Why Do People Walk Their Cats On A Leash?
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Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
UPDATED: Feb 3, 2025
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And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.
UPDATED: Feb 3, 2025
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
On This Page
While a leash is an important way of stopping your cat from running into the road, it can also save lives in a different way.
Nearly one-third of cats in shelters are there because of behavioral problems.
This might be soiling carpets or fighting with housemates, but the upshot is their bad behavior means they are shown the door, end up in a shelter, and risk euthanasia.
The problem is indoor cats often don’t get to act out a full range of natural behaviors such as climbing and scratching.
This results in frustration and venting excess energy in unwanted ways, such as bullying other housemates.
Training your cat on a harness and leash allows you to take them outside, expand their horizons, and satisfy the basic need to explore.
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Can You Walk Your Cat On a Leash?
Some cats take to a harness and leash better than others. These include outgoing breeds such as:
- Bengal
- Siamese
- Abyssinian
- American shorthair
- Sphynx
These cats are so inquisitive they’re likely to sit poised by the door waiting to dash out past you, and they’re likely to take readily to walks in the great outdoors.
If your cat shows an interest in the outside world, such as sitting on window ledges and barking at the birds, then the chances are they’re up for the adventure.
Related: 10 Things You Must Know Before You Buy Pet Insurance
However, if your kitty is shy and prefers a sanctuary under the bed too wide-open spaces, then it’s probably not for her.
But this isn’t a matter of opening the door and out you both go: You need to prepare your cat. This means getting proper health provisions in place, and getting the cat used to the harness.
Health Preparations
- Vaccinations: Cats don’t need direct cat-to-cat contact to pick up some diseases such as feline infectious enteritis (distemper). Make sure her vaccinations are current and boosters are done.
- Parasite Prevention: Protect your cat against heartworm, fleas, and ticks. Talk to your vet about which product is best for your cat.
- ID Chip: Get your cat microchipped just in case a disaster happens and she runs off. The ID chip is a permanent means of identifying her, and all shelters, animal control officers, and vets carry the scanners.
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The Right Equipment For Cat Walking
Choose the right equipment so your cat is safe and comfortable. Never attach a leash to a collar (the reasons are too numerous to list but involve strangulation!). Instead fit her with a comfortable harness, such as a Walking Jacket or a Kitty Holster.
Leave the harness around the place so your cat can sniff and get used to it. Next, pop it on immediately before a meal, so she gets food as a reward for wearing it. Then make a huge fuss of her and remove it.
It helps if you do harness training when the cat is hungry, then you can give her food rewards for being so terribly clever. Make the sessions short but fun, and build up to her to following you around on a loose leash, tagging along for a tasty treat.
When you do take her out for the first time, make sure it’s a quiet time of day. That means avoiding the afternoon rush when kids get out of school. Take a thick towel over your shoulder so if she does panic, you can wrap her in the towel and protect yourself from flailing claws.
Don’t go far those first outings. You want to be able to quickly backtrack if the neighbor’s dog appears. But as you both grow in confidence, try taking in a tour of the block…and make new friends in the process.
Real Cost Savings from PetFirst Clients
Gidget
PetFirst saved his parents
$2,194
Artemis was a beautiful and friendly cat to all who were willing to pet him. Unfortunately, he developed feline diabetes which required regular vet visits and medications that his Mother could not otherwise afford on her fixed income. Having PetFirst insurance, she called and discussed the problem with a friendly PetFirst agent. To her surprise, she found out that Artemis’ ongoing required vet visits and medication would be covered by his PetFirst insurance. Artemis was able to live out the rest of his life with proper medical care and medicines thanks to PetFirst insurance.
The Benefits of Walking Your Cat On A Leash Walking
If you’re not convinced about leash walking and wondering why you should go to all this bother, here are some of the benefits:
- Vitamin D: Taking your cat outside exposes her to lots of lovely sunshine, which encourages her body to make Vitamin D for healthy bones and teeth.
- Fresh Air and Exercise: It does you both good to take a walk around in the fresh air and stretch those muscles.
- Relieve Boredom: Getting out there to smell the roses is a tremendous source of mental stimulation for a cat. They love discovering their world through scent, so having a whole new neighborhood to explore is super stimulating.
- Inspect Territory: Again, it’s a cat thing. Exploring the world beyond the windowpane is a huge thrill for a cat, which helps build confidence and reduce anxiety (when done in the right way).
So remember, your cat might be trying to tell you they want to learn to leash walk if they do the following:
- Door dart
- Window watch
- Shred furniture
- Ambush your other cats
Excess energy and behavioral problems may be helped by taking your cat outdoors on a leash, and it will do their health good, too. So why not give it a go!
Other articles you may find helpful:
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We have worked hard to provide you with all the free resources possible to help give you insight into the best pet insurance for cats, additional cat breeds info, common cat health issues, and a fun look at frequently asked cat questions.
Other Frequently asked cat questions and some unsolicited catty advice…
Why your cat ignores you when you call it?
How to stop your cat from scratching the carpet?
Can you make a feral cat a pet?
Why does my cat pee outside the litter box?
Why do people walk their cats on a leash?
4 Ways to prepare for a new kitten
10 hidden hazards for indoor cats
Why changing your cat’s food is risky
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Walk Your Cat On a Leash?
Yes, you can walk your cat on a leash. Some cats, especially outgoing breeds, may take readily to walks in the great outdoors. However, it’s essential to prepare your cat by introducing proper health provisions and getting them used to wearing a harness
Why Do People Walk Their Cats On a Leash?
Walking a cat on a leash is not just about preventing them from running into the road. It can also address behavioral problems in indoor cats. Nearly one-third of cats in shelters end up there due to behavioral issues, which could be mitigated by allowing them to explore the outdoors in a controlled manner.
How Do You Prepare Your Cat for Leash Walking?
To prepare your cat for leash walking, choose the right equipment, such as a comfortable harness. Leave the harness around the house for your cat to sniff and get used to. Introduce it just before mealtime, associating it with a reward. Gradually increase the time your cat wears the harness and start with short, fun sessions indoors before venturing outside.
What Health Preparations Are Needed for Cat Walking?
Before walking your cat on a leash, ensure they are in good health. It’s advisable to consult with a veterinarian to address any health concerns. Choose a quiet time of day for the first outdoor walks, and be prepared with a thick towel to handle any unexpected reactions.
What Equipment Is Suitable for Cat Walking?
Choose a comfortable harness, such as a Walking Jacket or a Kitty Holster, for cat walking. Never attach a leash to a collar to avoid the risk of strangulation. Allow your cat to get accustomed to the harness by leaving it around the house and associating it with positive experiences like mealtime.
What Are the Benefits of Walking Your Cat On a Leash?
Walking your cat on a leash offers various benefits, including providing an outlet for excess energy, addressing behavioral problems, and improving your cat’s overall health. Outdoor exploration satisfies a cat’s natural instincts and can contribute to a happier and healthier feline companion.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Veterinary Bills for Cats?
Yes, pet insurance can cover veterinary bills for cats. Many pet insurance plans pay a percentage of vet bills, often up to 90%, when your cat is sick or injured. It’s essential to review different pet insurance providers to find a plan that suits your cat’s needs.
Why is Pet Insurance Important for Cat Owners?
Pet insurance is crucial for cat owners because it helps offset the cost of veterinary care. With potential coverage for illnesses, injuries, and preventive care, pet insurance ensures that you can provide the best possible medical care for your cat without facing significant financial burdens.
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Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.