Can you take a cat for a walk? In an attempt to provide the opportunity to see, smell and touch other areas, many humans decide to buy a harness and a leash for their furry to take them to the outside world. But is this a good idea?
The truth is that not always, since it depends a lot on the behavior of the feline itself as well as the characteristics of the place where you want to take it.
What does the cat walk area have to be like?
The cat is an animal that has a much more developed sense of hearing than ours. To compare, just think of the noise a car makes. We get used to it: it can be heard from several meters away but as we go out into the street we diminish something of importance. But what happens to the feline? Well, it's like listening to one bulldozer every time.
Their reaction, obviously, is not the same as we have. It is normal for him to move away from the noise, or on the contrary to remain paralyzed with fear in a corner. Other than that, he's very curious. He loves to explore everything. Based on this, what are the characteristics that the walking area should have? So:
- Peaceful y without traffic.
- With many different smells, like a park for example.
- Fenced. It must have a fence, wall or wall at least 2 meters high.
What does the cat have to be like to be able to take it for a walk?
It is a mistake to think that all cats will enjoy the walk. It should be borne in mind that these furry ones do not usually like anything to be taken out of their territory, since they need to be able to control their domains. When taking them abroad, it would not be unusual for them to feel fearful and insecure. For all this, we will only take them out in these situations:
- We have used them since puppies.
- They are sociable. They like to be with the family and their visitors, and they do not have problems with other furry ones.
- They were already going abroad, but we have moved and we want to be with them for the first few times they leave their new home.
What can happen when you don't like the ride?
Any of these things:
- Attack us
- Let him fight with other furry
- That we can not control it and let loose the leash (and lose the cat)
- But, above all, that we cause great stress and tension
So in case of doubt, the best thing to do is to leave him alone at home where we will have to play with him daily and give him a lot of love (without overwhelming him, of course).
How to take my cat for a walk
If after what we have told you, you think that walking your cat is a good option for him and for you, then do not miss out on everything that we are going to explain below. First of all, you must be very clear that walking a cat is not the same as walking a dog.
Are you sure it's a good idea to walk him?
Once you have understood that your cat is not a dog, is it really worth taking him for a walk? Are you sure you will feel comfortable with this activity or will you experience too much stress? This will depend on the personality of each cat, but what is clear is that you know your feline friend better than anyone.
There are animal experts who think that a cat that lives at home can benefit from a walk outdoors, especially if the cat tends to want to escape to see the outside world. But on the other hand, there are also other experts who consider that They are sensitive animals that are best kept safe at home rather than causing unnecessary fear and stress.
As the owner of your pet, you should assess the personality of your cat and whether it is really worth taking him for a walk or keeping him inside your home to keep you from freaking out or just being uncomfortable.
What do you have to do before taking your cat for a walk?
The first and most important thing is to accustom your cat to the use of the leash, so you will have to arm yourself with patience for this. If you see that he is stressed or overwhelmed, it is best to give up and not force him to do something he does not want or for which he is not prepared. But, if you think you might like it then:
- Show him the harness, let him smell it and play with it to get familiar.
- Put on a harness, never a collar (it could strangle him). Talk to your vet to find out which one would be best for your cat's body.
- If your cat agrees that you put the harness on, then add the leash and allow it to move freely with it inside the home.
- Inside the house or in the garden, when you see that he is comfortable with the harness and leash, take the leash and walk beside him without disturbing him and without sudden movements until he gets used to walking next to you in that way.
- Let a couple of days pass between one step and another (the previous points)
It is a good idea that for your cat to feel the harness as something positive, that you reward him with some feline treat whenever he accepts the harness or walk calmly.
What you must not forget
If you have passed everything mentioned above, then you should not forget the following:
- Before leaving home, you must be up-to-date with your vaccinations and dewormed.
- Avoid places with a lot of movement to take your cat for a walk, it is better to do it in quiet places.
- If you live in a big city it is better not to take your cat for a walk.
- If it crosses with other cats or dogs it can be scared, it is better that you avoid this or that you take it in your arms before the other animal gets too close.
- If you do not have your cat neutered, do not take it out during mating season
- If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or stressed, go home as soon as possible.
Not all cats are the same
Not all cats are the same and maybe your neighbor's cat loves to go for a walk on a leash and harness, but yours hates it. Do not worry about that, what matters in any case is that your cat is happy whether you take him out for a walk or not. Remember that your cat may feel fear if you take him for a walk even if you are by his side because he is in a territory that he does not know, he does not control the situation and stress and fear can paralyze him. If he is very afraid, he could look like another cat that does not look like he is when he is at home. In this case, forget to take your cat for a walk because it is clear that he is not ready for it.
Many cats prefer to be calm in their homes, sleeping undisturbed and without having to go through unnecessary stress. Although it is true that fresh air, the sun and a cat stirring on the ground is a good idea for them, if they do not want to leave the house you can provide it inside it. If you do not have a garden at home, you can look for a friend's or one that is not used to take your cat with a carrier, although if you think that this can also stress your cat (for example, if he does not like carriers), then give up walking your cat.
Inside the house you can also be happy
Do not feel sad if your cat does not want to leave the house, inside it it can also be happy and enjoy a lot. For your cat to be happy indoors, you will have to respect its space, that it does not lack food or water, that it has toys to enjoy and a secret place to be able to hide whenever it wants.. Also remember:
- Give him your love whenever he invites you to give it to him
- Play with him when you see him receptive
- Have a cat tree at home
- Provide comfortable hiding places
Taking a cat for a walk is not as “simple” as taking a dog for a walk… there are many more risks, such as that he attacks you because he is over-stressed, that he fights with other animals and gets hurt, that you cannot control him and let it escape ... So, if you really want to take your cat for a walk but it is not an option and that frustrates you, then maybe your solution is another. It may be a good idea to consider the option of adopting a dog so that you can take it out for a walk and be able to do all those things that you cannot do with your cat.
Be that as it may, what matters most of all is that you are happy with your cat at home, even if you don't take him out for a walk. And if your cat finally agrees to go for a walk, then remember to take all necessary measures to make it as safe as possible for your furry friend.