You may think exercising your cat this way will help to improve their physical well-being while keeping them safe (particularly if they’re an indoor cat). But the reality is most cats will feel seriously stressed by it.
Here are five reasons why we don't recommend walking a cat on a lead.
- Cats don’t like being restrained.
Most cats won't like being on a harness and lead because it can make them feel restricted. Wearing a harness and being on a lead, especially for long periods, can cause a cat to feel stressed as it limits their ability to move normally.
- Cats like to feel in control.
Cats need to feel in control of their environment. Being walked on a harness and lead means they’re no longer in control of their surroundings. They cannot make their own choices, which can be incredibly stressful.
For example, cats naturally want to run away and hide if they feel frightened. However, wearing a harness and being on a lead will mean they can't escape a real or perceived threat.
- If you drop their lead or they escape, cats may run away or get injured.
If your cat feels uncomfortable, stressed, or frightened, they may do their best to escape or run away. If you drop your cat's lead by mistake, or if they escape from their harness, they will likely run away in search of a safe place. They may also injure themselves as they attempt to escape, especially if the harness gets stuck.
If your cat is somewhere unfamiliar, they may become lost and struggle to find their way back home. Even worse, they might get involved in an accident that could cause serious or even fatal injuries.
Read more: What to do if your pet goes missing
- Cats are territorial and feel most comfortable in familiar surroundings.
Cats feel safest and bonded to places they know well. Taking them for a walk somewhere they’ve never been before could be scary for them, especially if they can't escape to safety.
- Loud noises or other animals may alarm your cat.
During the walk, your cat might come across dogs, fellow cats, or other animals they typically choose to steer clear of. Some may approach your cat, which can make them feel scared or very vulnerable. And, if your cat is hurt from the encounter, they'll need emergency vet care, which could be costly.
Loud sounds, like noisy cars, will also scare them. Cats usually run away when they hear a car, but if you're walking them next to the road, they won’t be able to.
Consider alternatives
Consider why you are thinking of walking your cat on a lead. If you’re worried about their safety if left to roam freely, think if there might be other ways to keep your cat safe on the roads. Don’t walk them on a lead simply because you think it’s fun or a novelty, as it’s unlikely to be for them!
It's much better for your cat to explore outdoors on their terms, rather than taking them for a walk. If your cat can go outside safely on their own, let them do so – this will give them more opportunities for entertainment, exploration, and fun.
If your cat has to stay indoors for health reasons, they can benefit from plenty of boredom-busting activities and homemade toys without the need to be walked outside on a lead. Adding enrichment to their indoor space, such as high places to sit and scratching posts, allows them to express normal behaviours.
While they’ll never be as good as full access to the outdoors, catios are great for cats who can’t venture outside. Your feline friend can explore the sights, sounds, and smells of nature in a secure outdoor enclosure.
If you still wish to walk your cat on a lead, here are some expert tips to ensure their comfort, safety, and enjoyment.
- Always use a harness specifically designed for cats.
If you choose to walk your cat on a lead, attach it to a harness made for cats, and not a collar. Cats can easily slip out of collars or may choke themselves while trying to do so, especially if they’re panicked.
Ideally, you should begin harness-training your cat when they’re young so they can get used to wearing one. But, even if they have seemed to be comfortable wearing a harness before, some cats may refuse to wear it. Never force your cat to wear one if they don’t want to.
- Practice indoors first.
Practice walking your cat indoors first, using treats and positive praise to slowly introduce your cat to the feeling of wearing a harness and lead. If you have a secure garden, try walking your cat there before you venture out through the front door.
- Think carefully about the route and keep walks short.
For their safety, avoid walking your cat on busy public roads or paths and avoid areas with heavy traffic. Similarly, keep away from places where other cats might be, as they can be territorial. Never force your cat to go to areas they’re not happy to go.
To ensure your cat’s comfort and safety, keep walks short.
- Take things at their own pace.
Allow your cat to explore the outdoors on their terms. Cats enjoy smelling and exploring their surroundings, so it’s important you follow their lead as they wander around. You should use the lead for security, rather than a means to control your cat.
- Make sure to microchip your cat and check their details are correct.
Should your cat escape from their harness or run away as a result of you dropping the lead, their microchip details will increase the likelihood of them being returned to you. As of 10 June 2024, it’s a legal requirement for all cats in England to be microchipped, or you could be fined.
As well as making sure their microchip details are up to date, check their vaccinations are too to reduce the risk of your cat picking up infectious diseases.
Read next: Microchipping cats – what you need to know