[Pet exercise] Turns out cats actually need walks too?

Most cat owners assume their cats are perfectly content staying indoors all day — but cats actually need walks too. Taiwanese animal behaviorist Dr. Dai Geng-Ji explains that cats are natural explorers, and if they’re cooped up at home for too long without their basic needs being met, they’re likely to find other outlets for that energy. This can lead to abnormal behaviors such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, excessive grooming, hallucinations, and sensory hypersensitivity.

That said, walking a cat is very different from walking a dog. Dogs tend to be more obedient and are happy to follow their owner’s lead on a walk. Cats, on the other hand, see themselves as equals to humans — they’ll only go for a walk when they genuinely feel like it, and they’ll want to choose the route themselves. If you try to force a cat to change direction, it can actually make them resistant to the idea of going on walks altogether.

When taking your cat out for a walk, you’ll need to use a harness and leash — but getting them comfortable with it can take several times longer than it would for a dog. Let your cat get used to the harness and leash gradually, and give them plenty of time to feel relaxed and at ease wearing it before heading outside. That’s when you’ll know the prep work is truly done. Also, cats that go on regular walks should be treated for fleas and kept up to date on vaccinations, since outdoor parasites and bacteria can easily harm their health.

When walking your cat, avoid using the same approach you’d use with a dog. There are several common mistakes to watch out for:

1. Choose quiet spots with few people

Unlike most dogs, cats don’t enjoy busy, noisy environments — too much commotion can quickly trigger anxiety. That means busy parks or cafés that work well for dogs aren’t suitable for cats. The ideal setting for a cat walk is a quiet alley or a peaceful little park where your cat can move around and stretch freely.

2. Avoid bushes and flower beds

On a dog walk, letting your dog sniff and explore every corner is totally normal — but for cats, bushy and floral areas are a no-go. Dense shrubs and flower beds are dark, damp environments that are ideal breeding grounds for parasites and bacteria, so letting your cat wander through them frequently can make them sick.

Building a walking habit for your cat isn’t difficult. With patience, time, and care to avoid anything that might frighten them, regular walks can give your cat a truly healthy body and mind!

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