Walking a Cat: Should You Take Your Kitty For a Stroll?

During your evening stroll around the neighborhood, you may have noticed more and more pet parents walking a cat on a leash. But before trying this out with your own fur baby, assess whether it's something they might enjoy. After all, walking a cat isn't like walking a dog. If you decide you're ready to learn how to teach a cat to walk on a leash, you can take steps to help them adjust — and hopefully, enjoy taking a stroll with you.

Should You Walk Your Cat?

Veterinarians and wildlife and animal welfare experts agree that cats should live indoors. It's safer for your cat, and it helps protect wildlife such as birds and reptiles. While some cats seem to have no desire to set foot outside, others are clearly curious about the world beyond your windows. Taking your cat on a walk with the security of a harness and leash can be a great way to help satiate your feline friend's curiosity and provide them with mental stimulation and a little exercise. Here are some factors to consider that may influence whether walking your cat on a leash is right for you and your pet.

Personality

You know your cat's personality best. Are they curious about new things? Do they love to sniff and rub their face all over new items you bring into the home? Is one of their favorite forms of entertainment looking out the window? Then they might enjoy a walk. If your cat is shy, shows little interest in what's going on in the outside world and isn't particularly curious about checking out new things, they may be content to stay right where they are.

Age

Kittens are more likely to enjoy a walk because their preferences and behaviors are still being shaped. The ideal socialization window for a kitten is from about 3 weeks to 3 months old, during which they're more accepting of new experiences. Some older cats can be trained with patience, but if you think you'll want to walk your cat, it's best to start them young.

Breed

Are certain cat breeds more amenable to walking? Not necessarily. But you should be aware that the great outdoors can be full of allergens, and some breeds, such as Bengals, Abyssinians and Devon Rexes, may be more prone to grass or pollen allergies. The common domestic shorthair cat can also develop allergies, however. Cats with flatter faces, such as Persians, can't tolerate heat and humidity like other breeds can. If you're taking your cat outside and you notice them itching or developing scabs, put the walks on hold and talk to your vet.

Walking Your Cat: How to Get Started

The first step to taking your kitty for a stroll is to select your equipment. Look for a secure harness made for cats with a ring on the back to attach to a leash. Never attach the leash to their collar or anything that fits around their neck. When in doubt, ask your vet or store personnel for help with size and fit. Have fun with it! Leashes and harnesses come in lots of different colors, patterns and materials that can reflect your cat's unique personality.

Just as you would when transitioning to a new food or introducing a grooming practice to your cat's usual routine, start slowly. Set out the harness and leash on the floor for the first day or two so your cat can sniff and play with them and become accustomed to their new supplies. Allow them to wear their harness around the house before giving it a test drive outside. You can also practice with the leash by leading them indoors to help get them comfortable with the feeling. Gauge your cat's interest. If they don't seem excited about it at first, try it a couple more times. Sweeten the deal and encourage positive associations by giving them a special treat after each time you suit them up in their harness.

Best Practices and Considerations

When it's time to take your cat outside for a stroll, keep the following things in mind before you leave home:

• Always make sure they're wearing a properly fitted collar with an updated ID tag. It's also a good idea to look into microchipping your cat if you plan to take them outdoors so you can find them in the event they get lost.
• Confirm your cat is up to date on flea, tick and heartworm medicine. This is a good idea for all cats, but it's especially crucial for kitties going outdoors.
• Consider the weather. A cat who's used to sitting in a 70-degree Fahrenheit home all day probably isn't prepared for cold winter walks. The same can be said of rain.
• Keep your cat on a short leash. Chances are you'll meet people out walking their dogs, and this will help keep your cat safe from any unwanted encounters. It will also help keep them out of range of any wildlife that might pique their interest.
• Try a cat stroller. While your cat won't get the same exercise, this method still offers a great bonding opportunity and provides your cat with a little fresh air and excitement. Make sure that your cat is secure in the stroller and that they're wearing their collar with ID tags.

When you take your cat outside for the first time, keep it brief. Just a few minutes at a time will do until they're comfortable with being outside. They'll most likely perform what many pet parents refer to as the "cat flop," where they go limp and refuse to move. That's OK — giving your cat time and space will help you understand if walking them is worth the time and effort. "If your cat is stalling or crouching on a walk or tries to escape [they] might be scared," explains the SFSPCA, "and going for walks is not a good way of enriching a fearful cat's life." Pay close attention to your cat's body language and never force it.

If you think your cat is up for the challenge — you know them better than anyone — walking a cat is a great way for both of you to get some exercise. As long as you keep their health, comfort and security top of mind, you might just become the next pet parent-cat duo walking down the block.