All cats need an environment that safeguards their physical and mental health and provides them with the opportunity for positive experiences and good welfare. This includes the opportunity for exercise and stimulation Some people believe that walking their cat on a leash will provide this, particularly when the cat is kept indoors and has no other access to the outdoors. There are a range of cat harnesses and leashes readily available, and some animal behaviourists provide advice about how to train cats to be walked using these.
Although a leash and harness may be used to walk cats outside the owner’s property under direct supervision and despite some owners successfully training their cat to walk on a leash, in general the RSPCA does not recommend it.
This is because being walked on a leash outdoors exposes cats to unfamiliar scents they may find threatening, and to potentially frightening experiences, including dogs, strange people, loud noises, and cars in a way that does not provide the cat with full choice and control over how they respond to these potentially frightening situations. When a cat feels fearful, they often try to increase distance from or avoid an interaction with a perceived threat (e.g. by hiding or running away). If they cannot hide or get away from the perceived threat (such as when they are constrained by a leash) they are likely feel frustrated and their fear (and behavioural response to it) may also intensify. See our guide to cat behaviour for more information on cats’ emotional and behavioural responses. If the cat does run away and manage to get away from their owner this can be a risk to their safety (e.g., they may get hot by a car, injured, or lost). The cat may attempt to hide somewhere or to escape by climbing whatever is available, such as a tree or even up onto their owner which can be dangerous for the cat and the owner.
A safer alternative is to provide cats with other opportunities for outdoor exercise and enrichment, such as an escape-proof outdoor enclosure.
If you do decide to walk your cat on a leash, it is crucial that you attach this to a harness rather than a collar. Cats can easily slip out of collars or may choke if they escape and become entangled. Also, a proper cat harness rather than a dog harness should be used as these are more comfortable and secure. Ideally, training to walk on a leash and harness should start as a kitten. A good approach is to begin indoors and use treats and praise to slowly introduce the sensation of being restrained. Outdoor excursions should be limited to the safety of a back yard. Public parks are unsuitable for cats.
Before being walked outdoors, cats must be up to date with routine vaccinations against infectious diseases and with cat-specific treatments to prevent parasites such as fleas, ticks, and worms. They must also be identified by a microchip, in case of escape.
Cats enjoy smelling and exploring their surroundings and, if you do take them out on a leash, you will need to follow your cat’s lead as they wander around, letting them be in control of the activity. Walks should be kept brief.
Rather than using a harness and leash to provide access to the outdoors, the RSPCA recommends providing your cat with a cat-proof enclosure or enclosed yard with cat-proof fencing. This allows your cat to enjoy the outdoors in a safe and secure setting, without the risks involved with walking your cat on a leash.
