Indoor cats often yearn to go outside, and indoor cat owners know what it’s like once their cat has had a taste of the great outdoors. For cat owners concerned about their cat’s safety, one idea is to walk their cats outside.
Walking your cat outside can look like different things to different people. For those with backyards, it could mean a romp around the fence line. Those in neighborhoods may choose to walk their cat down the sidewalk and around the block.
If you think your cat would enjoy a walk outside, read on why you should walk your cat, tips for walking them safely, and things to avoid during walks.
Benefits of Walking Your Cat Outside
Walking your cat outside comes with tons of benefits, the first being stimulation. Bored cats need something new and interesting, and outside provides plenty to look at, smell, and listen to. Similarly, giving your indoor cat outdoor time is a great way to keep them happy.
Walking outside is also a great form of exercise for indoor cats that may be stagnant inside their homes. Even slow, casual walking can help your cat stretch out their legs and keep their joints loose.
Finally, walking with your cat can be a great way to bond. If you decide to regularly walk your cat at a specific time, then your cat will add it to their routine and start to look forward to walking with you!
Walking Your Cat Outside: Steps to Take
Once you’ve decided to try and take your cat on a walk outside, the next step is to prepare. Following these tips can help you make walking a positive experience for you and your cat.
Choose the right equipment
Depending on your situation, you may want to consider different types of equipment.
At the very least, you should put a collar on your indoor cat. A collar can help strangers identify your cat if you become separated during the walk. Some cat owners live in areas where walking their cat with just a collar is safe enough, too.
For busy areas with cars, we recommend using a harness to walk your cat. Harness training is a great way to bond with your cat while preparing them for safely walking outdoors. Over time, your cat could grow comfortable enough wearing its harness that it’s ready to explore!
If you want to expose your cat to the outdoors first, then a cat backpack or stroller are good ways to keep your cat protected while it takes in new views. We recommend doing this if your cat is going to walk somewhere it hasn’t explored yet. Giving your cat a chance to scout out an area can help them feel more comfortable in the space.
Decide where you’re going
Not all cat walks are going to look the same, but you should plan on where you and your cat will go. Using our earlier example, a walk in the backyard will be pretty straightforward. However, walking your cat down the street could lead to complications, especially if your cat is afraid of cars, bikes, or dogs.
The best way to ensure that walking your cat outside goes smoothly is by planning ahead. The route doesn’t have to be long, especially if this is your first time walking with your cat. Over time, your cat could decide which route is best!
Consider safety
Always keep safety in mind when you bring an indoor cat outside, even if you’re supervising them. Do your best to keep your cat away from vehicles, and try to keep some distance between your cat and strangers. Anything that could spook your cat could quickly make the walk a negative experience for both of you.
Aside from wearing a collar, placing an airtag or GPS on your cat’s collar can help you pinpoint its location if you become separated.
What Not to Do When Walking Your Cat Outside
Another way to ensure that your walk outside with your cat goes smoothly is by preventing incidents or accidents. Here are things you cannot do while walking your cat outside.
Leaving them unsupervised
Don’t leave indoor cats unsupervised outside, especially if they don’t go outside often. Cats are quiet and quick, and you can quickly lose track of your cat if you look away for too long. Keep close to your cat and keep an eye on them at all times.
Forcing your cat to walk
If your cat doesn’t want to walk outside, don’t make them! Nothing is going to start the walk off on the wrong foot more than forcing your cat to walk outside. If your cat shows any fear or reluctance, let them stay in their cozy home.
Final Thoughts: Walking Your Cat Outside
Walking your cat outside is a great way to bond with your cat, get them some exercise, and keep them happy. There are plenty of ways to safely walk your cat, including on-leash with a harness or off-leash with a collar. However, you should avoid forcing your cat to walk or letting them walk unsupervised. With some practice and consistency, you and your cat will be enjoying walks in no time!
FAQs for Walking Your Cat Outside
Yes, walking your cat outside is OK and beneficial for your cat. However, you should avoid leaving them alone while walking outside.
Some cats like being walked on a leash, but only after extensive training. Consider harness training your cat if you want to walk them on a leash.
Yes, walking an indoor cat is a great way to stimulate their brains while getting them some exercise!
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