Tips for taking your cat for a walk

Traditionally, cats live indoors , in an enclosed space, apartment or house, which may include a balcony, a terrace, or a garden in some cases. They do not go out for daily walks like dogs. Obviously, they need to exercise to have fun and avoid generating stress and boredom, but their owners tend to consider that taking them out is not a necessity. At the same time, we see more and more cats with harnesses and leashes outdoors, either in nature, or even in the city.

Have we been wrong all these years and can walks improve the quality of life for felines? How much does a cat need to be outside? Read on to discover tips for walking your cat.

Do cats need to leave their house?

Many cats who live in an apartment without going outside are perfectly happy as long as their needs are met . Many feline behaviour experts stress that going outside is not a requirement: an enriched environment would be sufficient for a good quality of life and minimal stress levels . A scratching tree , several platforms or tall furniture to climb on, toys they like, a window to look out of – perhaps cats are more easily entertained than we think, without any of the risks that come with being outside.

Although it is not an obligation and may sound strange, exploring the world can be enriching for both felines and dogs . Getting more exercise helps them regulate their weight, there are more sources of stimulation outside, which is an advantage for more curious cats. Walks also strengthen the bond with the owner.

If you want to try walking your cat, it is ideal to get him used to it little by little and have good reflexes so as not to scare him . We explain how.

How to get your cat used to walking

Some cats don't feel like exploring outside their home: it's better to propose adventures to a cat if its temperament lends itself and it's always easier to start the younger it is . But it's not an impossible task if you've had your pet for years and you just want to start going out with it.

We do not recommend using a collar, which is too easy to escape from if something scares your cat . Putting a harness on your cat is the best option for safe walks. Choose the right harness , easy to put on and adjustable to your cat's size for comfort. You should be able to fit two fingers between your pet's body and the harness for it to fit properly. As with any new accessory, a cat has to get used to wearing a harness. Let him sniff it first, let him play with it. You can place the harness and leash near where he sleeps so he becomes familiar with the tools and does not see them as threats.

While introducing the harness , it's helpful to take advantage of positive reinforcement techniques: petting, praising, and rewarding . Reward the cat if he doesn't try to escape with the harness on, then with the harness and leash. This process can be long—it depends a lot on your cat's temperament, but you'll need to be patient. Any time he gets stressed or agitated, remove the harness and/or leash.

Once your cat can tolerate the harness well, try walking him on a leash in your house, then in the garden if you have one, or in a nearby park. The first few times outside, let your cat explore at his own pace, without imposing yours.

Tips for walking your cat

• Choose suitable places : if your cat is not an expert on walks or is easily scared, avoid noisy places with traffic, cars, dogs or humans.

• Be careful with the duration and frequency of walks : they have to gradually get used to stimulation and physical exercise.

• Be careful, if your cat goes outside , do not cut or remove its claws! It needs them to climb, defend itself, etc.

• Always prioritize safety when walking : do not remove the leash at any time, make sure that it has an identification tag with your name and number to allow it to return to you if an incident occurs. Microchipping is also very efficient.

• Especially if your pet interacts with the outdoors, you need to keep their vaccinations up to date, deworm them, and make sure they are healthy when you take them out.

• It may be helpful to have treats on hand to get their attention as well as water .

Cats may not need to go outside to be happy, but most do enjoy walks. A cat that gets exercise is a more balanced cat, and is much less likely to destroy your furniture or plants. We hope you'll be inspired to try walking with your feline for more adventures together. Make your walk more comfortable with the XS/S size harness set , perfectly suited for cat walks.