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?

Cats are increasingly being seen strutting across social media platforms, often adorned with harnesses and leads, as they venture outside for supervised excursions. This trend has gained traction on TikTok and Instagram, where videos showcase felines perched on paddleboards, scaling hills, or sauntering along coastlines. While some view these walks as a way to enrich their cats’ lives, others question whether the practice prioritizes human engagement over feline well-being.

Alana Kestle, a 22-year-old from Cardiff, adopted a kitten named Roo who was initially meant to stay indoors. However, after encountering videos of cats walking on leads, she and her partner decided to try the activity. As a third-year veterinary student at the University of Surrey, Alana is aware of the risks free-roaming cats face, including traffic accidents, territorial conflicts, and illness. She emphasizes that the success of such walks depends on the individual cat and owner, requiring patience and understanding.

Alana’s approach involved gradually acclimating Roo to a harness and a travel backpack, ensuring the cat felt secure before heading outdoors. “It took her several months to realize, ‘no, this is safe,’” she explained. Now, Roo exhibits energetic behavior, chasing around with her tail high and chirping joyfully on the lead. While some veterinary professionals support the practice, others remain cautious, highlighting the importance of proper training and recognizing when a cat might be overstimulated.

The Social Media Influence

Many young urban dwellers, living in flats, see outdoor walks as a way to provide their cats with enrichment while minimizing risks. Alana noted that this trend is often driven by a desire to protect cats from dangers like traffic, but she cautioned against pushing them too far for social media appeal. “People might do it for the likes rather than what’s right for the cat,” she said.

Training Techniques

Lucy Francom, 26, from Llandudno, trains her cats Bongo and Fifi to walk without a lead, using a clicker and treats to reinforce positive behaviors. This method has allowed her to take the cats on various adventures, from paddleboarding to kayaking. However, she also expressed concern about others on social media dragging cats around without proper preparation. Candice Stapleton, a Welsh-based dog trainer, echoed this sentiment, explaining that not all cats are suited for walks. “Some, like my older felines, would struggle with the stress,” she said, adding that training should focus on the cat’s needs rather than convenience.

Cat Protection advocates for choosing pets that align with one’s lifestyle, emphasizing that forcing cats into outdoor activities might not always be beneficial. The organization’s guidance is reflected in the experiences of cat owners like Alana, who see walking as a way to keep their cats safe while allowing them to enjoy the outdoors. Despite the challenges, the practice has grown significantly, with over 4,500 members in the UK Cat Walkers Facebook group.

Benefits and Concerns

Candice believes walking cats can be a mood booster, describing Captain Crumpet’s happy tail as a joy to watch. However, she also trains her cats to respond to threats, equipping them with a rucksack as a mobile safe space. “Younger generations are more likely to embrace this because of social media exposure,” she noted, contrasting it with older generations who might still view walking as a dog-centric activity. The debate continues, with owners weighing the risks and rewards of taking their cats for walks.