Exploring The Pros And Cons Of Walking Your Indoor Cat

Walking your indoor cat outside is a highly debated topic. While some cat owners believe that cats should be allowed to explore the outdoors, others argue that the risks outweigh the benefits. Cats are naturally curious and independent creatures, and taking them for walks can provide them with physical exercise and mental stimulation. However, the outdoors also present several dangers, including traffic, toxins, parasites, and the possibility of escaping or getting lost. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference, but it is essential to prioritize the cat's safety and well-being.

The benefits of outdoor walks for indoor cats

While some people believe that cats should be kept indoors, others argue that indoor cats should be taken on outdoor walks. Walking an indoor cat outdoors can provide both physical and mental stimulation, which is beneficial for the cat's health.

Physical exercise

According to Molly DeVoss, a certified feline training and behavior specialist, cats require daily physical activity. Cats have a high metabolism that burns calories even when they are lounging around. However, they still need to engage in daily activities to stay healthy. Walking your indoor cat can be a great way to provide them with the necessary physical exercise.

Mental stimulation

Walking your indoor cat can also provide mental stimulation and enrichment, which is crucial for their well-being. Cats are naturally curious and enjoy exploring their surroundings. By taking them on walks, you allow them to experience new sights, sounds, and smells, which can help keep their minds active and engaged.

Relieving boredom and stress

Indoor cats that spend most of their time indoors may exhibit signs of boredom or stress, such as overgrooming, urinating outside the litter box, and destructive behavior. Taking them on outdoor walks can provide a change of scenery and stimulation, helping to alleviate boredom and reduce stress levels.

Connection to their natural roots

Walking your indoor cat outdoors allows them to connect with their natural instincts and roots. In the wild, cats would hunt and explore at night, and being cooped up indoors can sometimes be restrictive for their natural behaviors. By taking them on walks, you provide them with the opportunity to explore, climb, and satisfy their natural curiosity.

Weight management

With the increase in pet weights during the pandemic, walking your indoor cat can be a great way to manage their weight and prevent obesity. Outdoor walks provide an opportunity for physical activity, which can help keep your cat active and healthy, reducing the risk of weight-related health issues.

When considering walking your indoor cat outdoors, it is important to introduce them to a harness and leash gradually and ensure they are comfortable with the process. It is also crucial to choose a safe, quiet area away from busy roads and potential threats, such as dogs.

How to train your cat to walk on a leash

Walking your cat on a leash is a great way to give them a safer way to explore the outdoors. It's important to remember that cats are not naturally inclined to be leashed, so it will take some time and patience to get them used to the idea. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to train your cat to walk on a leash:

Step 1: Get a well-fitted cat harness

It is important to get a harness specifically designed for cats. Look for a harness with adjustable straps that go around the body and neck, distributing pressure evenly across their body. The harness should be snug but breathable and not hinder your cat's body movements. Fabric wraps or strap harnesses may work best depending on your cat's fur length and body type.

Step 2: Introduce the harness to your cat

Start by showing the harness to your cat and allowing them to sniff it. Give them treats whenever they are near the harness so they associate it with positive experiences. Gradually progress to placing the harness over their head for a few seconds, then removing it and rewarding them with treats. Work your way up to placing the harness on their body, putting their feet through the loops, and eventually attaching it. Make sure the entire process is positive and filled with treats and praise.

Step 3: Let your cat explore with the harness on

Once your cat is comfortable wearing the harness, let them walk around the house with it on for a few minutes at a time. Gradually increase the time they wear it before you attach the leash or try to walk with them. It's important to only use the harness when you plan to walk your cat on a leash, so they don't get uncomfortable or stressed by it.

Step 4: Introduce the leash

When your cat is comfortable with the harness, attach the leash and let them walk around with it dragging behind them. This will allow them to feel and get used to the leash tension. Always supervise this step and never leave a leash or harness on an unsupervised cat.

Step 5: Start leash training indoors

Begin leash training by following your cat as they walk around the house with the harness and leash on. Reward them with treats and praise if they walk calmly on their own. If they refuse to walk or struggle, take a break and try again later. It's important to be patient and not force your cat to obey. Instead, reward the behaviour you want to encourage.

