Pet Cat: Walking Them Outside

About walking cats

There are pros and cons to taking a pet cat for a walk. Opinions are even divided among veterinarians. Proponents are of the opinion that taking a walk can stimulate the outside world and relieve the stress of keeping indoors. When walking with a cat, there was a child who was having problem behavior due to stress became calm after taking a walk.

Opponents of walking say that there is a lot of danger outside, such as accidents, infectious diseases, and poisoning, so it is not necessary to put the cat in a dangerous place. Although it is true that the owner is accompanied, it is quite possible that if the cat is taken out. It may cause various virus infections and may be damaged by fleas, mites, heartworms, etc. It can be prevented to some extent by vaccination and the use of flea and tick repellents in advance. It’s a good idea to talk to your veterinarian before taking your cat for a walk.

Of course, think about taking a walk when your cat is interested in the outside world and wants to go. You don’t have to force an uninterested cat out.

Tools to use when walking with a cat

When you go for a walk with your pet cat, make them wear a harness and a lead/leash. If you go out for a walk without anything, the cat may dash surprised or hide somewhere. Above all, there is a possibility of an accident.

Therefore, harnesses and reeds are essential tools for walking cats. However, it is no exaggeration to say that there are no cats that can be put on for a walk from the beginning. You need to get them to used to attached harnesses little by little. And to get used to the leads.

By the way, it is not recommended to attach a leash to the collar for safety reasons. This is because it can slip through the collar. When the lead is pulled, it also puts a strain on the cat. If it is a harness, it will not be a burden so much, so unless there are special circumstances, attach a leash to the harness.

Preparation and 9 steps for a walk with a cat

Let’s take a step-by-step look from preparation to how to actually take a walk with a cat.

What to prepare:

• H type harness
• Reed
• Cat favorite snack
• Patience

Steps on walking with your pet cat

1. Let your cat smell the harness and get used to it.
2. “I’ll put it on next… I’ll put it on when the cat is playing.” Don’t fasten the harness buckle yet.
3. Give a snack with the harness attached. Let’s get a good impression of the harness by giving a snack that your cat likes!
4. Repeat Steps 2-3 every day. When the cat no longer refuses to put on the harness, stop the buckle. At first, about 30 seconds should be enough.
5. Once you get used to buckling, it’s time to fit the size of your cat and tighten the harness. Allow room for two fingers. This step can take several months. All you need is patience. If your cat can move around normally with the harness on, attach the lead to the harness. Move on to the next step.
6. Practice walking around the house for a few days with harnesses and leads.
7. It’s finally time to practice going outside. Take that lead and go outside with your pet cat. Put it out in a quiet place as much as possible. It’s a good idea to bring a snack as well. It’s a good idea to practice near your garden or home in case something goes wrong.
8. Once you get used to Step 7, pull the lead lightly to guide your destination.
9. In the final step, it takes time to get the cat to remember the walk anyway, so understand that you need patience.

Precautions when taking a walk with a pet cat

You don’t have to force your pet cat to take a walk when you’re scared. Also, some plants that grow outside are poisonous to cats. Be careful not to let the cat eat it.

It takes a lot of training to go for a walk. If you are worried because it is dangerous, you can just put it out on the balcony. Even in that case, it is necessary to take measures to prevent the cat from escaping.