Cats love to explore the outdoors and need plenty of exercise to stay healthy. But an increasing number of owners are taking their cats out for a walk on a lead like dogs but is it a good idea?
Should cats be walked on leads?
The short answer is no – cats are very different to dogs and will usually find being walked on a lead very stressful, say the experts at Cats Protection. And it’s not always easy to spot signs of stress in a cat.
Unlike dogs, cats attach to a territory where they feel safest, rather than to people, so taking them for a walk somewhere unfamiliar is likely to be frightening.
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Anyone who has tried to get a cat into a carrier will know that they don’t like being restrained. Cats like to go where they want and be able to run away from danger if they feel threatened – if they encounter a dog, for example.
If a lead was dropped and the cat was in unfamiliar territory, it would likely run off and could risk being hit by a car or go missing.
However, if your cat is recovering from an illness or accident, for example, and you do decide to take it for a walk, here are some tips to ensure they are kept as safe and stress-free as possible.
Ideally, you should start harness training when your cat is a kitten. If at any point your cat appears uncomfortable, go back a step and make sure it has the option to run away if it wants to.
Always attach the lead to a cat harness, not a collar which can come off easily or become a choking hazard. Use a special cat harness which fits well and remove it as soon as you get home.
When out walking, avoid busy areas, roads and anywhere there could be dogs. Keep the lead slack, let your cat choose where they want to go and never pull on the lead. Keep the walks short - five to 10 minutes to begin with.
Make sure you pay close attention to your cat. If they show any signs of stress – such as a tense, hunched-up body, dilated pupils and flattened ears - take them straight home.
Finally, ensure the cat is microchipped before going out so if the worst does happen, the chances of being reunited are increased.
