Taking Your Cat Out For a Stroll: Is It Safe and Feasible?
For cat owners, the idea of walking a feline companion on a leash may seem bizarre or even cruel. But contrary to popular belief, many cats enjoy and benefit greatly from leashed walks outdoors. Providing secure outdoor access allows cats to experience sights, sounds, and smells they would never encounter indoors. And the exercise and mental stimulation can improve your cat’s health and happiness. Of course, cats and dogs have very different needs and temperaments, so pet parents must take certain precautions to keep kitty safe and comfortable. With the right training, equipment and techniques, walking a cat can be rewarding for both owner and pet.
Safety Considerations
When walking a cat in a stroller, it’s important to take safety precautions. According to Preventive Vet, using an escape-proof harness and leash designed specifically for cats is crucial. Some key features to look for are adjustable straps to ensure a snug fit, a sturdy attachment point to the leash, and lightweight, breathable material for comfort.
The stroller itself should also be escape-proof, with zippered mesh windows and restraints to keep your cat securely inside. Before walking, check for any small holes or ways your cat could potentially slip out. Go slowly at first while your cat gets used to being in the stroller.
It’s also wise to keep a small crate or carrier inside the stroller as a place for your cat to retreat if feeling scared or overstimulated. With the right gear and precautions, stroller walks can be safe outdoor adventures for cats.
Training Your Cat
Proper training is crucial for getting your cat comfortable with walking in a stroller. Cats tend to be resistant to harnesses at first, so you need to condition them slowly. The key is to make each step a positive experience and avoid pulling or forcing them. According to the ASPCA, start by letting your cat sniff and examine the harness for short sessions. Next, drape the unfastened harness over their back so they get used to the feeling. Once they are comfortable with this, fasten the harness loosely and give treats as a reward. Gradually increase the time spent wearing the harness. Leash Training Your Cat – ASPCA
After your cat accepts the harness, attach the leash indoors and let them drag it around while supervised. Keep sessions brief and positive. When they seem relaxed on the leash indoors, move to a quiet outdoor area. Finally, place the harness and leash on your cat and put them in the stroller. Go for short rides, praising and rewarding calm behavior. With patience and consistency, your cat can become comfortable walking with you.
Choosing a Stroller
When choosing a stroller for your cat, it’s important to select one that is sturdy, easy to clean, and provides enough room for your feline friend. According to The Spruce Pets, the Pet Gear Happy Trails Lite No-Zip Pet Stroller is a top pick because it offers versatility and durability with features like all-terrain air-filled tires and a waterproof floor pad.
Look for a stroller made with a durable steel or aluminum frame that can withstand outdoor use and provide stability. The Ibiyaya 5-in-1 Pet Carrier and Stroller recommended by Rover has a lightweight aluminum frame and can hold up to 70 pounds.
Easy to clean fabrics, like polyester, and removable padded mats make clean up a breeze in case of accidents. Gen7Pets strollers highlighted by Rover feature water-resistant padded mats that can be removed and washed.
Make sure to choose a stroller that provides ample room for your cat to move around and lay down comfortably. Larger strollers like the Pet Gear Double No-Zip Pet Stroller allow for multiple cats or for 1-2 larger breed cats.
Where to Walk Your Cat
When taking your cat out in a stroller, it’s important to choose quiet areas away from dogs and traffic. Cats can easily become overwhelmed, so look for calm parks, nature trails, or even your own backyard.
Green spaces like local parks can work well, but try to avoid popular dog walking areas and opt for lesser-used sections. Scout spots ahead of time to find quiet corners. Also check if dogs must be leashed – this will minimize loose dog interactions.
Walking early in the morning or later in the evening often means fewer people and pets out and about. You can also consider taking your cat to indoor spaces like pet-friendly stores during their off hours.
“Urban areas pose challenges, but you can use available green space,” says cat expert Joan Smith. “Try a courtyard, rooftop garden or even your balcony for short stroller excursions.”
The key is controlling the environment so your cat feels safe. With care, many areas can become ideal walking spots for an adventurous feline.
