When walking down the street or through the park, it’s common to see parents pushing a baby stroller or pet owners walking a dog.
It’s rarer to see someone walking a cat.
If you own a cat who could stand to lose a few pounds, you may have some concerns about its weight.
Taking them out for regular walks can be a great way to help them receive some exercise.
However, you may wonder if taking your cat out for a walk is weird.
Is It Weird To Walk A Cat?
No, it’s not weird to walk a cat.
Depending on where you live, you may even see quite a few people walking their cats.
While it’s more common to walk a dog, there’s certainly nothing wrong with walking your cat.
In fact, walking your cat might actually provide some benefits.
That said, since cats are quite small and not as domesticated as dogs, walking them does present some challenges and dangers.
As long as you take the necessary precautions, however, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to freely walk your cat outside.
Walking your cat isn’t weird.
6 Reasons Why You Should Walk Your Cat
If you’re on the fence as to whether you should walk your cat or not, then it might help to consider a few reasons why walking your cat can be beneficial.
Here are a few reasons why you might want to walk your cat.
1. It Keeps Them Healthy
One of the most important reasons to walk your cat is that it can keep your cat healthy.
A serious problem affecting many housecats is obesity.
In fact, it’s so common that 63% of cats in developed countries are struggling with obesity.
Obesity is a problem for cats for several reasons.
When they’re obese, cats have a harder time jumping and moving around.
The very things they should be doing to try and lose weight are things they’re no longer able to do as well.
It can also impact their digestive system.
When cats are overweight, it’s harder for their bodies to digest food.
Since cats sometimes have digestive problems from simply experiencing stress, adding obesity to their problems can make matters worse.
That’s where walking can help.
By regularly walking your cat, you’re basically forcing them to do some exercise.
Cats will be able to burn some calories and break down fat.
If your cat is lazy and doesn’t like to play, then taking them for a regular walk forces them to get some exercise.
Cats don’t always have the opportunity to exercise in a house.
They might chase things now and then, but they’re not doing the activities that they need to do to stay in shape.
They’re not hunting for survival, for example.
Since most houses tend to stay vermin-free, there’s nothing for them to hunt.
Walking gives them the exercise they need to prevent obesity.
2. It Satisfies Curiosity
Cats are quite curious—sometimes to their detriment.
They’re among the first to investigate a new noise or smell.
Over time, cats become very familiar with your house.
There’s nothing new to excite them.
Walking your cat can change that.
By taking your cat outside, you’re introducing a whole new world to them.
Indoor cats, especially, have never had the chance to explore the outside world.
You’re allowing them that opportunity in a much safer way than just letting them outside on their own.
By taking your cat for a walk, you can allow them to explore new smells and new sights and experience new noises.
This is why walking your dog is beneficial, too.
Dogs also crave stimulus.
They don’t have things like TVs and phones to occupy them.
They get their excitement from smelling new smells and experiencing new places.
It keeps them happy.
Cats can experience that happiness, too.
They can finally explore what rests beyond the house’s windows.
You should walk your cat because it gives them a chance to explore and satisfy their curiosity about the outside world.
3. They Are No Longer Cooped Up
Another major reason you should consider walking your cat is that it means they’re no longer cooped up inside.
Cat owners have the decision to make as to whether they’re going to allow their cats to go outside or strictly make them stay inside.
Cats that are able to live partially outside tend to be in a bit more danger than cats that remain inside.
As such, a lot of pet owners tend to lean toward leaving their cats in the house all day.
Of course, cats are still quite feral on the domesticity scale.
They’re not quite as domesticated as dogs.
As such, it sometimes seems like they’re longing to go outside.
They’ll sit all day by the window looking at other cats or trying to pounce on birds.
By walking them, you can give them a chance to enjoy some fresh air.
They might display a bit more excitement since it adds an extra level of mystery and discovery to their day.
Being cooped up in the house all day can affect the mental health of humans.
It might affect the mental health of cats, too.
Walking your cat gives them a chance to explore outside and improve their mental health by getting some fresh air.
4. It Tires Them Out
One problem you might often face with your cat is that they wake up in the middle night and make all sorts of noise.
It makes sense since cats are naturally nocturnal.
They prefer to hunt in the dark since they have great vision at night.
While you might play with them during the day to try and wear them out, it might not be enough.
Walking your cat, on the other hand, might be just what you need to tire your cat out before bed.
Depending on your cat’s energy levels, you might want to walk them for a few minutes to half an hour.
Cats don’t need quite as much walking as dogs, but that all depends on how much energy your cat has in the first place.
By the time you return to the house, you might find that your cat is nice and tired out.
They’re more likely to sleep through the night since you burned their energy during the walk.
In return, you might be able to enjoy a good night of sleep without any disturbances.
Walking your cat is a great idea since it can help tire them out for bedtime.
5. It Might Introduce Them To New Friends
One of the reasons why you might decide to walk your cat in the first place is that you see another person doing it.
You might even start up a cat-walking group if you have friends who also own cats.
Cats aren’t quite as friendly or social as dogs.
As such, they aren’t as prone to make new friends.
However, some cats are social and love making new friends.
You might find that your cat loves to see their new friends when you take them out on walks.
They might even warm up to some dogs that they meet on the way.
If you have a social cat, then walking them can help them satisfy that itch to interact with other animals.
It’s especially helpful if you don’t have any other pets at home.
Walking your social cat allows them to meet new friends.
6. It’s A Safe Way To Let Them Explore Outdoors
A final reason why you should consider walking your cat is that it’s a safe way to let them explore outdoors.
Some cats naturally want to go outside.
They might do everything they can to escape from inside the house.
Walking gives them a chance to explore the world safely.
You have control over the cat since you’re the one with the leash.
You control where to go, and you can protect your cat if you meet an aggressive pet.
More importantly, it means your cat won’t slink off to kill some mice or meet another cat to reproduce with.
Walking your cat ensures you’re able to let them explore while also being safe.
Why Shouldn’t You Walk Your Cat?
While there are quite a few reasons why you should walk your cat, there are also a few reasons why you might want to hesitate before you buy a leash.
Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t walk your cat.
1. Nervous About The Outdoors
One of the reasons you shouldn’t walk your cat is if they appear nervous about going outside.
Some cats desperately want to go outside while others are afraid of it.
If your cat doesn’t want to go outside, then you shouldn’t force it.
The stress of the situation might make them ill.
2. Lots Of Dogs Outside
Another reason you shouldn’t walk your cat is if there are lots of dogs in your area.
While some dogs can handle seeing a cat around, others can’t.
Your cat might be in danger if the owner of the dog can’t control their pet.
It could lead to a serious problem.
3. Escape Artist
Finally, you shouldn’t walk your cat if they’re a known escape artist.
They might escape from their harness and disappear into the wilderness.
It’s a good idea to try and walk your cat inside the house first to see if it can escape from its harness.
Conclusion
Walking cats may sound odd, but it’s a perfectly normal thing to do.
There are plenty of reasons to walk your cat, but if any of the reasons not to also apply, then you might want to reconsider walking your cat.
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