Brain exercises for your cat - Acadiana's Multi-Media News Station

Brain exercises for your cat

Updated: Feb 11, 2013 04:40 PM EST
© iStockphoto.com © iStockphoto.com

By Dr. Jessica Vogelsang
From The Daily Cat 


As anyone who's had their shin attacked by a playful kitten can attest, many cats love to frolic. But mind activity is also important for cats, such that it can even lead to physical benefits for your feline.

In 2002, veterinary behaviorist Dr. Jacqui Neilson suggested that mental exercises could be used to help slow down age-related cognitive decline in animals, based on studies of humans with Alzheimer's disease.

Here are four ways you can keep your cat's mind and body engaged throughout the day:


1. Food puzzles.

Instead of just placing your cat kibble in a bowl, consider making your cat work for the reward. Frederick Cat Vet has some easy-to-make food puzzler instructions that will keep your cat hard at work for every last bite.


2. Hunting toys.

Ancestors to the domestic cat would catch 10 to 20 little critters a day, on average. Toys that give your cat a chance to exercise this strong hunting instinct by pouncing, catching or tossing them in the air are a good choice.

The FroliCat Dart takes the traditional laser one step further by automatically rotating a laser beam through the room, leading your cat on an endless chase.


3. Vertical spaces.

Cats like to take advantage of the full three-dimensional space in a room. Having high places on which to perch allows the cat to exercise its climbing instinct. It also affords them a safe place to escape from dogs or kids who may be bothering them down on the floor.

If you don't want to pay pet store prices for a kitty condo, there are some great plans online so you can build a perch or kitty condo yourself.


4. Stimulating smells.

Most everyone knows about catnip, but there are several plants that cats are highly attracted to, including catmint and valerian. The University of Vermont has a great article about planting a cat-friendly garden that lists the most popular plants.


Exercise for the brain is just as beneficial as exercise for the body. Give your cat both for a long and happy life.

  

Dr. Jessica Vogelsang is a small-animal veterinarian from San Diego. When she's not at work or with her family of two and her four-legged creatures, you can find her blogging about life with pets at PawCurious.com. Dr. Vogelsang's blogs have previously appeared on The Daily Cat.

Copyright © 2013 Studio One Networks. All rights reserved.

*DISCLAIMER*: The information contained in or provided through this site section is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional advice. Use of this site section and any information contained on or provided through this site section is at your own risk and any information contained on or provided through this site section is provided on an "as is" basis without any representations or warranties.

  • Blue's Pet Page

  • "The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog." -George Graham
    "The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog." -George Graham

  • "The more people I meet, the more I like my cat." -Anonymous
    "The more people I meet, the more I like my cat." -Anonymous

  • GWEN STEFANI The singer and her pup hit the beach for a day of sun and fun in Marina del Rey, California.
    JESSICA BIEL They're walkin' here! The actress and her dogs pound the pavement in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood on Saturday.

  • By Pamela Babcock WebMD Pet Health Reviewed by Amy Flowers, DVM Taking your pet to the vet? Whether it's a routine appointment or you're checking on symptoms, there are steps you can take to help the
    By Pamela Babcock WebMD Pet Health Reviewed by Amy Flowers, DVM Taking your pet to the vet? Whether it's a routine appointment or you're checking on symptoms, there are steps you can take to help the

  • ByStephanie Watson WebMD Magazine Reviewed byWilliam Draper, DVM Puppies and kittens aren't like human babies. You can't wait 2 years to start potty training. "With a puppy or kitten you say, "Oh it's
    ByStephanie Watson WebMD Magazine Reviewed byWilliam Draper, DVM Puppies and kittens aren't like human babies. You can't wait 2 years to start potty training. "With a puppy or kitten you say, "Oh it's

  • Why do cats meow? The reasons change as they grow from kittens into cats. Kittens meow to their mothers when they're hungry, cold, or scared. But once cats get older, they use other vocalizations -- such
    Why do cats meow? The reasons change as they grow from kittens into cats. Kittens meow to their mothers when they're hungry, cold, or scared. But once cats get older, they use other vocalizations -- such

  • We love to hear our cats purr, don't we? We take it as a sign that our pets are happy, healthy, and well fed. A purring cat is like an acknowledgment that we are doing a good job as a pet owner. But if
    We love to hear our cats purr, don't we? We take it as a sign that our pets are happy, healthy, and well fed. A purring cat is like an acknowledgment that we are doing a good job as a pet owner. But if
Powered by WorldNow
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and KLFY. All Rights Reserved. For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.