Squeeze ups are a type of exercise that involves squeezing a soft foam grip strengthener repeatedly to build hand, wrist, and forearm strength. While squeeze ups are commonly recommended for humans, some cat owners wonder if they are also safe and beneficial for cats.
What are squeeze ups?
Squeeze ups, also known as grip strengthening exercises, involve repeatedly squeezing and releasing a soft foam or rubber ball to build strength in the hands, wrists, and forearms. They are often recommended for people looking to improve their grip strength, particularly athletes like rock climbers, tennis players, and golfers.
The motion of repeatedly opening and closing the hand works several muscles, including:
- Flexor digitorum superficialis – Flexes the fingers
- Flexor digitorum profundus – Flexes the fingers
- Flexor pollicis longus – Flexes the thumb
- Extensor digitorum – Extends the fingers and wrist
- Extensor carpi radialis brevis – Extends and abducts the hand at the wrist
Strengthening these muscles helps improve overall hand strength and dexterity.
Are squeeze ups safe for cats?
Squeeze ups are generally considered safe for cats when done in moderation. Here are some tips for safe squeeze up exercise with cats:
- Use a soft, pliable foam or rubber ball that is sized for a cat’s paws. Avoid hard or heavy balls.
- Limit squeeze up sessions to 5-10 minutes 1-2 times per day.
- Watch for signs of fatigue, soreness, or irritation. Discontinue use if the cat seems distressed.
- Make sure the cat is willing. Never force a cat to perform squeeze ups.
- Reward and praise the cat during and after the exercise session.
Cats may enjoy squeeze ups as a form of play and mental stimulation. The exercise can strengthen their paws, wrists, and forelegs. However, overdoing it or using too much force could cause injury or stress. Monitoring the cat and keeping sessions brief and positive is key.
Benefits of squeeze ups for cats
When done safely, squeeze ups offer some benefits for cats:
Stronger muscles
Like in humans, regularly squeezing and releasing a foam ball can strengthen a cat’s muscles in their front legs, shoulders, and paws. This improves dexterity and grip strength for activities like climbing, pouncing, and playing.
Mental stimulation
Performing the focused, repetitive motion of squeeze ups provides mental stimulation for cats. This can help keep them engaged and may curb boredom.
Physical activity
Squeeze ups count as physical activity for less active cats. Pairing squeeze ups with other exercises helps keep cats fit.
Bonding time
The training involved in teaching a cat to do squeeze ups becomes a bonding experience for both cat and owner. It allows for positive reinforcement and playtime.
Potential risks of squeeze ups for cats
When overdone, squeeze ups do carry some risks for cats:
Muscle strains and sprains
Squeeze ups work the muscles in a cat’s front legs, shoulders, and paws. Doing too many reps or using too much force could lead to muscle overuse, strains, or sprains.
Pressure sores
A foam ball that is too hard or heavy could rub and cause sores on a cat’s paw pads with excessive use. Soft foam and moderation reduces this risk.
Stress
Forcing a cat to perform squeeze ups or overdoing the activity could cause mental and physical stress for cats. Signs include irritability, hiding, limping, biting, and avoidance behaviors.
To avoid risks, pet owners should start with short, positive squeeze up sessions of just 5-10 squeezes. Increase difficulty and duration gradually while monitoring for signs of injury or distress.
Are there alternatives to squeeze ups for cats?
For cats that dislike or cannot tolerate squeeze ups, some alternatives to try include:
- Play-based exercise with toys like feather wands and laser pointers
- Food puzzle toys that require paw manipulation
- Brush grooming to stimulate skin and muscles
- Ramp and perch exploration to climb and balance
- “Find it” games to navigate and paw at objects
Any game or activity that gets a cat moving, thinking, and using its paws helps provide physical and mental exercise. Monitoring a cat’s signals and switching up the types of play prevents boredom.
Tips for doing squeeze ups with cats
If doing focused squeeze up exercise, these tips help make it an enjoyable experience for cats:
Use toys a cat already likes
Cats will be most eager to play with foam balls and grips they are already familiar with as toys.
Try flavored or catnip-filled balls
Scented and catnip-filled foam balls will be more enticing for training cats to grip and release.
Reward with treats
Small treats make great rewards during and after squeeze up sessions to reinforce the behavior.
Keep sessions brief
Aim for just 5-10 squeezes in a session. Multiple short sessions prevent fatigue.
Watch for willingness
If a cat seems uninterested or reluctant, don’t force them. Try again later or switch to a different activity.
Making squeeze ups fun and voluntary ensures it stays a rewarding exercise for both cat and owner. Consistency, patience, and an observant eye leads to safe and successful training.
Conclusion
When done properly, squeeze ups are generally safe for cats and offer benefits like stronger muscles, mental engagement, and physical activity. To reduce risks, pet owners should use soft foam balls sized for cat paws, limit sessions to 5-10 minutes, and watch for signs of injury or unwillingness. Squeeze ups can become quality bonding time when kept positive. Alternatives like play and food puzzles also exercise a cat’s paws and body safely. With the right approach, squeeze ups can be a fun new workout for cats.