{"id":767,"date":"2016-09-19T14:58:57","date_gmt":"2016-09-19T21:58:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rocklinranchvet.com\/blog\/?p=767"},"modified":"2024-07-25T05:13:20","modified_gmt":"2024-07-25T12:13:20","slug":"indoor-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rocklinranchvet.com\/blog\/indoor-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"Meeting the Nutritional and Exercise Needs of Your Indoor Cats"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"He'sCats<\/span><\/a> are natural hunters \u2013 and this instinct often determines the ways they enjoy expending energy. Leaping, stalking, pouncing, and chasing after their \u201cprey\u201d are all ways cats express themselves and get exercise.<\/span><\/p>\n

Indoor kitties sometimes face a challenge, in so far that their environment often lacks the same opportunities for these behaviors. Despite indoor pets being better protected from accidents, illnesses, and predation risks that come with the great outdoors, they do need some help to stay mentally and physically fit. <\/span><\/p>\n

Along with exercise, many indoor cats need assistance in the weight management department. <\/span>With 60% of all domestic cats qualifying as obese<\/span><\/a>, your pet\u2019s nutritional needs should also be carefully considered and perhaps modified.<\/span><\/p>\n

Indoor Cat Nutrition<\/b><\/h3>\n

Since an indoor cat generally doesn\u2019t get as much exercise as one who roams the outdoors, he or she may struggle with weight gain and hairballs. <\/span><\/p>\n

OK, you may be wondering why hairballs\u2026 because your feline will likely self-groom more as a result of having more time to lounge around. More grooming means, yes, more hairballs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fortunately, there are some specialty diets we can set your favorite feline up with. Indoor formulas are typically lower in calories while meeting your cat\u2019s nutritional needs. There are also diets that curb hairballs or helps them pass through the digestive tract.<\/span><\/p>\n

Depending on your pet\u2019s health, he or she may also benefit from vitamins and supplements. The <\/span>team at Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital<\/span><\/a> are happy to recommend some brands that would be appropriate for your furry pal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Exercise Ideas for Your Indoor Feline<\/b><\/h3>\n

Providing activities and interactive games for your cat may seems strange, especially if your meowy friend loves just about anything he can bat under the couch. On the other hand, you may care for a complete couch potato cat who would rather snooze than play.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cats, like dogs, require exercise for complete health. To keep your cat moving, try some of the following paw-approved activities:<\/span><\/p>\n