Why you should take your cat on a walk

Walking a cat is easier said than done. For one, they are no dogs that could be harness-trained with relatively less rigour. There are chances that you have never given it a serious thought. It may be time you did that now.

Cats, very similar to dogs, develop a close bond with their human masters when taken out on a walk. Felines may not be up for the task like a fish takes to water, but it is not an impossible task either. “A lot of cats love to go outside and smell things, see things and roll around in sand and grass and dirt. They love to scratch real trees. Those are things they can do on a walk,” according to Sherry Woodard, an animal behaviour consultant at Best Friends Animal Society.

Once you make up your mind, it is better to train your cat indoors before you walk them out. When you are planning to use harness or a leash specially designed for felines, give your cat time to get used to and feel comfortable with having one strapped around its neck.  A cat harness is typically made with an adjustable neck collar, which is attached to an adjustable body wrap. The harness should fit snug to the body, but not be so tight that air flow gets constricted.

While not every cat would relish the ordeal of being on a leash, the ones that are comfortable with the process actually grow more confident of their surroundings. Not to add the health benefits associated with regular walking. It also lets them soak in nature and peaceful locales.

A catio might be a good option to begin with prior to walk training. It is a netted or screened enclosure designed to give your cat a panoramic view of the outside world. You can easily build a catio on your terrace, balcony, porch or front yard. Cat fencing and stroller are other options to make your feline companion grow comfortable with outdoor settings before you take them for a walk.

A word of caution here. It is ideal that you train your cat well with a harness and instruct her / him never to venture out without the leash.