Enrichment Benefits
Walking your cat in a stroller has many enrichment benefits for the cat. First, it provides important mental stimulation. According to Petsmont, being in a stroller allows the cat to experience new sights, sounds, and smells that indoor cats usually don’t get exposure to. This sensory enrichment keeps cats mentally engaged and can help prevent boredom or frustration.
Second, going for walks gives cats much needed exercise. Found Animals notes that walking works a cat’s bones, muscles, and mind. It provides more physical activity than an indoor cat would typically get. The exercise benefits include reduced risk of obesity and related diseases, stronger bones and muscles, and better sleep. For the most enrichment, it’s ideal to walk an indoor cat outdoors regularly.
Potential Challenges
Walking a cat in a stroller can present some challenges. Here are some of the most common ones cat owners may encounter:
Fear
Some cats may be fearful of getting into the stroller initially. The confinement and motion can be frightening at first for cats who have never experienced it before. Go slow and use treats and praise to positively reinforce the stroller. Let your cat explore the stroller at their own pace and don’t force them in before they are ready.
Distraction
With all the exciting sights, sounds and smells outside, your cat may get easily distracted during stroller walks. This can lead to pulling on the leash or trying to dart off. Keep initial walks short and close to home until your cat gets used to the stimuli. Bring treats to regain their attention when needed.
Stubbornness
Some cats are stubborn and resistant to being walked on a leash or placed in a stroller. Patience and persistence are key. Make sure to reward desired behaviors. If your cat absolutely refuses the stroller, reconsider whether this is the right enrichment activity for them.
Success Stories
Many cat owners have found joy in walking their feline companions. As reported in Stuff, some dedicated cat parents like Viv Maidaborn walk their cats daily (Stuff, 2016). Viv’s two cats, Lily and Rueben, eagerly anticipate their harness each morning. “They get vocal when it’s walk time,” Viv shared. The cats enjoy patrolling the neighborhood and exploring new sights and smells.
Blogger Carrie of Sweet Tooth Sweet Life recounted her experience leash training her cat Nilla as a kitten in 2012. Though Nilla walked happily on a leash indoors, she panicked when they first ventured outside. After patience and persistence, Nilla grew to love her walks, even trotting alongside Carrie’s dog. But Carrie cautions cat owners to keep safety top of mind, using short leashes instead of long retractable ones to prevent tangling and injury.
On Reddit and other forums, owners enthusiastically share training tips and cute photos of their walking cats. With proper precautions, many cats take readily to leashed walks, deriving mental enrichment from the outdoors. But owners should tailor the experience to their individual cat’s personality.
Expert Tips
Looking for some vet-approved advice for walking your cat? Here are some expert tips to ensure a safe and rewarding experience (O’Neill, 2022):
- Start training and socializing your cat at a young age. Kittens who are exposed to walking early tend to adapt more easily.
- Choose a comfortable, well-fitted harness and leash that won’t slip off or chafe your cat’s skin.
- Don’t force your cat to walk if they seem stressed. Take it slow and make each walk a positive experience.
- Bring treats to reward and encourage your cat when they walk calmly beside you.
- Walk your cat in quiet, enclosed areas without dogs or loud noises to start.
- Keep walks brief at first, building up duration as your cat gains confidence.
- Watch for signs of stress like crouching, hiding, or trying to remove the harness.
- Give your cat time to stop, sniff, explore, and observe during walks.
- Make sure your cat is up-to-date on vaccines and flea/tick prevention before walks.
With patience and proper training, walking your cat can become an enriching daily routine. But always put your cat’s comfort first and don’t force them outdoors if they seem unwilling or anxious (Preventive Vet, 2022).
Conclusion
The question remains, can you walk a cat in a stroller? Based on the research and information provided, the answer is yes, you can successfully walk a cat in a stroller with proper training and equipment. Key points in favor of walking cats include: it provides enrichment, allows them to experience new sights and sounds, helps anxious cats overcome fears gradually, provides exercise, and strengthens the human-animal bond. However, there are also challenges to keep in mind, such as training the cat to enjoy and tolerate stroller rides, preventing escape attempts, and acclimating them slowly to the outdoors. While walking a cat may seem unconventional, with patience and care, stroller walks can become an enriching part of your cat’s routine.
