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 stepping out of their homes, thanks to a viral trend on social media. Roo, a feline with a harness and her owner Alana Kestle clutching the lead, is just one example of this phenomenon. The practice, however, has sparked debate among pet enthusiasts and professionals alike. While some see it as a way to enrich their cats’ lives, others question whether it’s more about content creation than animal welfare.
The Rise of Cat-Walking Culture
Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have fueled a surge in cat-walking videos, showcasing felines on paddleboards, navigating mountain trails, or strolling along coastal paths. This trend has particularly resonated with city-dwellers, many of whom live in flats. For them, supervised outdoor excursions offer a safer alternative to letting cats roam freely, allowing pets to experience the world without the risk of accidents or exposure to hazards.
Expert Perspectives on the Practice
“The majority of cat owners who invest time in harness training and gradual acclimation are genuinely concerned about their pets’ safety,” said Alana Kestle, a 22-year-old veterinary student in Surrey.
Cat Protection experts caution that not all felines are suited for this activity. Emily Blackwell, a cat behavior specialist, noted that success depends on the individual cat’s temperament and the owner’s approach. “While I don’t oppose the idea, it’s crucial to choose a cat that can adapt to your lifestyle rather than forcing them to change,” she emphasized.
Training and Challenges
Alana and her partner adopted Roo as an indoor cat but were inspired by social media to try walking her. The couple experimented with harnesses and a travel backpack, gradually introducing Roo to the idea of outdoor exploration. “It took months for her to realize, ‘this is safe,’” Alana shared. “Now she’s running around freely, tail high, chirping as if she’s discovered a new world.”
Lucy Francom, 26, from Llandudno, trains her cats Bongo and Fifi to accompany her on activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. She uses a clicker to reward correct behaviors, helping them associate the process with positive reinforcement. “They’ll return if I call them, even without a lead,” she said.
Candice Stapleton, a dog trainer with a Welsh family, believes cat walking isn’t suitable for every feline. Her German shepherd-border collie cross, Lexa May, walks with her, but her older cats remain indoors. “Walking isn’t right for Chikondi, whose hips are problematic,” she explained. “Some cats thrive in the wild, while others prefer the comfort of their home.”
Social Media’s Influence
Many younger pet owners are drawn to cat walking due to its visibility on social media. Candice noted that this generation often prioritizes the aesthetics of the activity over the cat’s comfort. “They’re influenced by likes and trends, not always what’s best for the animal,” she said.
For Lucy, the practice is a way to balance her cats’ indoor and outdoor lives. “I don’t want them trapped inside all day, but I also don’t trust them alone outdoors,” she admitted. Walking Captain Crumpet, however, is a joy: “It’s a real mood booster—seeing his happy tail as he trots along makes me smile.”
Abby Mayers and her wife Melody, both 22, walk their cat Olive in rural areas like Erddig and Llangollen. While Robin, their new kitten, is being trained for outdoor adventures, Ginny remains an exception. The couple’s experience highlights the diversity of approaches among cat owners, with some embracing the trend and others resisting it.
