Hey there! 👋 I’m Nicole from Furligo, and I always get these questions: “Is it weird to walk my cat?” “Is it even safe?” Let’s break down everything you need about cat walking and outdoor adventures!
Is Walking Your Cat Actually a Good Idea?
Let’s address the elephant in the room – yes, it can be absolutely wonderful for your cat! Here’s why:
- Provides mental stimulation and enrichment
- Helps prevent boredom and obesity
- Strengthens your bond with your kitty
- Satisfies their natural curiosity safely
But here’s the thing – outdoor time needs to be done right! While some people think keeping cats indoors is limiting, that’s actually not true. Cats can live perfectly happy indoor lives with proper enrichment. However, if you want to give them outdoor experiences, supervised walks or backpack adventures are the way to go.
Why not just let them roam freely? Because the outdoors can be dangerous for our furry friends:
- Traffic accidents
- Wild animals
- Diseases
- Getting lost
That’s why controlled outdoor activities – like walking with a harness or exploring in a backpack – give your cat the best of both worlds: outdoor excitement with indoor safety! 😺
Getting Started: Harness vs. Collar – Which Is Better?
Here’s a hot take: for walks, harnesses win hands down! While collars are great for ID tags, they’re not safe for walking. Think about it – cats are amazing escape artists with super flexible bodies. If they get startled while on a collar leash, pulling against the collar can damage their throat or trachea, and they might even slip right out of it!
What About ID Tags?
Don’t worry! Most cat harnesses (including our Furligo Adventure Harness come with a D-ring for ID tags – giving you both safety and security. Even indoor cats need proper identification when venturing outside. A secure D-ring on the harness is perfect for attaching these important safety essentials.
Here’s why harnesses are the way to go:
- Distribute pressure evenly across the body
- Prevent escape attempts (cats are tiny Houdinis!)
- Give you better control without choking risks
- Include secure spots for ID tags
Your First Steps to Adventure
- Choose Your Adventure Style
- Leash walking with a harness
- Backpack carrier for nervous kitties
- Mix of both (my personal favorite!)
- Indoor Training First!
- Let your cat wear the harness inside for short periods
- Treats, treats, and more treats 🍜
- Start with 5-minute sessions
- Practice in a quiet room
- Moving Outdoors
- Begin in your backyard or quiet area
- Keep first sessions super short
- Bring familiar items from home
- Stay close to your house
How to Tell If Your Cat’s Enjoying the Adventure
Happy Cat Signs:
- Tail up and curved like a question mark
- Exploring with interest
- Regular walking pace
- Ears forward
Not-So-Happy Signs:
- Crouching or hiding
- Tail tucked or puffed
- Refusing to move
- Meowing excessively
Pro Tips for Success
- Choose the right gear
- Pick quiet times of day
- Let your cat set the pace
- Always carry treats
- Start in good weather
Common Worries, Sorted!
“Will my indoor cat get too used to being outside?” Yes, indoor cats can develop a love for outdoor adventures, which is why proper boundaries are crucial. With consistent harness training and supervised outings, they’ll learn that outdoor time is a special activity that only happens with you. The key is maintaining a routine and always using proper safety gear.
“What if my cat never likes the harness?” That’s where our Explorer Backpack comes in handy! Some cats prefer being carried while they take in the sights.
“Isn’t it too late to start if my cat’s already an adult?” Never! While kittens might learn faster, adult cats can absolutely learn new tricks.
“What about bad weather?” It’s best to skip outdoor adventures on severe weather days – your cat’s safety comes first! But for light drizzles or chilly days, our weather-resistant carriers keep your kitty comfortable. Meanwhile, those indoor days are perfect for harness training or cozy playtime at home.
Ready for Your First Adventure?
Whether you choose a harness or a backpack (or both!), we’ve got everything you need in our outdoor adventure collection. Remember, every cat is different – some might become outdoor enthusiasts, while others prefer short backyard sessions. Both are perfectly fine!
Have questions? Drop them in the comments below! We’d love to hear about your cat walking journey. 😊
