Christine O'Brien
|March 19, 2024
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When it's time to take your cat outside for a stroll, keep the following things in mind before you leave home:
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.
Christine O'Brien is a writer, mom, and long-time cat parent whose two Russian Blues rule the house. Her work also appears in Care.com, What to Expect, and Fit Pregnancy, where she writes about pets, pregnancy, and family life. Find and follow her on Instagram and Twitter @brovelliobrien.
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Supports energy level & beautiful fur. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy.
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced salmon to help build immunity and a healthy digestive system
Fewer calories for less active cats
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Supports kitten growth, digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in mature indoor cats
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Delicious taste of gourmet minced beef in precisely balanced nutrition. Provides a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Delicious taste of gourmet minced turkey in precisely balanced nutrition. Provide a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Learn if laser pointers are truly safe to use with your cat, if there are any recommended types, and when to recognize your cat's playtime frustrations.
Kitten's body language and behaviors tell you a lot about what they want. Learn what each behavior means and start to better understand your cat's needs.
Learn what your female cat needs for proper nutrition when pregnant or nursing, so you can make sure you are feeding her properly.
Discover why your cat likes to catch mice and leave them as presents for you, as well as how you should respond to this natural behavior.
Use this comprehensive guide to help you find the best cat carrier for your feline friend. Learn what to look for in a quality carrier and what to avoid.
Going on vacation? Use this cat travel checklist to make sure you've got all her important supplies, such as food, toys & her vet info, for your trip.
To provide the best care for your cat, it is important to know as much about them as possible. Read about a cat's specialized anatomy to learn more.
Cat pneumonia can be life-threatening if not addressed when clinical signs start to show. Luckily, many cats treated for this illness recover.
Learn to help cats and kids enjoy fun and safe playtime together. From introductions to holding, here's how to play with cats when kids are involved.
Just like humans, cats have pet peeves that drive them crazy. Learn common things your cat probably hates and how you can make her feel more comfortable.
Learn the needs of your aging kitten. It's nutritional and exercise requirements will start to change as it grows from being a kitten into an adult cat.
Learn how to build an easy, homemade DIY cat scratching post using items around your house! She'll get exercise and you won't get a ruined staircase.
Is wet food bad for cats' teeth? Furthermore, does wet food cause dental problems in cats? Get your facts straight here.
Here's a simple, cost-effective way to create a DIY cat-proof toilet paper holder cover that keeps your feline friend from destroying your TP.
Choose the perfect cat grooming tools, such as the right brushes and combs, and learn the best way to groom both long & short haired cats.
Learn possible reasons why your cat’s nose is running, when you should consider bringing them to the vet and common treatments.
Learn how your cat's behavior might change if you bring a newborn baby into the home and how you can keep both baby and cat safe.
Learn important information about giardia in cats, including signs, diagnosis and treatment options for dealing with this parasitic infection.
Getting your cat in & out of her carrier can be a challenging task when it's time to go to the vet. Learn helpful carrier tips for keeping your cat calm.
Learn about common illnesses and health concerns among kittens, how you can spot their symptoms and steps you can take to prevent them from happening.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
©2025 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool