Should Cats Go on Walks?

Many cat guardians keep their beloved pets inside to ensure they are safe from the perils of wildlife, traffic and vermin that carry disease. While an indoors-only life can keep your cat protected, she may suffer from the ill effects of under-activity, such as obesity, boredom and social distress. Leash walking can give cats the benefits of safe outdoors activity. Before walking your cat, make sure her vaccinations are up-to-date.

  1. Physical Benefits

    • Indoor cats don't always get the exercise they need to retain a trim feline figure. Walking is one way to ensure they move around and keep their weight under control. For a cat's first few ventures outside, she may do less "walking" and more sitting in the grass; over time, her activity level should increase as she becomes more accustomed to the leash and explores more of the neighborhood.

    Psychological Benefits

    • Boredom is a common affliction of indoor cats. Without regular stimulation from play, bird-watching and places to explore like boxes and nooks and crannies, cats can become withdrawn. They may associate less with visitors and become reclusive within their homes. Regular walks that expose cats to new sights, scents and sounds can help improve their mood and social engagement.

    Behavioral Benefits

    • Under-stimulated cats can act out in ways that make their guardians unhappy, from damaging the furniture to engaging in aggressive play. Regular walks can satisfy cats' exploratory instinct so when they are back inside, they are more likely to be calmer, especially over time and with frequent walks. Maintaining a set walking schedule should prevent cats from bothering guardians for outside excursions at inconvenient times of day.

    Training Your Cat

    • Leash training does not happen overnight. The ASPCA has step-by-step instructions of how to begin the process. Start by choosing a harness that fits properly and is designed for cats. Use a light leash that attaches to the back and not the collar. Introduce the leash slowly over several days by letting your cat sniff it and lay it on her back without attaching it. When she is comfortable wearing it, walk her in the house first, and then outside. Begin by doing short walks of no more than 10 minutes at a time in a quiet area. Let your cat lead the way and follow to keep her safe; unlike walking a dog, a cat is unlikely to go where you want her to.