Walking your cat: All the benefits and how to get started

Want to train your cat to walk on a leash? Here are the pros, safety tips and more for walking your cat.

Crystal Uys originally started walking her cat Ivy because she lives in a small townhouse and noticed her furry companion was getting bored and destructive. The public relations and communications manager at excitedcats.com quickly noticed that daily walks are the sanity-saving answer she was looking for to calm her high-energy kitty.

"Walks provide her with the necessary stimulation a growing kitten needs," says Uys. An added bonus? "She is also much less destructive in the house, and she sleeps like a baby next to me every night."

Although the concept of walking your cat might sound eyebrow-raising to some, Uys is far from alone. "Cat walking is a relatively new trend that provides several health benefits to your feline friend," says Muqeet Mushtaq, doctor of veterinary medicine and contributing writer at Cute Pet Care. From mental stimulation to adequate exercise and strengthening your bond, Mushtaq reveals many advantages to both you as the cat walker and your beloved pet.

After all, felines are curious, adventurous and independent creatures. Would they even want to don a harness and leash for a walk outside?

However, before starting any new exercise routine, it is paramount to receive approval from your cat's veterinarian — for instance, to ensure that their heart is healthy enough for cardiovascular activity, cautions Mushtaq. (And more in a moment on additional safety must-knows.) Once you get the vet's green light, follow these expert tips for walking your cat.

When starting out walking your cat, it's important to start slowly, as you would when working with your cat on any new behavior. Michelle Lugones, doctor of veterinary medicine at Best Friends Animal Society in New York City, recommends the following approach to train your cat to walk on a leash:

Allow your kitty to get accustomed to this new gear by laying it on the floor so they can sniff it.

After gently placing your feline friend in their harness, immediately give them plenty of treats. Then, take the harness off and repeat this ritual several times a day until your cat is comfortable wearing its harness consistently.

Take a few laps around the living room while your cat is wearing its harness and leash, where they feel comfortable and safe. Again, offer treats and praise throughout these brief training sessions.

Once your cat has shown you that they’re happy in a harness and leash, you can try taking them outside for just a few minutes in an enclosed, quiet yard. Being in unfamiliar territory can be very stressful for a cat, so making sure that you can test the waters in a safe place is important.

Every kitty is different, so you need to be sensitive to your cat's comfort level and stamina. Walking with your cat for just a few minutes a day may be enough to stimulate them and tire them out.

It's possible your cat companion will need a bathroom break during your outside adventure. Bring along a few poop bags, just in case.

Although cats are natural hunters and like to explore and roam on their own, pet owners find walking their cat can bolster their feline friend's well-being. Five of the biggest benefits to walking your cat, according to Mushtaq.

Birds chirping, a fresh breeze or colorful flower gardens are enough to peak any nature lover's interest. Walking your cat provides mental and physical stimulation.

Taking a stroll together is a great way to spend time together and strengthen the relationship between you and your pet.

You might play with a wand toy and encourage them to do zoomies with a catnip-filled lovey, but there's still a case for more movement, especially as your cat grows older. Daily walks can help your cat maintain a healthy weight and improve overall fitness.

If your kitty isn't accustomed to being with other people or pets that often, walking outdoors might help your feline friend become more comfortable in social settings. All of a sudden, your scaredy cat could cozy up to your dinner guests or even be open to having a dog brother in the future.

When cats get bored, they can exhibit behavioral issues such as destructive scratching or spraying. Walking can help cats burn off this excess energy and reduce the risk of unwanted behaviors.

It is essential to be aware of potential risks when taking your kitty on a walk. "Your pet's well-being should be the top priority when starting a walking routine," says Mushtaq. To ensure your cat has a positive experience, keep Mushtaq's safety measures in mind.

The temperature of the pavement can be very hot in the summer or very cold in the winter, causing burns or frostbite on your kitty's paws. It's best to walk your cat on the grass or in shaded areas on hot days and avoid walking on pavement on days where the temperature drops below freezing.

Some fertilizers and plants can be harmful to cats if ingested. Be sure to keep your little buddy from chewing on questionable leaves or flowers by offering treats instead.

Outdoor animals, especially dogs, can be a danger to your cat. Always keep your feline friend on a leash and be aware of animals that may be present in the area.

Not all humans are cat lovers. It's best to keep your friendly furball at a distance from other people.

Because cats tend to be smaller than most dogs, they can be easily overlooked by drivers. Be extra cautious of traffic when crossing the street.

Going on a walk can be physically demanding for a cat. Ensure they stay hydrated by bringing a water bottle and a bowl for your cat to drink from on the walk.

Be sure your cat is up to date on their flea and tick preventatives and vaccinations.

Now that you’ve started a cat walking routine, you may want to hire a cat walker when you’re out of town or away from home for several days. "A good cat walker should be able to understand and respond to the unique needs of a cat, such as their natural curiosity and tendency to be independent, while still providing them with the necessary exercise and mental stimulation they require," says Michelle Lehr of Ann Arbor, Michigan, who is a therapy dog trainer and the head writer at Good Dog Swag.

Lehr and her cat enjoy a 20-minute walk every morning together, so when she knows she’ll be away from home for two days or more, Lehr will hire a cat walker.

When hiring a cat walker, Lehr says there are three major things to keep in mind:

A good cat walker should be communicative and responsive. "I want to be able to check in and receive updates on my pets’ well-being and activities while I am away," Lehr says.

It's important to consider the cat walker's availability and reliability. Cats, like people, thrive off of routine. A responsible cat walker shows up on the days and times that are agreed upon.

"I appreciate a pet walker who approaches their job with a positive and patient attitude and who is always looking for new and creative ways to engage my cat in their walks," describes Lehr.

"Taking a cat for a walk hasn't been very common," acknowledges Lugones. "But as pet parents become more aware that cats can benefit from environmental enrichment and training, it's becoming more known as an activity that some cats may enjoy."

While some cats might take to regular walking, others might never get comfortable with the idea, and that's OK. As Lugones puts it, "It's definitely not for every cat. If walking your cat isn't an option, don't forget that food puzzles, cat training, perches, cat trees, scratch pads and rotating their toys are all great and fun ways to provide environmental enrichment."