Taking a cat for a walk on a lead or harness has become a growing trend, as evidenced by plenty of social media videos.
Some pet parents spend a lot of time outside and simply want to bring their beloved cats along on adventures. Others may want to make sure their cat gets enough enrichment and exercise.
While you can certainly train some cats to walk on a lead or harness, not every cat will enjoy it! Lead walking isn’t a natural behaviour for cats, and walking a cat can be more difficult than walking a dog.
Cats are natural explorers who don’t like to be restrained, and they may find the walk more stressful than enjoyable.
If you want to try walking your cat, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. Read on to learn what experts have to say about walking your cat, plus helpful tips for getting started.
Can Cats Be Trained To Walk?
“As a cat behaviourist, I am often asked about lead walking, and the answer is: it depends on the cat,” says Cristy Brusoe, a certified cat behaviourist with Cat Training by Cristy.
“Some cats will enjoy the mental and physical exercise of lead walking, while others will want nothing to do with it. The important factor is knowing your individual cat’s temperament and doing your best to introduce the experience in a way that builds confidence, not fear,” Brusoe says.
Bold, outgoing cats who don’t spook easily may do all right with lead walking. Shy cats who startle easily may find the outside world too stimulating.
According to Brusoe, walking a cat on a lead can have several benefits for cats:
- It provides enrichment that may reduce boredom, anxiety, and destructive behaviour at home.
- It provides safe access to fresh air, new smells, and new sights, all of which are natural stimulants for cats.
- It may help with weight control for less active cats.
Things To Consider Before Walking Your Cat
So, you think your cat might enjoy a walk? Before you pick the perfect lead, you’ll want to consider a few important things.
1. Safety
Take care to purchase a well-fitting, escape-proof harness and lead before taking your cat for a walk.
For your first walk, you may want to stick to a fenced or enclosed area. That way, if your cat gets scared and bolts, they won’t be able to run far.
Quiet neighbourhoods may also work well for cats who don’t startle easily. Just keep in mind that passing traffic or dog could scare them. It’s best to avoid noisy areas with lots of traffic or off-lead dogs.
2. Neighbourhood critters and friends
The outdoors is home to many different kinds of animals. If you live in an area that has a lot of wildlife, free-roaming cats, or dogs, you’ll want to prepare for the possibility of encountering another animal on your walk.
Negative interactions could scare your cat or lead to an injury or illness. If you don’t know the wildlife in your area, you may want to find a safer place to walk your cat or keep them inside.
3. Your commitment level
If your cat decides they love going for walks, can you commit to taking them out regularly?
An indoor cat who gets a little taste of the outside world may not be content returning to an inside-only life. They may end up yowling at the windows or beating at the doors to get back out again!
4. Your comfort level
Walking a cat isn’t much like walking a dog. Cats have very different motives from dogs when they’re on a lead. After all, they don’t need to go outside! Cats might prefer to jump into and onto things, sniff the same flower for several minutes, or even just lie down in the sun.
Before walking a cat, you’ll also want to consider how you might respond to an emergency. For example, what if your cat tries to run off and yanks the lead from your hand? They might also to wriggle free of the harness or claw you if a dog approaches and they get scared.
5. Your vet’s opinion
Cats who go outside face more dangers than indoor-only cats. Even if your cat is safely on a lead, they could still get attacked by another animal, pick up a parasite, or eat something toxic.
Before you let your cat out, it’s important to talk to your vet. They can recommend vaccines to help keep your cat safe and give you more information about dangers in your area, like toxic plants. You’ll also want to make sure they’re up to date on flea prevention medication.
For Success, Follow Your Cat’s Lead
Training a cat to walk on a lead will require plenty of patience, consistency, and rewards
- Familiarising them with a harness
- Teaching them to walk on a lead in a safe environment
- Transitioning to outdoor walks
- Getting them comfortable with a cat backpack
You can set them up for success by:
- Going at their pace
- Using reinforcement to reward them and help them enjoy the process
- Slowly transitioning from walking indoors to safe outdoor environments
Keep every new experience short and fun. It’s also best to only go for walks in cool, dry weather and avoid overwhelming areas. Always bring your cat backpack along in case they get too tired or overwhelmed to keep walking.
On your walk, pay attention to your cat’s body language to gauge whether they’re enjoying the experience or not. Make sure to give them a tasty treat and plenty of praise along the way!
Reasons Not To Walk Your Cat
Some cats do enjoy going for walks, and outdoor time can offer some benefits. But it’s not always ideal. In fact, there are a few good reasons not to walk a cat outside.
- Cats don’t like being restricted: Many cats resist harnesses, and forcing a cat to wear one can cause stress, Brusoe says.
- They already go outside: Some indoor cats might tolerate harnesses and leads, depending on their personality. However, outdoor cats may reject lead restrictions and try to escape immediately.
- They have a territorial nature: Cats thrive with routine and predictability in their daily lives. Leaving their known environment can be unsettling for them, Brusoe says.
- They may try to run off: One of the biggest risks with walking a cat is that they can escape—even with a harness on. Cats can quickly squeeze into small areas or climb a tree, and it may be difficult to coax them back.
- They might eat something toxic: Curious cats may be tempted to investigate their environment thoroughly by nibbling on plants. Poisonous plants and areas treated with chemicals pose serious health risks for cats.
- Going outside exposes them to parasites: The outdoor environment has plenty of dangers for cats, including parasites. In fact, cats with outdoor access are nearly three times more likely to have parasites, like Toxoplasma gondii and roundworms.
Safe Alternatives To Walking a Cat
You don’t have to take your cat outside to keep them entertained! There are plenty of ways to enrich your cat’s life indoors, where they’re safe and comfortable.
Brusoe suggests:
- Setting up a catio for safe outdoor time.
- Taking shy or senior cats out for walks in a cat buggy.
- Providing an exercise wheel for high-energy indoor cats.
- Creating a vertical climbing space with cat shelves or trees.
- Offering puzzle toys and clicker training for mental stimulation.
“Working with a cat behaviourist can help you choose the safest and most enriching activities for your unique feline,” Brusoe says. “It’s all about finding what works for your cat.”
If you’re concerned because your cat seems bored or spends a lot of time asleep, keep in mind it’s normal for cats to sleep about 16-20 hours a day, on average. That said, bored cats may enjoy more interaction with you—and some might also do well with a feline friend.
For cats who have a few extra pounds on board, you can try some focused playtime, pay closer attention to their eating habits, and ask your vet about changing their food.
