So, are walks really needed for cats? "The feline fraternity is generally good at keeping themselves active and do well in a controlled environment. Cats burn calories even when they are lounging; so more than physical exertion, cats need their daily exercise for mental stimulation.
This is because walking outdoors exposes cats to unfamiliar scents they may find threatening, and to potentially frightening experiences, including dogs, strange people, loud noises and cars.
“A sense of control is very important to cats, and being walked on a collar or harness prevents them having control,” the animal welfare organisation warned. “It may be more difficult for them to move away or hide from anything which might scare or worry them.”
““A sense of control is very important to cats and being walked on a collar or harness prevents them from having control I t may be more difficult for them to be able to move away or hide from anything which might scare or worry them. Therefore the RSPCA wouldn't recommend that cats are walked outside in this way.
In general, experts recommend taking your cat for a walk, so long as your pet is okay with the activity and you can safely take them outdoors without causing stress or discomfort. All the experts Inverse spoke with emphasize you shouldn't force your cat to do anything that makes them uncomfortable.
The types of cats that would enjoy an outdoor leash walk include cats that show signs of boredom or stress, apartment cats, and cats that are adventurous. Stress in a cat is typically demonstrated by overgrooming, urinating outside the litter box, and destructive tendencies around the home.
Because cats don't run up to their owners with balls in their mouths, many people assume that they don't want or need to be played with at all. On the contrary, cats need exercise and a lot of mental stimulation. Without it, they can get bored and develop behavior problems.
It is fine to use a lead and harness for a cat that usually goes outside unsupervised if you need to transport them out of their home area, but do not simply walk your cat on the lead because you think it is fun or a novelty.
As long as your cat has the space and resources to express all of their natural behaviours and isn't frustrated when they can't go outside, there's no reason they can't live a perfectly happy life as a house cat. However, cats used to having outdoor access find it difficult to make the adjustment as adults.
Cats view their territory as their place of safety. They are naturally very attached to their home and need to feel they can have access to this at all times. Being taken on a lead takes them into new territory and prevents them from being able to access their own space.
Dogs are with people for much-much longer than cats, and they need directions almost all the time in tough/unfamiliar etc. situations. A leash is the perfect way to communicate with the dog when walking. Cats are more independent and don't need that.
Justine Lee, DVM, DACVECC, DABT, veterinary spokesperson for Pumpkin Pet Insurance. "Don't get me wrong—some cats can slowly become acclimated and end up loving car trips, but most cats don't enjoy traveling. It can stress them out."
Most will take their time and explore very slowly and carefully. Let them explore in their own time and don't panic if they hop over a fence, or go further than you feel comfortable, most cats come back after a few minutes, at which point you can give them a tasty treat to encourage their return.
Most experts agree that cats should get a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day. However, older cats and those with health problems may need less exercise. Unlike dogs, cats aren't built for long bouts of vigorous exercise.
A: Because they're trying to manipulate humans into giving them something they want. Sometimes cats make it physically impossible just to walk. They'll dart between a person's legs or roll over somebody's moving feet, all in an effort to... to accomplish what, exactly?
Everything they do, they do because they want to. Cats can be truly loyal, but unlike dogs, that loyalty comes out of their desire to be loyal to you. That makes it so much more valuable.
Cons of Indoor Cats
Some indoor cats also experience depression and separation anxiety.
The answer is clear when you realize that the average lifespan of an indoor cat ranges from 10 to 20 years, whereas cats who go outdoors typically live only 2 to 5 years. Cats who are allowed to roam outdoors face huge safety and health risks, and sadly, some pay for that freedom with their lives.
It's estimated that cats spend 12 – 16 hours a day sleeping, and as indoor cats, my two love lounging around. They have several different preferred snoozing spots depending on the time of day. As the sun streams into the lounge room, they can be found having a kip by the window on their cat tower.
Do cats remember people? Cats possess excellent long-term memories. They can recall their animal companions and the people who feed them as well as those who irritate them. Memory is what allows a cat to leap into the arms of a family member returning after a semester away at college.
They flop on their sides in protest against wearing the harness, because they don't want to be led around on a leash. The best way to teach them to tolerate it, is simply to let them wear the harness as much as possible, so they get used to having it on.
A pet stroller can be a perfect way to give your kitty some fresh air and a change of scenery. When I take my cats for a walk, I use a pet stroller. People we encounter smile and exclaim, “I've never seen a cat in a stroller before! He looks like he loves it!” They're correct!
Lack of play and stimulation can also lead to stress-related health issues and obesity. Ideally, your cat is getting regular, daily interactive play with you. This is the best kind of play for supporting their health and behavior. However, many cats need more than we can provide directly.
In addition to a dramatically shorter life expectancy, cats who roam outdoors face an increased risk of disease. Feline leukemia, feline AIDS, feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), toxoplasmosis, distemper, and rabies can be difficult to detect and, in the case of FIP and distemper, impossible to test for.
Other cat health and behavior experts offer similar recommendations, with the total amount of playtime ranging from 20 to 60 minutes daily. Playtime should be split into multiple 10- to 15-minute segments as cats are naturally active in short bursts.