How to Walk a Cat: Dos and Don’ts

Cats really enjoy being outside, and it can make you sad to see your cat looking longingly out of the windows at the sun and fresh air. If you teach your cat the right way, you can take them for walks on a leash, which will open the door to lots of fun adventures for both you and your furry friend. However, if you’ve tried to walk your cat on a leash before, you might have realized that it’s not so easy, and your exciting outing might turn into something like this:

Here, we’ll share some things you should do and some things you should avoid when it comes to walking your cat, so you can both have a good time.

Avoid forcing your cat

Never forcefully pull on the leash, as it may make your cat resent the experience. Instead, allow your cat to explore at their own pace and gradually guide them.

Need a harness and leash

Using a collar on your cat can be risky because it might allow them to slip out easily and escape if they get scared. It’s a good idea to invest in a cat harness and cat leash that fits your cat properly. To check if the cat harness fits right, make sure you can comfortably fit two fingers between the cat and the harness. This ensures that it’s not too tight or too loose. Some people prefer using a lightweight jacket harness because it has more space to spread the pressure evenly.

Plenty of treats for positive reinforcement

To help your cat get used to the leash quickly, it’s important to link praise and treats with this activity right from the beginning. As soon as you put the harness on your cat for the first time, be sure to give them a treat as a reward. Even as they’re getting used to the feel of the harness, reward them with treats every few minutes that they keep the harness on without trying to escape.

Stay hydrated and be prepared

Ensure you have plenty of water on hand for your cat during outdoor excursions. Always be ready to pick up your cat if any potential dangers arise during the walk.

Let your cat lead the way

When it comes to walking your cat on a leash, it’s best to follow your cat’s lead, at least in the beginning until they become more comfortable with it. If you pull on the leash too forcefully, it might make your cat dislike the experience even more. Allow your cat to explore your home with the leash trailing behind them before you attempt to guide them by picking up the leash.

Use a cat stroller

For cats who may not enjoy traditional leash walks, consider using a cat stroller. This allows them to experience the outdoors in a secure and comfortable environment.

Don’t skip harness training your cat

Skipping the harness training your cat can make your cat uncomfortable and anxious during walks. Invest the time in proper training to ensure a positive experience. Don’t forget to harness train or leash train your cat, you can read more from this article: How To Harness Train Your Cat?

Time to explore the great outdoors

Choosing the right time of day for your cat’s first outdoor adventure is important. It’s best to avoid going out on days with lots of activity and check the surroundings for anything that might frighten your pet, such as loud noises, heavy traffic, or other dogs. Be patient and let your cat do what feels comfortable, even if it means just exploring the front yard at first.

As your cat becomes more accustomed to outdoor walks, you can follow their lead into new adventures. Sometimes, they might even decide to follow you, but as any cat owner knows, they often have their agenda. Using treats as incentives can be helpful. Regardless, make sure you have plenty of water for your pet, and be prepared to pick them up if any potential dangers come your way.

When walking any pet, it’s crucial to remember to have a collar on them with an updated ID tag and ensure their microchip information is correct in case they manage to escape and get lost.

Keeping your pets up to date on vaccinations, as well as using flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, is essential, especially for animals that spend time outdoors. And if you’re looking for a new furry friend to take on walks, consider adopting one of our lovable pets and bring home a new best friend!

FAQs about walking cats

It often raises several questions, given that walking a cat is less common than walking a dog. Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers.

why do cats walk in front of you?

Cats often walk in front of their owners as a way to assert their independence and explore their surroundings at their own pace. Unlike dogs, cats are more territorial and curious about their environment. By walking ahead, they can investigate new scents, sights, and sounds, asserting their autonomy while still staying close to their human companion.

Do cats like going on walks?

Yes, almost all cats love the outdoors. If you are wondering to confirm should I walk my cat? We’d just say it depends on your cat. Each cat is different. Some enjoy walks, while others might not. Watch how your cat acts on a walk to tell.

Is it weird to walk a cat?

No, it’s not weird. More people are walking their cats. It’s safe and fun if done right.

Why do cats walk with their tails up?

Cats walk with their tails up as a sign of confidence and happiness. When a cat’s tail is up, it usually means they are feeling friendly and comfortable. It’s like their way of saying hello or showing that they are in a good mood.

This tail position can also be a signal to humans and other animals that they are approachable and not feeling threatened or scared.

Why does my cat walk around meowing?

Your cat might be walking around meowing for a few reasons:

• Wants attention: It may want to play or be with you.
• Hungry: It could be telling you it’s time to eat.
• Bored: It might be looking for something to do.
• Health issue: If it’s new or more than usual, check with a vet.
• Stressed: Changes in its life could make it meow more.
• Aging: Older cats sometimes meow more if they’re confused.

Check out the article: “Why Is My Cat Meowing A Lot? 6 Reasons” for additional insights into why your cat might be meowing frequently.