they might not stay on it for more than a few seconds before running off. If you do have success, however, this can be a great way for you and Kitty to burn calories together, doing the exact same thing, even if it's for only a few minutes. Regardless of what exercise you try, finding one that both you — and your cat — enjoy can help make those workouts a little less tedious.