Is it okay to walk your cat on a leash? Here's what the experts say

Around 230,000 cats are killed as a result of road traffic accidents every year. But life in the deceitfully peaceful countryside where felines become easy targets for hungry wildlife is not much safer.

A natural question is: how to keep kitties safe while still letting these freedom-loving creatures enjoy some outdoor time? This is where another difficult question pops up: is it okay for me to walk my cat on a leash?

As the owners seem to be somewhat divided, let’s see what the experts think.

Walking your cat on a leash is okay

According to a cat behaviourist, YouTuber, and host of the television show My Cat from Hell, Jackson Galaxy, cat leash-walking is not just okay but also offers many benefits. Unlike dog walking, where you can often dictate your route and your rules, pet-feline outings might be less predictable. Monitor the animals’ safety but expect your cat to show you where to go and what to do.

After you both get used to the activity and the attention that comes with it, you’ll learn your cat's preferences and enjoy a smoother experience.

Cats can be trained

Despite popular belief, most cats can be trained to do things that dogs do. But just like a puppy that has never been leash-trained, a cat will not know what to do unless you show them how and teach them why. As cats are naturally less motivated, their training can be more challenging.

Cat behaviourist Anita Kelsey, a London-based pet feline owner herself, knows the pain of keeping these freedom-loving animals on a property with no garden and roaring traffic outside. She doesn’t only approve of cat leash-walking but also helps people train their four-legged friends to fall in love with the activity. She supports the idea that it isn't necessarily a solution for every cat.

Kelsey said:

Every cat is different. Mine are a breed of cat that really wants to go outside. But nobody can force a cat to go on a lead; you can’t force a cat to do anything if they don’t want to.

‘Every cat is an individual’

Though the RSPCA doesn’t recommend cat owners walking their felines on a lead, writing that ‘a sense of control is very important to cats’, the charity doesn’t suggest a blanket ban on the activity.

Dr Samantha Gaines, head of the RSPCA’s companion animals department, said:

All we want cat owners to consider is that every cat is an individual. For some, walking on a lead may be suitable, but we need to be careful that we’re not just thinking of cats as dogs.

Before you take your cat out on a leash

All your cat's vaccinations must be up to date before you venture outside.

Use a safe leash or a harness and make sure it is fixed property, to avoid your pet escaping and getting harmed in the traffic.

Don’t leave your fluff-ball out of sight at any time and pick them up if you notice a dog in proximity.

Keep in mind that pet leash walking requires training and patience, so don’t get discouraged by the first attempts.

But if you see that your cat is not persuaded and still feels miserable after a few walks, give them a break and speak to a vet or a cat behaviourist.

Sources used:

- Pets Radar: ‘​​Is walking a cat on a leash wrong? A vet's view’

- The Spruce Pets: ‘How to Train Your Cat to Walk on a Leash’

- Cats Protection: ‘Is your cat ready for the great outdoors? Here's our guide to keeping them safe outside’

- Mirror: ‘My cat was killed by a car and the driver didn't break the law by not stopping'

- The Guardian: ‘Should you take your cat out on a lead?’

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