People are so used to seeing people walking their dogs that it can be a strange thing to see a cat on the end of a leash. Many cat owners don’t even believe that they can take their cats for walks. But more and more owners are considering it as an option to let their indoor cats feel like outdoor cats for a little while.
If you’re a cat owner, there are many wonderful benefits your cat can experience by taking them for a walk. Here’s what you need to know.
Exercise Patience
Not all cats will want to walk on leashes, so it’s not something you should force on your cat if it isn’t interested. But if you can get your cat to enjoy being on a harness and leash, then you’re in for a new world of excitement. Make sure you have the best cat harness that they can’t slip out of.
Get your cat used to the harness first by putting it on them while they’re inside. Let them walk around in it and experience having it against their body. Then try it with a leash. Go for short laps around your home, and once you think they’re completely used to it, take them outside for a few minutes to see how they react.
Mental and Physical Exercise
There are plenty of smells and sounds outside that your cat may not have gotten the chance to experience because they’ve been an indoor cat all their life. Being outside, however, opens up entirely new avenues for their brains to start going to work. Their eyes will light up when they see and smell everything that the world has to offer.
This is also a great way to give them the exercise that they need on a daily basis. Cats are used to running around for extended periods of time, hunting and catching their prey, and this helps them to get out all of that excess energy.
Building Confidence
Some cats can actually be quite shy and nervous, so taking them outside is an easy avenue to get them to crawl out of their shell. They’ll be able to explore new surroundings and become more comfortable with the world around them.
This behaviour will eventually extend to the rest of their lives, including meeting new people coming into your home, going new places, and experiencing new activities. Before your very eyes, you’ll see the blossoming of a new, confident cat.
Building a Better Relationship
Not only will your cat’s confidence grow, but you’ll be spending more time with your cat which amounts to establishing a better relationship. Your cat learns that even in these new surroundings, you’re there to keep them safe, no matter what happens. And who doesn’t want a better relationship with their cat?
Taking your cat for a walk at least once a week may be all that you need, but it wouldn’t hurt to go for a small walk at least every day. It will keep your cat stimulated and actually help them sleep better at night so that they’re not waking you up too early in the morning.
