Walking is one of the easiest and most cost effective ways to exercise; you can just put on a pair of shoes and head out the door. On your walk you may notice a variety of people either walking with a partner – human or canine – but never really with a cat. Why is that?
Is it because the moment you place a harness and leash on a cat they turn into a puddle of jelly and you wind up dragging them instead of walking? Or you put the harness and leash on incorrectly and your cat goes bounding into the woods or road never to be seen again. The worst case scenario, your cat runs outside as soon as the door opens and it gets hit by a car. Accidents are the most common reasons why most veterinarians suggest to you that all cats should be indoor pets.
Pet Strollers
If you are still adamant about taking your cat outside for a walk, there is a safe and responsible option; pet strollers. A pet stroller gives you the control to take your pet on a walk in a safe environment. A pet stroller is quite different from a regular child’s stroller. It is basically a cat carrier on wheels! If your pet is good in their regular carrier, it most likely will do just fine in a stroller.
Comfort Is Key
Pet strollers come in numerous brands, colors, styles and sizes; just be sure to get a size large enough for your cat to sit down, lay and turn comfortably. Comfort is a key element when taking our pet out and about. The more comfortable they are in their situation, the more compliance you get when wanting to train them to go outside.
Always be sure to secure your cat in the stroller BEFORE walking out the front door! Double check and make sure that your cat is fully enclosed in the stroller, so there is no way for a possible escape. Carry a bag of treats, a bottle of water with a small bowl and line their stroller with a towel for your cat to lie upon when going for a walk as well.
Pet strollers are easily found on many online shopping sites and in your local pet stores. You may even find a retailer at various cat shows in your area.
Quick Tip
Leave your stroller open for your cat to rest in when not in use. This lets them know that not all carriers are bad and most actually look forward for their walks. Mine do!
Flea and Heartworm Prevention
Not only is physical safety a factor in walking your cat, so is keeping them on a veterinarian recommended flea and heartworm preventative. If we are prone to mosquito bites, your cat is equally prone as well. Mosquitoes and fleas do not care about the mesh on the carriers and can actually get through the mesh to your cat. If you are going to take your cat outside, be responsible and use a feline safe preventative as well as keeping them current on their vaccines.
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