Things to Consider Before Walking Your Cat

It's rather uncommon to see a cat being walked outside on a leash, but there are reasons why you might want to consider it. While the idea of seeing your cat in a cute harness and leash exploring the great outdoors sounds enticing, there are several crucial factors to consider before embarking on this adventure. In this blog post, we'll delve into the essential things to think about before walking your cat.

Walking a cat using a harness

Should You Walk Your Cat?

It isn't essential by any means to walk your cat, mainly because they're usually pros at keeping themselves entertained and active, but also because it can be a scary experience for them. However, if your kitty has an adventurous personality, taking them outside for walks is an idea you could potentially explore.

7 Things to Consider Before Walking Your Cat

Here are 7 things to consider before hitting the streets with your kitty:

1. Know Their Personality

Before deciding to walk your cat, you need to evaluate their personality and temperament. Some cats are naturally adventurous and may adapt well to the new experience, while others might be more anxious and skittish.

For more reserved kitties, it might be worth exploring ways to create your own “stimulation station” — a cat-friendly space that will keep them entertained within the safety of your home.

It's essential to know your cat's disposition and gauge whether they'll be comfortable outside.

2. Choose the Right Harness

Choosing the appropriate harness and leash for your cat is crucial. A traditional collar can be dangerous for cats when they're being walked, as they can easily slip out of it or hurt themselves when tugging against it. Instead, opt for a secure and comfortable cat harness that fits snugly without restricting movement. If they get spooked, you don't want them being able to escape and potentially get injured.

3. Gradual Introductions

Cats can be highly sensitive to new experiences, so introduce their harness and leash gradually.

Start by letting your cat get used to wearing the harness indoors for very short periods. Reward them with treats and praise whenever they have their leash on to create positive associations. Once they're comfortable, you can move on to leash training indoors.

Cat being walked on a leash

4. Plan Your Walking Route

It’s recommended to scout out your walking route before you hit the streets with your furry pal. The best places to explore are quiet areas, with little to no people or animals that may frighten your cat. Major bonus if you can find an enclosed area, as that will provide a safety net in case your cat somehow wiggles out of their harness.

Try to avoid:

Busy streets.
Noisy areas.
Areas with lots of dogs being walked.
Areas with wildlife.

5. It’s Not Like Walking a Dog

Walking a cat is a very different ball game from walking a dog.

Your kitty will still want to do things that cats like to do, such as jumping around, prowling, taking a long break to sit and lap up the sunshine, and the list goes on. Taking them out will definitely be less about you then it will be about them. So if you were planning on getting a workout with your cat, as you would with a dog, think again.

Train yourself to walk slowly and cautiously, and find a pace that makes your cat feel safe and comfortable.

6. Patience and Preparation

Walking your cat will not be a cake walk and will definitely take plenty of patience on your end. Be prepared to encounter all sorts of kitty “moods” out in the wild; adventurous cats who want to explore, high energy cats with high energy behavior, lazy cats who want to just lay in the sun, and stubborn kitties who don’t want to go home just yet.

It’s a good idea to think of a game plan to combat any type of rebellious behavior, like bringing treats or a toy to coax them home, because it's likely your cat won’t let you pick them up and this will most definitely cause a scene and a headache.

7. Keeping Them Safe

If you decide to go ahead with walking your cat, ensure they're up to date on vaccinations and flea/tick prevention. Also make sure you're mindful of the weather - if it's a very hot or cold day, it might be best to wait until there's a more comfortable temperature for your kitty before you venture outside together.

Walking your cat can be a fun activity for both you and your feline friend. However, it's essential to consider your cat's personality, safety, and comfort above all else. With the right prep work and heaps of patience, it's possible you could provide your cat with an enjoyable outdoor experience. Browse our Cat Collection to find your new favorite feline apparel to wear on your cat walks!