Should You Take Your Cat For A Walk?

There have been quite a few videos surfacing on social media of people taking a cat for a walk, and getting out and about with them. The cats in these videos look as if they’re having a great time. They can be seen in all kinds of different environments from urban to the beach, and just about everywhere else in between!

So, is taking the cat for a walk something you should be doing?

Why you should or shouldn’t take your cat on a walk

Unlike most dogs, cats can get the exercise they require in an indoor environment as long as you supply them with appropriate toys, furnishings and playtime! Investing in a cat tree, or even a cat wheel for a super energetic breed, and spending time playing with wand toys, balls and toy mice can be more than enough for most cats. if you do want your cat to have outdoor space, a secure enclosure can give them safe outdoor access, with no risk to them or the local wildlife.

If you take a cat for a walk, while it might offer the stimulation of being outdoors and extra exercise, the environment is entirely unpredictable, with traffic, people, dogs and wildlife posing a risk.

However, that’s not to say that it's impossible or a bad idea!

Is walking your cat weird?

While it might not be the most usual activity to do with a cat, it’s not weird. Some of the more active breeds, like Siamese, Orientals and Bengals will take well to walking on a lead, and seem to cope quite well with the extra stimulation. Gentler, more timid breeds may not cope as well. It’s important to consider how well your particular cat might take to the activity.

Do cats like walking on a leash?

As mentioned, some breeds, and some individual cats who have outgoing natures, can enjoy going for walks. Forcing a timid or less active cat to walk wouldn’t be kind though, so you should think about who the activity is really for. An enclosure where a lazy cat can sit in the sun outdoors might be a better option in some cases.

How to teach your cat to walk on a lead

If you think your cat would enjoy walks, be aware that teaching a cat to walk on a lead will take time, patience and many gradual steps.

Begin by getting them used to wearing a collar. Start with a little time every day, reassuring your cat and perhaps using treats. Most cats adjust to collars relatively quickly, and it’s a simple step towards getting your cat accustomed to wearing a harness. A simple collar is not really suitable for walking, as a panicked cat will be able to wriggle out of it and you risk losing your treasured pet.

The next step is to invest in a proper harness and lead that’s designed for cats. These come in a range of sizes, and you need one that will be firm, but not tight.

As with the collar training, begin with short sessions indoors with the harness, speaking to them with a ‘happy’ voice, and offering a treat. A very typical response to early sessions with a harness is that the cat will flop over on its side and refuse to move. Don’t panic - this is quite normal.

Try tempting your cat with a toy. Flicking a wand toy your cat usually chases for example can see them jump for the toy before they remember they are trying to show you how awful the harness is!

Once your cat is used to wearing the harness, and is wandering happily around the house in it, you can attach the lead. Initially, your cat will likely take you for a walk, rather than you having any control. With patience, you can encourage your cat with light twitches of the lead and voice commands to walk with you. This can take some time. If you have a safe yard where you can practise outdoors, it’s advisable to spend some time doing that before venturing off into the wider world.

Walking a cat in public spaces is an exercise in risk management. Traffic, people, kids on bikes, dogs off and on leashes are all things you will need to be constantly looking out for, so you can take evasive action, including picking up your cat up.