Is taking your cat for a walk good for them or just good for TikTok?
Is taking your cat for a walk good for them or just good for TikTok?
Cats are increasingly becoming stars of outdoor adventures, with some sporting harnesses and leads as they explore city streets, beaches, and even mountain trails. Roo, a feline from Cardiff, is one such pet, now equipped with a harness and her owner Alana Kestle holding the lead. But Roo isn’t the only cat embracing this trend, as social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have fueled a surge in content showcasing cats engaged in outdoor activities.
Alana, a 22-year-old veterinary student at the University of Surrey, adopted Roo as an indoor cat but later decided to try walking her after seeing videos of cats on leads. The couple began by testing harnesses and gradually introduced a travel backpack as a safe space for Roo during outings. “It took her months to realize this was safe,” Alana shared. “Now she’s full of energy, tail high, and running freely on the lead.”
Expert Perspectives on Cat Walking
Cat expert Emily Blackwell acknowledges the practice but cautions that it’s not universally suitable. “It depends on the cat and owner to make it work,” she noted. Cats Protection advises potential walkers to select pets that can adapt to their lifestyle, rather than forcing cats into environments they may struggle with.
“I would say most owners who invest time in harness training are genuinely trying to keep their cats safe,” Alana added. “But some do it for social media and push their pets too far.”
The practice has gained traction among urban dwellers, particularly younger cat owners, who are more likely to live in flats and seek ways to provide enrichment without risking their pets’ safety. However, not all agree. Some vets express concern, while others support the idea, highlighting its potential benefits for cats.
Training Methods and Considerations
Lucy Francom, 26, from Llandudno, trains her cats Bongo and Fifi to accompany her on paddleboards and kayaks. She emphasizes the importance of proceeding at the pet’s pace and using a clicker to reward desired behaviors. “Cats associate actions with treats,” she explained, noting that her felines return when called. “But I worry about people dragging their cats around without proper training.”
Candice Stapleton, a dog trainer with a family from Wales, trains only some of her cats for outdoor walks. “Not every cat is suited for this,” she said, citing her older cats’ mobility issues as a reason. “I let Captain Crumpet and Chikondi explore, but others stay indoors where they’re comfortable.”
“I guess there’s a lot of social media presence, and people might do it for the likes rather than what’s right for the cat,” Candice reflected.
The UK Cat Walkers Facebook group, with over 4,500 members, showcases a growing community of cat enthusiasts. While some see walking as a way to enrich their pets’ lives, others caution against overexertion. The key, according to experts, lies in understanding each cat’s individual needs and recognizing signs of stress or fatigue.
Abby Mayers and her wife Melody, both 22, walk their cat Olive in various locations, from Erddig to Llangollen. They manage three cats, with Robin in harness training and Ginny not yet participating. This highlights the diversity in approaches, as not all pets or owners are on board with the idea.
