The Importance of Walking Your Cat

We’ve always heard of the term "dog walking" or "taking the dog out for a walk". These are really common phrases now but have you heard of “walking a cat” to be the norm? Walking your cat may not yet be common practice, but there are some cat owners who do take their cats out on a walk. Cat walking is beneficial for various reasons. In this blog, let us explore the importance and benefits of walking a cat. 

Importance of walking a cat

Awareness of cat health is increasing every day and owners are taking various efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of their kitty. Unlike a dog who needs to be walked everyday, a cat can be walked just a few times per week (if everyday isnt an option) to avail the multiple benefits. Some of the advantages of walking your feline are: 

1. To keep them stimulated: Stimulation is necessary for all animals. Appropriate stimulation in cats will help them grow into smart, confident and loving cats. A walk every now and then should be doable as it would expose your cat to all the wonderfulness nature has to offer. Allow your cat to get familiar with the different sights, scents, sounds and touch of her surroundings which would mentally strengthen her and aid her development.  Being curious by nature, many cats will relish the opportunity to sniff a flower, feel the grass underneath their paws, roll around on pavement, or watch the wind blow leaves across the ground. These experiences can be very enriching and mentally stimulating, and overall a good thing for your cat’s happiness. An indoor cat would have limited mental stimulation, thus depriving her of the opportunity of outside stimulation which is why a walk is recommended even for cats. 
2. To provide physical exercise: When your cat is out on a walk they naturally climb, jump and explore the natural environment around them. This is a great way for them to exercise in a naturally stimulating environment. It gives them the opportunity to stretch and exercise their back and shoulder muscles, it encourages proper nail growth, allowing them to remove the old outer shell of the claw, exposing a new healthy claw underneath, and even helps to release pheromones. The exercise a cat gets from being outdoors contributes to their overall health and wellbeing. 
3. Encourages socialization: Cats who walk outdoors are better prepared to deal with new experiences and to meet new faces. Walking outdoors gives them the confidence to interact with unfamiliar people in varied situations, reducing their fears and anxiety. This exposure also helps cats handle potentially stressful situations as well. Outdoor walks started at an early age will help your cat be social and adaptable from an early age. Even if you have a particularly shy cat, you can start with short walks in isolation and slowly as their confidence rises encourage more socialization. You could also initially take them outdoors in their crate or in a pet-friendly backpack. As they get comfortable you could allow them to step out of the crate/backpack. 
4.  Encourages positive behaviors: There are some cats who prefer the indoor life, staying at home and lazing around but there are some who prefer a more adventurous life of hunting, chasing and outdoor play. These cats need the extra adrenaline rush they get from outdoor activities. Their energy that these cats have gets chanalized in outdoor play. If these cats are kept indoors all the time they would get bored and indulge in negative behaviors at home. Taking them outdoors every now and then is hence a great way to encourage positive behaviors in cats. 
5. Strengthens the bond between cat and owner: Walking with your cat allows you to spend quality time with you cat. You’ll find out what your cat likes to sniff and explore, what excites him and what doesn’t. You will get to see a different side of his personality as he socializes with others. This time together will help you get more in tune with your cat, strengthening the bond you share. 
   

Some suggestions:

• Ensure that your cat is completely vaccinated and dewormed before it walks outside. By doing so, you might prevent any diseases that other cats or animals may bring to your cat.
• Safety of your cat should be the top priority, use a good and reliable harness or leash to keep your cat safe. By keeping your cat on a harness you are able to ensure that she doesn’t get hurt or lost.
• To ease your cat into the new routine, you could start with short walks and gradually increase the duration as your cat gets more comfortable. 
• and level of socialization. 
• Opt for quiet, secluded locations in the beginning, then gradually increase the level of socialization and exposure. Taking your cat to a crowded location at once might make your cat uncomfortable, especially if your cat is shy or traumatized. 
• You can spray on an anti-tick & fleas spray on your cat before the walk to avoid infestation of these parasites on her skin. 
  

Cat walking has great merits and if the cat is comfortable then feline parents should explore the outdoors. Cat walking may not be something that is normally considered, but we must not underestimate a cat’s need to explore the outside world. Coming from a predatory line of species, cats are born with the genetic need to hunt, chase, climb and jump. Many pet felines kept indoors at all times, resort to destructive behavior around the house. Cat walking encourages your cat's mental and physical wellness, and should be considered by feline parents.