Step 6: Go outside

Once your cat is comfortable with the leash and harness, it's time to venture outdoors! Choose a dry, temperate day and start by walking to the door, opening it, and encouraging your cat to go outside with a treat. If they are frightened or hesitant, don't force them. Instead, try again later and always end on a positive note. Keep initial outdoor walks short and gradually increase the distance as your cat gets more comfortable.

Important things to remember:

• Always use a leash and harness specifically designed for cats. Avoid retractable leashes, chain leashes, or flexi-type leashes.
• Make sure your cat is up-to-date on vaccinations and parasite control before going outdoors.
• Be cautious of potential dangers outdoors, such as fleas, heartworm, and intestinal worms. Use appropriate medications and preventatives to protect your cat.
• Always supervise your cat when they are wearing a leash or harness, and never leave these items on an unsupervised cat.
• Take your time with the training process and respect your cat's comfort level. It's better to go slow and ensure a positive experience for both you and your cat.

The dangers of letting your cat roam freely outside

Cats have a natural instinct to hunt and explore, and many owners feel guilty about depriving their cats of fresh air and sunshine. However, there are several dangers to letting your cat roam freely outside, and feline experts generally urge owners to keep their cats indoors.

Firstly, outdoor cats are at risk of being hit by cars. They also frequently come into contact with other cats, which can expose them to serious and potentially fatal diseases such as feline leukemia, feline infectious peritonitis, feline distemper, and upper respiratory infections. In addition, cats can pick up parasites such as gastrointestinal worms and ringworm, which can cause moderate to severe symptoms and are difficult to eradicate from your pet, your home, and your family.

Secondly, cats are commonly attacked by loose dogs and wild animals such as coyotes, raccoons, foxes, and even alligators, depending on where you live. These attacks can cause serious and often fatal injuries. Outdoor cats are also at risk of ingesting toxins and poisons, such as antifreeze, or accidentally consuming rodent poisons when hunting and eating rodents.

Thirdly, cats can get stuck in trees and may be unable to climb down, leading to severe dehydration, weakness, and potentially fatal injuries from falling. They may also be at risk of animal cruelty, with some people known to shoot cats with BB guns or arrows, or trap, abuse, and kill them for "fun".

Finally, letting your cat roam freely outside can have a negative impact on native wildlife and biodiversity. Cats are estimated to kill hundreds of millions of birds each year, as well as other small animals such as grey squirrels, chipmunks, cottontail rabbits, groundhogs, and white-footed mice.

How to keep your indoor cat entertained and stimulated

Keeping your indoor cat entertained and stimulated is important for its mental health. Here are some ways to achieve this:

Create a Cat-Friendly Environment

Provide your cat with a variety of options for relaxation, hiding, perching, jumping, and climbing. This includes offering comfy beds in areas they feel safe, such as high-up places or enclosed spaces, and giving them access to platforms, sturdy boxes, tall scratching posts, and shelving to explore.

Enhance Their Surroundings

Make their environment more engaging by providing plenty of scratching areas, such as scratching posts, pads, or disposable scratchers. Encourage your cat to build up a scent profile around their territory by providing vertical scratching posts placed in entrances and exits, allowing them to mark their space.

Provide Mental Stimulation

Offer a range of toys that emulate the natural hunting sequence: Locate, Stalk, Chase, Pounce, Kill, Dissect, and Eat. Rotate the toys regularly to prevent boredom and introduce predatory games at different times throughout the day. Avoid toys that don't allow your cat to complete the natural hunting sequence, such as laser pens, as they can cause frustration. Always end playtime by offering your cat a toy to 'kill' and providing a treat as a reward.

Make Mealtimes Interesting

Instead of always feeding your cat from a bowl, try hiding treats around the house for them to find, or use puzzle feeders or treat balls. You can also grow cat grass to aid your cat's digestion. If you want your cat to eat specific amounts at set times, consider investing in an automatic pet feeder, preferably one that is voice-activated so you can record your voice to call them for mealtimes.

