As soon as your cat is vaccinated, they’re ready to stroll around town. Walking can provide animal wellness benefits like exercise, socializing, and mental stimulation. With a little supervision, patience, and consistent training, you and your cat could be taking sunset strolls together. 

Does Your Cat Want to Take a Walk?

Before taking your cat out, determine if they’re open to it. Just like humans, cats can get set in their ways as they age, making it more difficult to acclimate to a new activity. If you have a young cat or kitten, start training them early on so they’ll get used to walking outdoors.

Before you venture beyond your home’s borders, see how your cat fares just outside the door or in the yard. If they hide, hiss, lash out at you, or otherwise seem uncomfortable or fearful, they most likely won’t enjoy a walk.

On the other hand, many cats will welcome the opportunity to scratch trees, chase birds, paw at bugs, and roll in the grass. They’ll likely get to interact with other people and animals. Opening up their world view promotes animal wellness by engaging them mentally and physically, plus you’ll get to spend quality time together.

How to Introduce Your Cat to Walks

Indoor Training

Find a harness made for cats with an adjustable collar and body wrap. You’ll also need a leash.

Start by placing the harness and leash in your cat’s favorite places, like near their toys or next to their bed. Having your cat become familiar with these items’ presence will make using them for the first time easier.

After a few days, try putting the harness on your cat. If they struggle too much, stop and try again the next day. You want to make sure the experience is enjoyable for them. Use treats to teach them that the harness and this training are good for them.

When they’re comfortable with the harness, put the leash on and let your cat walk around with it sliding on the floor. They should get used to the weight of the leash and harness before you try holding onto the leash and following them to mimic what walking outside will be like.

Outdoor Training

The first few walks should be short and stick close to your home. Avoid any areas where you might encounter unleashed dogs. Once you’ve done a few walks around the house or the block, you’ll be ready to go on longer adventures.

For experienced and passionate veterinary services for your cat, visit the medical professionals at Waipio Pet Clinic in Waipahu, HI. Their facility has state-of-the-art diagnostic and imaging tools used for animal wellness, preventative, surgical, and emergency care services. Learn more about their services on their website, and stay up to date with their specials and contests by following their Instagram. Schedule your pet’s next appointment by calling (808) 676-2205 today.