Mary Allen
Can a walk with a cat on a leash work? And above all: Does the cat even want it? Let’s take a closer look.
Above all, owners of an indoor cat are faced with the question of whether their cat is missing something. After all, she has a very limited space to explore, while outdoor cats roam large areas, hunting, climbing, and frolicking to their hearts’ content.
An alternative would be a walk together on a leash. But can that really work? We reveal what is really important when walking your cat on a leash and what you should urgently avoid.
The right preparation
A cat is not a dog and will never act like one. (One exception is the Maine Coon, but that’s another story…) While dogs really adore their master or mistress and walk faithfully on a leash, cats are little adventurers that are not so easy to train.
Safety is therefore the top priority. Never use just one collar. Cats can easily wriggle out of this. Buy a harness instead. This is comfortable and doesn’t restrict your darling too much.
Once you’ve got a leash and harness, it’s time to get your stubborn furball used to them. It’s easiest with young cats. Older cats are often suspicious. (Also read: 8 Tips You Should Know About Older Cats.)
Whether young or old: show your cat the leash and the harness, let it sniff, and talk to it gently. Then you can try putting on the harness. If your cat fights back, try again later or the next day. Your darling should never associate the leash with anything bad or coercive or be afraid of it.
Medical precautions are also important before you go out for the first time. Consult your veterinarian to ensure your cat is adequately vaccinated. Regular worming is also advisable if you let your little bullies eat one or two mice.
How should you go for a walk?
Very important: It is always the cat that leads, not she. Your velvet paw should be able to live it up on walks and go on a journey of discovery. So follow her and let her go where she wants.
You can let your house tiger frolic, jump, or nibble a little grass to your heart’s content. They can even hunt – but they should remain perfectly still while doing so, otherwise, things could go awry if they screw up your little predator’s tour every time.
Avoid letting the cat climb uncontrollably. Branches and twigs can quickly become a death trap if the line gets tangled in them. You should also be careful with dense undergrowth or bushes.
A retreat for the cat is also essential. Dangers such as cars or dogs or other cats should not be underestimated and can frighten your darling. In this case, you should always take a carrying basket or carrying bag with you.
Where should you go for a walk?
Of course, the neighborhood is the first place to go for your trip. However, check whether this is really suitable. For example, if you live on a busy street, this may not be a good idea. You should also avoid dogs and avoid popular routes used by walkers.
A lawn or park that is quiet and not overrun with dogs works well. There shouldn’t be too many bushes or trees either so that the line doesn’t get caught all the time.
Should you go for a walk at all?
When going for a walk, your pet’s well-being should always come first. If your cat is more of a shy and anxious type, it may not feel like going outside at all. As incomprehensible as it may seem to us, in this case, the apartment is her territory, where she feels comfortable and safe.
A confident and inquisitive cat, on the other hand, can have plenty of fun on walks. If this is the case, it may well be that she will energetically demand the trips in the future. You should be prepared to have as much effort with your darling as with a dog.
So think carefully about how much time you can and want to spend on this in the future. Because once your indoor cat likes the outlet, it will be difficult to refuse it again in the future.
We wish you a lot of fun on the tours together!