September 12, 2025 –
We don’t always think of exercise when it comes to our cozy cats at home. But if you’ve ever seen your kitty track a bird through the window or go bananas chasing a laser pointer, you already know—they’ve got some serious moves.
Physical activity and mental stimulation are essential to help your cat stay limber, strong, and in shape for a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life. An active cat is also a happy cat—and often a less mischievous one, too!
So don’t let your kitty snoozing in the sun fool you—they just might need the right invitation to play.
The good news? There are tons of ways to get your feline moving, whether you’re working with a tight budget or ready to turn your living room into a full-on feline fitness center. From batting crinkly paper balls to building outdoor “catios,” here are some of the ideas—from free to fancy—to get your cat moving.
Toy Time
Cats are natural hunters, and toys can tap directly into those instincts. Toy-based play is one of the easiest and most effective ways to get your cat active.
Free & Low-Cost Play
Don’t overlook what you already have at home—crumpled paper balls, toilet paper rolls, and cardboard boxes can make great DIY toys. Your trash and recycling might just be your kitty’s playground! Have a laser pointer? These are great for high-energy play and feline cardio. Feather wands and string toys also make for great, cost-effective toys. These mimic prey and bring out your cat’s inner panther. Twitch, dangle, and enjoy the show—but always supervise to avoid any swallowing hazards. For you and your cat’s safety, remember to keep your hands and body clear of your kitty’s claws as they lunge for their toy.
Fancy Toy Territory
There are many interactive electronic toys to choose from to keep your cat active. Products such as battery-powered mice, flopping fish, robotic balls, and fluttering butterflies work great and can keep your cat entertained even when you’re busy. For variety on a regular basis, you may consider a subscription box. These monthly boxes are filled with new toys and treats to keep things exciting and engaging.
Pro tip: Rotate toys weekly. Something old can become exciting again after a short break!
Obstacle Courses & Home Agility
Cat agility is a real sport! While Colorado doesn’t currently have dedicated cat agility programs (some cat shows, such as CFA events, occasionally include agility rings), you can still build a fun course right in your living room.
Free & Easy
Tap into your inner child and unleash your fort building skills! By rearranging furniture to create tunnels and climbing routes, you can quickly set up an indoor obstacle course for your feline friend. Also try stacking cushions and chairs to form a DIY parkour setup, as well as using cardboard boxes with holes for hiding and crawling fun.
The Next Level
Does your cat need more of a challenge? You can buy or build a cat agility kit with mini hurdles, tunnels, and balance beams to provide even more fun for your kitty.
Leashed Walks & Outdoor Adventures
Myth busted: You can walk a cat on a leash—it just takes the right gear and some patience. Walking not only provides great physical activity for your kitty, but the sights and smells of the outside world will serve as fantastic mental stimulation, too!
Start Small
You’ll want to begin indoors to help your cat adjust to wearing a lightweight harness. Once they’re comfortable, attach the leash and let them guide you. It may also be beneficial to practice walking in a safe, quiet backyard or patio. Once you and your kitty feel comfortable, you can expand your walks to other outside areas.
Safety tip: Always supervise outdoor adventures and use a properly fitted harness. It’s a jungle out there—even in the suburbs.
Out & About
If your kitty doesn’t like the feel of a harness, or if they don’t enjoy walking for very long, there are other great options to get them outside! Cat backpacks or strollers are perfect for cats who prefer riding to walking. You may also consider building a “catio,” which provides your kitty a secure, enclosed outdoor area where they can explore safely and at their own pace. Think about adding catwalks, pet-safe plants, and wind chimes to that catio for sensory fun. More information about catios can be found here.
An example of a catio
Climb Every Mountain (Or Bookshelf)
Cats love to climb and vertical movement is a fun opportunity for movement and enrichment.
Feline High Life
Cat trees and towers may be the perfect way to give your feline friend an elevated hangout spot. These are available in just about every shape, size, and price point, too! Wall-mounted cat shelves, bridges, and steps are great options, too, that don’t take up floor space in your home. They’ll turn your walls into a vertical jungle gym—perfect for confident climbers!
Pro tip: Install shelves near windows for natural enrichment (aka “Bird TV”).
Budget-Friendly Options
For alternative options that are easy on the wallet, consider clearing off bookshelves or cabinets to create safe climbing perches. You can also use treats or toys to encourage them to climb and explore.
Mental Workouts
Exercise isn’t just about movement—mental stimulation is key to a happy, healthy cat.
DIY Enrichment
There are many ways you can mentally stimulate your cat without breaking out the wallet. Try hiding treats around the house to encourage foraging and “hunting.” You can also attempt to teach them tricks using clicker training: sit, high five, jump—YouTube is full of great tutorials!
Brainy Gear
Want to take mental enrichment to the next level? There are tons of products available to help! Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys will turn mealtime into brain time by rewarding your kitty with food when they complete puzzles. Have a smart phone? Interactive games and apps may be a great option. Yes, “cat games for cats” exist in app stores and on YouTube. Mice, fish, bugs—whatever gets your cat’s attention.
Fun fact: Just 10 minutes of mental work can be as tiring as a full-on zoomie session.
Chill-Out Activities That Still Count
Not every workout needs to be high-energy. Here are some low-effort, low-impact ways to get your cat engaged.
You and your kitty may love playing with bubbles, and there are automatic bubble blowers available, too! Just make sure to get pet-safe bubbles before the bubble-popping begins!
Water play may also be great for your cat—let curious kitties bat ice cubes around the floor or in a water bowl. And don’t forget to let them tune into “Cat TV.” Bird, squirrel, or fish videos on YouTube provide mental stimulation and light stalking practice. These activities might seem simple, but they keep your cat alert, stimulated, and engaged.
A Fit Cat Is a Happy Cat
Whether you’re working with cardboard boxes or building a full-scale feline playground, there’s no shortage of ways to keep your cat active. And keeping them active is important, as exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, build strong muscles, reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, and improve mental health and behavior.
Every cat is different. Some love to leap and pounce, while others prefer puzzles or a leisurely stroll in a stroller. The key is to find what your cat enjoys most—and make it part of their daily routine.
Whatever your budget, space, or cat’s personality, the important thing is to get them moving. Their health, happiness—and your furniture—will thank you.
