A pet owner’s decision to walk their cat on a leash is usually made because they want their four-legged friend to be able to enjoy the outside world safely. Outdoor cats are often exposed to potential hazards such as busy streets, busy pedestrian areas or places where there are many dogs.
Some cat lovers also see walking on a leash as a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your pet. Others want to offer their indoor cat varied experiences away from their own four walls.
However, walking a cat on a leash can be stressful for them. It prevents them from following their natural impulses, such as hunting or exploring independently at their own pace.
Furthermore, contrary to her instinct, she cannot run away and hide in certain situations, e.g. B. when she encounters dogs and strangers or hears loud and unfamiliar noises. Insecure animals in particular tend to flee in panic at any unfamiliar event, and they can injure themselves if they are on a leash.
Also note that cats are very territorial and may experience additional stress from being repeatedly exposed to new environments
If you would like to take your cat out into the fresh air off the leash and cannot or do not want to keep it outdoors, you should look for other options. For example, building a protected outdoor enclosure. If cats are not given free rein and are so-called “house cats”, we have to take care of their physical and mental well-being ourselves. We should provide them with enough indoor enrichment that encourages natural behaviors.
Once your cat has developed a taste for walking on a leash, it may demand to be taken along at all times. If you don’t comply with this desire, you have to reckon with unpleasant consequences such as scratch marks on the furniture or puddles of urine in the apartment.
If conditions are right, walking your cat on a leash can be a viable option. Your cat must have a confident disposition with a tendency to be curious about new experiences.
Never attach the leash to a collar, use a chest harness instead. Give your cat the chance to slowly get used to walking on a leash. Walk in quiet, dog-safe areas. And last but not least: let your cat lead the way.