Encourage Hydration

Keep food and water bowls separate, and provide your cat with multiple options for drinking water, such as larger water bowls, water fountains, or access to a running tap. Cats are often encouraged to drink when their whiskers don't have to touch the water, and these options can stimulate their desire to drink while keeping them occupied.

Provide Safe Outdoor Access

If possible, create a safe outdoor space for your cat to express their natural behaviours. You can utilise a balcony or garden by installing cat-safe fencing or a window cover, allowing them to enjoy fresh air and sunshine without the risk of escape.

Take Them for Leashed Walks

Some cats may benefit from supervised outdoor walks on a leash, especially if they show signs of boredom or stress, live in apartments, or exhibit adventurous tendencies. Start by training them to get used to a harness and leash, rewarding them with treats, and gradually taking them on small indoor walks before venturing outdoors. Ensure your cat is up to date on vaccinations and has a legible ID tag before exploring the outdoors.

The best cat harnesses and leashes

Walking an indoor cat outside is a personal decision that depends on your cat's interests and personality. Some cats may enjoy the outdoors and the physical exercise and mental stimulation that comes with it. Signs that your cat may benefit from outdoor walks include boredom, stress, living in an apartment, and adventurousness.

If you do decide to take your cat outdoors, it is important to use a harness and leash to ensure your cat's safety and prevent them from running away. Here are some of the best cat harnesses and leashes to consider:

RC Pets Adventure Cat Harness

The RC Pets Adventure Cat Harness is a vest-style harness made from breathable mesh with two adjustable points at the neck and belly, along with two buckles for easy snapping on and off. It provides a good balance between security and softness, allowing your cat to maintain its full range of motion. It is machine washable and comes in a variety of colours and patterns.

Yizhi Miaow Cat Harness and Leash

The Yizhi Miaow Cat Harness and Leash is a jacket-style harness that provides full-body coverage while allowing your cat to maintain its full range of motion. It features sturdy hook-and-loop straps and is available in various colours and prints to match your cat's natural colouring or personality. However, the hook-and-loop straps may stick to long-fur cats.

Rabbitgoo Escape Proof Harness and Leash

The Rabbitgoo Escape Proof Harness and Leash is ideal for training cats to get used to wearing a harness. It is made of comfortable padding and breathable mesh, with a simple step-in style that is easy to secure with a hook-and-loop strap and a plastic quick-release buckle. It has reflective strips for visibility during twilight hours and is adjustable to accommodate your cat's growth. However, the hook-and-loop strap can stick to longer fur.

Supet Reflective Harness and Leash

The Supet Reflective Harness and Leash is perfect for evening walks with your cat, as it has reflective trim that makes it easier to spot your cat in low-light conditions. It has five adjustment points for a proper fit and a design that distributes any pulling pressure across the front, reducing the risk of abrasion to your cat's skin. However, it must be put on overhead, which may be uncomfortable for some cats.

Travel Cat "The Day Tripper" Harness Set

The Travel Cat "The Day Tripper" Harness Set is a lightweight H-style harness made of durable woven nylon material. It is highly adjustable to accommodate growth and is practically escape-proof. It provides excellent freedom of movement for your cat and is available in two colours. However, it only comes in one size.

OutdoorBengal Houdini Harness Set

The OutdoorBengal Houdini Harness Set is ideal for cats that are skilled at escaping. It is lightweight and highly adjustable to ensure a proper fit, providing full-body coverage while allowing your cat's maximum shoulder freedom. It comes with a six-foot leash and is available in three sizes and three fabric options: mesh, leather, or vegan leather.

When choosing a cat harness, it is important to consider factors such as security, durability, comfort, fit, and harness type. Security and escape-proof features are crucial to ensure your cat's safety and prevent them from running away. Durability and comfort are also important, especially if you plan to take your cat on long outdoor adventures or hikes. Ensure the harness has a snug fit by measuring your cat's neck and chest girth and selecting the appropriate size. Additionally, consider your cat's preferences; some cats may dislike thin straps that dig into their fur, while others may find bulky harnesses restrictive.

Frequently asked questions