Should You Take Your Cat On A Walk?

Below, we’ll explore whether you should take your cat on a walk. We’ll also go over everything you need to take into consideration before hitting the “catwalk” with your fur baby. 

Is It Wrong To Take Your Cat On A Walk? 

In general, whether or not you should take your cat on a walk depends heavily on your cat’s personality and needs. There’s nothing wrong with trying to experience walks with your cat, so long as you follow the process necessary to ensure that your feline friend feels at ease. 

That being said, there are caveats to this rule. If your cat isn’t naturally outgoing or is shaken easily by new experiences, it may be best to focus on other enriching activities. Not all cats will do well on a leash, but it’s certainly worth exploring if you feel like your companion is up for an adventure. Some cats may not enjoy the experience, and their preferences should be respected. 

For the right cats, going out on leisurely strolls can help build confidence, and strengthen the bond between you and your cat. Cats tend to enjoy occasional new smells and sights, and a walk can help fulfill these needs when approached properly.

How To Take Your Cat On A Walk

Are you ready to try walking with your feline friend? Be sure to take these tips into account to ensure it’s a safe, pleasant experience for your furry family member. 

Find A Harness That Fits Your Cat Properly

One of the most important things to do before taking your cat out on a walk is to make sure you have a properly fitting harness. Your harness of choice should be cat-specific, and not a dog harness as most cats can easily slip out of improperly fitting harnesses. Follow sizing instructions carefully according to the harness’ manufacturer. 

Also, give your cat time to explore the harness on his or her own time. You could leave it out on the floor and offer praise and treats whenever they interact (sniff, lick, etc.) with the harness. It’s best to familiarize your feline as early as possible with a harness to increase the likelihood of your cat enjoying walks. If you can, introduce your cat to harnesses when he’s a kitten. 

Practice Indoors

Before heading out on the town, practice walking indoors with your cat. Have your cat start by simply dragging the leash behind him while wearing the harness so that he can get used to the weight. Over time, build up to holding the leash yourself, and reward with treats and praise. 

Start Slow

Once you feel that you and your cat are ready to venture to the outdoors, do so slowly. Start out in a remote area where there aren’t too many distractions that could frighten your cat. Let your cat lead you via the leash, at least at first. Your cat should become more comfortable over time if walking outdoors is a good fit. Also, make sure that your cat is up to date on necessary flea and tick medication before heading out on a stroll. 

Leisurely, outdoor strolls certainly aren’t suited for every cat. That being said, it’s certainly worth taking into consideration if your furry friend is naturally curious about the world around them. Just remember to follow all safety precautions and ease your cat into the process. Enjoy experiencing the great outdoors together!  Learn more HERE