Skip to content
FREE Standard Shipping On All Orders - 60 Day No Hassle Returns
FREE Standard Shipping On All Orders - 60 Day No Hassle Returns

How to Get Your Lazy Cat into Tip-Top Shape

How to Get Your Lazy Cat into Tip-Top Shape

If Your Cat Sleeps More Than Leaps, Here are Easy Tips to Get Your Lazy Cat in Shape

We all know that cats sleep around 12-16 hours a day. Between that and a couple of other occasional naps, cats have a reputation for being one of the laziest pets. However, cats aren't as slothful as some may think but sometimes it's true. If you think you have a lazy cat, then you're in the right place. Let's go over some things that cause laziness in cats, and what you can do to help. 

Why is my cat lazy?

There are many reasons that a cat can become lazy. To start, cats tend to nap when they are bored. So if you notice your kitty napping quite a bit, that may be why. Cats tend to have more energy when they are mentally stimulated. Basically, your cat might be napping because there isn't anything interesting for them to do.

Another reason you might notice laziness in your cat is because they could be having hip and joint issues. If your cat is significantly less active than normal, you may want to consider that they could be having discomfort in their joints.

Your cat could also be lazier than normal because they are depressed or upset. Cats are very emotionally attentive creatures and change can be a big deal for them. Sometimes, cats will stop being playful and conserve their energy for dealing with stress or anxiety. There are many different things that can lead to having a depressed cat. But there are other possible reasons too like:

  • New pet
  • New child
  • Moving
  • Rearranging your home
  • Change in food
  • Change in your schedule


These are just a few, but they can all cause your cat to become depressed and therefore lazy. 

Are certain cat breeds lazier than others? 

Yes, some cat breeds are lazier than others. Having a breed of cat that tends to be lazy means that you will have some work to do to make sure they don't gain too much weight and still get the exercise they need. Some of the laziest cat breeds include:

image
  • American Shorthair
  • Maine Coon
  • Persian
  • Ragdoll
  • Exotic Shorthair
  • Scottish Fold
  • Russian Blue

If your cat isn't on this list, they still may have lazy tendencies, but these are just a few examples of breeds that may be predisposed to such behavior.

What are the health risks involved in cat laziness?

One big health risk for lazy cats is weight gain. Obesity in cats is becoming more common, and one major reason is that a lot of the cats we see in media are actually overweight. As a cat owner, how can you tell if your cat is a normal weight or could be at risk?

Of course your vet will always check your cat's weight, but there is an easy way for you to check for yourself.
Here is a quick and easy guide you can use at home to tell if your kitty is at a healthy weight or not.

image

If your cat is obese, or is at risk, don't just leave it but take action to change this. There are a lot of health risks involved with obesity. Overweight felines are more susceptible to having high blood pressure, , heart disease, bladder stones, and many types of cancer.

In addition, carrying around all that extra weight can cause faster joint degeneration, inflammation and osteoarthritis.


Laziness could also lead to cats no longer grooming themselves enough. This wouldn't cause much of a serious health issue, but it can cause their fur to become matted. Matted fur can be very uncomfortable and lead to dry skin, especially in long-haired cats.

Lazy cats are also prone to develop depression. Depression in cats can be hard to notice at first, but eventually, you will notice significant changes in their behavior. Cats with depression can easily become dehydrated because they tend to not take great care of themselves.

These are just some of the side effects of your cat being lazy, but there are a lot of things you can do to help.

How to exercise a lazy cat? 

1. Find toys they actually like

image


Cat toys are everywhere, but as we all know, cats can be picky. Your cat may not be playing with their toys because the toys may not be interesting to them. So, try some different types. Of course, it can be a challenging quest, but once you find the right one it can keep your cat active. 

2. Try some puzzles 

There are many different options for cat puzzles out there. You can buy puzzles that they can do anytime, or battery-operated ones meant to be done with you around. You can also test out puzzles that hide their treats or food if they need a little more motivation. A puzzle that they enjoy can keep your cat busy and mentally stimulated with little effort from you. 

3. Get an intricate cat tree

Many cats love their trees. If you get them a basic scratching post, there is nothing wrong with that. But having a large tree with levels and toys can help your cat stay active. You may find them going in and out of the tunnels and attempting to jump from the floor to the top level. It can keep your sweet feline active even when you aren't home, but when you are home, don't be afraid to encourage them to expend their energy on the tree. 

4. Interact with them more

Cats are solitary pets and are usually happy with the food, water, and occasional attention. But sometimes they need a little inspiration to become more active; this is where you come in. Playing with your furry friend can help encourage more active behavior, and it can help you bond with your cat. Try a feather or a ball on a string for help. You can also play fetch with your cat if they are willing. So try some different activities with your cat and see what they seem to enjoy the most.

5. Try a supplement for joint problems

If you notice that your cat is slowing down due to joint or hip issues like arthritis or hip dysplasia then, they may need a natural supplement like BestLife4Pets WALK-EASY Hip and Joint Relief Remedy to help with the pain. Cats tend to hide pain well, so you may not be able to notice much of a difference in their behavior. 

Is it too late to help my cat become active?

In short, no it's not too late. Even older cats can develop healthier habits if you encourage more activity. If your cat is overweight or already pretty lazy, then it may take longer for them to become as active as you may want. Be patient with them. It's just like humans when we get back to the gym after a long break. We can't usually go there and do the same exercises we did when we were there 5 years ago. Keep that in mind when you're encouraging your furry friend to be more active.

image

Try the suggestions above to help your cat be more active, but if you notice a significant change in activity or behavior, be sure to consult with your vet. Your vet will be able to guide you on how much exercise your cat should be getting, and they'll be able to give suggestions on making sure your cat is getting enough nutrients in their food. 

So, play with them and encourage more active behavior, and your cat will be more active in no time.

Previous article How to Help Ease a Cat's Constipation