Do Cats Need To Be Walked Around?
Today it is more and more common to take your cat for a walk. But do cats need to be walked around? While walking is essential for dogs, we know that cats are completely different animals.
Before you decide to put your cat on a leash and take him out on the street, it is worthwhile to figure out if cats need to be walked and if they enjoy taking a walk.
Do cats need to be walked around?
All animals love to enjoy their moments of freedom, in which they can move, interact, have fun and express themselves freely. Additionally, loneliness and isolation can lead to numerous behavioral problems.
However, not all animals find the optimal conditions to express themselves as they want and interact with other specimens or other animals.
For dogs, walking is one of the best times of the day, as they are very sociable. But for many other species, including cats, taking a walk can mean being exposed to high-stress situations.
In short, not all animals interact in the same way or have the same needs as dogs. Each animal has its own personality and uniqueness.
It is the owners’ responsibility to know and respect the needs of their pets in order to offer them a dignified, healthy and happy life.
Do cats like to take a walk?
Not necessarily. However, each cat has its own personality, needs and preferences, so some cats may like to go for a walk. Especially if they were used to as puppies and learned to socialize properly during their first few months of life.
However, if we consider the behavior of most cats, we must say that cats usually don’t like to go for a walk. Basically, for them walking down the street means exposing themselves to unnecessary threats, such as strangers, possible predators, loud noises, etc.
For felines, going out on the street means walking through completely unknown terrain where it is not possible to find their own pheromones that give tranquility. Also, suddenly exposing yourself to a wide variety of unknown stimuli can create a lot of stress for a cat.
Of course, that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy the opportunity to interact with other people. They will simply feel more comfortable doing it in a safe environment, where they feel safe to express themselves and exercise their curiosity.
It is worth remembering that cats are territorial animals and need a routine to feel protected. Therefore, the introduction of another individual into one’s environment, be it a person or an animal, must be slow and gradual.
If we introduce the cat to the new family member correctly, he will surely feel confident interacting with him. This would be the correct procedure to follow.
Are outdoor walks useful for cats?
Many cats like to walk outside the home, especially if they can do it alone, off the leash and in total freedom. However, these outings can pose various health risks to our friends. Not to mention the risk of running away and never returning.
When a cat goes out of the house, it can come into contact with numerous pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, internal and external parasites. Remember that vaccines for many contagious diseases among cats are not yet 100% effective.
Also, exposure to the elements can cause breathing problems. On the other hand, it is also possible that your cat is involved in fighting with stray cats, contracting illnesses and seriously injuring himself.
On the other hand, if your cat is not neutered, going out on the street can contribute to the increase in the number of stray cats. For this reason, it is worth remembering the importance of maintaining effective reproductive control of our cats.
So, do cats need to be walked or not?
In general, a cat doesn’t really need to go for a walk with their owner, as this can cause them a lot of stress. On the other hand, letting him go out freely can be very dangerous for his health.
Although they have not been tamed like dogs, cats have learned to live in peace with people and to reap many benefits from this coexistence. The domestic routine prevents the cat from exposing itself to various risks while feeding, resting or doing the needs.
However, we must remember that felines need to live in an environment full of stimuli for their body and mind. Therefore, your cat needs to be able to exercise, have fun and hone his intelligence without having to go outside.
