Walking your cat can actually be beneficial toward their health, as it’s letting them outside into the environment.
Have you ever been driving down the road, and as you look out your window, you suddenly see someone walking their cat on the sidewalk? Well, if you haven’t experienced this yet, it’s only a matter of time. Typically, we’re all accustomed to seeing dog owners on the side of the road. However, the concept is slowing becoming a phenomenon for cat owners as well. This isn’t just some silly idea that was concocted to compete with the lifestyle of a dog. Walking your cat can actually be beneficial toward their health, as it’s letting them outside into the environment.
Understanding The Area
There are two things that occur when you walk your cat, and both help them in the future. The first is the aforementioned ability to get outside. Rather than sleeping in the house all day, a walk can be a nice change of scenery for your feline friend. The other feature is that it gives your cat an opportunity to become familiar with the surrounding area. In the unfortunate case that they ever slip out of the house, your cat will have a sense of location due to the daily walks.
Training Is Important
When we begin driving, the MVA doesn’t give us a license right away without any testing. You have to learn. The same goes for walking your cat. Before you jump into outdoor walks, it’s smart to begin with indoor training. You should gradually transition to walking with them outside. This way, they can learn how the leash or harness feels, and then slowly adapt to your commands. Those commands should be minimal though (only if you feel they’re trying to slip away). Otherwise, a cat walk should be about letting them enjoy the outdoors, and even wandering a bit.
Is A Walk Okay For My Cat?
That’s a great question. The answer is dependent on your cat. While it can be a nice benefit for their mental and physical health, many cats will shy away from any type of leash or walk (and that’s completely fine). This isn’t something you should be doing routinely as a cat owner. There are potential dangers, such as parasites or dogs off the leash. If your cat looks uncomfortable, don’t force the idea on them. It’s not a necessity for them to go on a walk, but rather a perk.
Get In Touch With The Catonsville Cat Clinic
For 20 years, the Catonsville Cat Clinic has been providing quality veterinary care to the cats of Catonsville and beyond! Dr. Pam Nesbitt, who purchased the practice in July of 2011, runs the Catonsville Cat Clinic with compassion in mind. A team of professionals with an advanced level of veterinary medicine is at your service to make sure your cat is healthy and happy. So stop on by; we’d love to get to know you and your cat!
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