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?

Alana Kestle and her partner in Cardiff adopted a kitten named Roo, who was initially meant to stay indoors. However, the couple’s decision to take the cat outside for walks came after being influenced by social media trends showcasing feline adventures on paddleboards, mountains, and beaches. The practice has gained traction among urban cat owners, who see it as a way to provide enrichment while minimizing risks like traffic accidents or fights.

Cats Protection suggests selecting a cat that fits your lifestyle rather than forcing it into new environments. Alana, a third-year veterinary student at the University of Surrey, agrees, emphasizing that success depends on the bond between cat and owner. She noted that Roo took several months to adapt to the harness and backpack, eventually embracing outdoor exploration with “full-blown zoomies” and playful energy.

“The majority of cat owners who invest time in training are good owners wanting to keep their cats safe,” Alana remarked.

While some veterinary professionals support the trend, others caution against overexertion. Alana believes younger people are drawn to cat walking due to urban living conditions and awareness of outdoor dangers, but warns against doing it solely for social media appeal. “People might push their cats too far,” she added.

Cats on the Move: Training and Adaptation

Lucy Francom, a 26-year-old from Llandudno, trains her cats Bongo and Fifi to accompany her on water activities and walks. She stresses the importance of pacing and using a clicker to reward desired behaviors. “Cats should come back when called,” she said, though she’s concerned about improper training seen online.

Candice Stapleton, a Welsh-based dog trainer, walks some of her four cats but not all. She explained that health conditions like poor hips in Chikondi make walking unsuitable. “Younger generations are embracing cat walking because of social media,” she observed, contrasting it with older people’s traditional views that “cats don’t go for walks.”

Abby Mayers and her wife in Cheshire walk their cat Olive, often in rural areas. The couple has three felines, with Robin undergoing harness training while Ginny remains indoors. Their experience highlights the growing popularity of the practice, even as debates about its benefits continue.