Should Cats Be Taken For Walks on a Lead? | This Morning

[@elainemaher7654]

I have taken my cat out on his lead since he was a young kitten, he loves it. He gets stressed if he can’t get out. It motivates me as I have Anxiety and Depression, and gets me to be outside getting air. As I am mostly in my house due to my anxiety. If your Cat enjoys it I don’t see the harm.

[@beltingtokra]

If a cat enjoys the lead and if it means they wont get hit by a car.... why not?

[@mmtmmt9481]

I walk my 2 cats on a lead, they started young. They love it. It's so presumtious and narrow minded to say that cats can't and shouldn't be walked. Most are never even given the chance to have training. A slow gradual graded introduction is key and bring so much enrichment which is safe and prevent getting run over by a car. I don't think having a box of branches or leaves is any substitute for actually going outside.

[@GemUnicornn]

Yeah this woman just represents a charity she has no qualifications, we will continue being the best cat parents

[@lisadefries6718]

I guess RSPCA coming from point of view that cats are territorial and dogs are people orientated. But I think it down to individual cats and making sure you taking cat into a low stress environment and have them vaccinated against feline illnesses. I recall years ago taking my kitten for a walk on a harness about twice and she spent most of her time walking around and around and around the same tree………..so didnt work 😂 which is fine. Her choice. She lived 17 happy years just the way she wanted to.

[@lavatr8322]

2:28 Such a gentleman with magnificent fur Look how he's sitting and watching over the studio

[@barnigranero5882]

"Cats are not a highly sociable species." Said by someone who knows nothing about cats. If you take the time to engage with them then you find out that cats are very sociable.

[@GemUnicornn]

That's kinda been disproven so they did a test to see if cats had an attachment to their owner and it was actually stronger than dogs it was on a documentary on Netflix about cats it's a great doc and talks about the latest cat science

[@avlife8416]

Yeah that girl just seemed like a cat hater tbh lol, I noticed she didn't even once acknowledge the cats presence once, I don't even think she looked at the cat one time

[@MilkyHorrn]

Exactly lol, she doesn’t know what she’s talking about

[@crystalksvlogs]

The RSPCA couldn't be bothered to tend to some animal abuse cases in my area, so no offence, but I don't regard their opinion or advice too highly

[@GemUnicornn]

They are the worst charity I swear I don't trust them, they are against indoor cats but their insurance company states indoor is best

[@Honeyandkimba]

I wouldn't take their advice

[@GemUnicornn]

Just been out on a 4 mile hike with my cats they love it

[@kathrynhopkins]

I have two cats that love being on leads. I have two others who are lead trained but would only use it in an emergency situation to keep them safe from running off.

[@QueenCJ]

I've taken my cat Angel out on a lead for 3 years around my apartment complex.He's an older cat and loves to go out.He's a chill cat naturally so it wasn't difficult to get him used to the lead.I started with putting the lead on inside and walking him around for a week and then ventured outside. I do get a lot of compliments and comments and he's known as the cat on the leash😊He really loves it🙂

[@lynneedwards9704]

That's wonderful. Have you watched 1bike1world on KZbin. Scottish guy Dean travels around with his cat Nala by bike or van and she walks on a lead in lots of countries.He found her as a kitten in Bosnia.

[@lisadefries6718]

Yes I dont personally think there are any hard and fast rules apart from obvious cats arent dogs . They think and feel differently about topic of leaving their territory. But some seem to thrive on it and have an almost dog like bond with their people . Maybe some breeds better like Bengals…….. but most important thing to remember is its cat taking you for a walk not you taking it for a walk then it leads and you follow where it wants to go…….only problem with that is sometimes it wants to go in your neighbours garden 😂

[@jazzdub4958]

The RSPCA aren't even fussed whatsoever with the plight of abandoned and stray cats on the streets, many who are heavily pregnant mom cats, not gonna listen to them now.

[@samirakhaliq5512]

My cat goes on a lead and never resisted or showed any signs of distress.....right from the first day.....he just wants to continue the walk forever.....so I have to carry him back....while he moans all the way back😂

[@HellORhighwaters]

I think if you live in a flat it nice to let them go in the grass or woods for a short walk but not necessarily walking in the city

[@Angie.GiGi.Ari.86]

It is selfish to have pets if you live in a flat

[@JenShea]

My cat is happy on his lead and in his harness. He feels safer. Every animal is different. Silly to say it’s not ok.

[@Jp67-n6b]

I moved to a room in a house from a home with big garden, I put my cat on a lead so that he could get some fresh air he was 10 yrs old. Every time I got the lead out he was waiting to go out.

[@lisadefries6718]

Why is taking a cat out on a lead if it ok with it a major problem as long as they had all their vaccinations and not put in mega stressful situations .

[@agemjourney5457]

If they like it then yes, it's so much safer than just letting them roam where they can get hit by cars etc or stolen or attacked

[@kerrygligorovic9758]

I have been taking my cats 🐱🐱out on a lead too but only in the street were I lives because they're indoor cats so they don't walk too far but they do enjoy exploring the grass field or sit on the wall to relax. One of my cat favourite place is in the family's back garden were one of my cat love to sleep either on the chair, table or on the floor in the summer.

[@GemUnicornn]

Cats protection and the RSPCA have beef with people walking their cat, all other charities worldwide state it's great if you're slow and get them used to it, most cat behaviourists and vets also agree cats on a lead is great! However most insurance companies agree indoor is best even the RSPCA insurance.. the UK/Europe are the only countries in the world where outdoor cats are more common, if you wanna take your cat out don't listen to this woman take it slow and you know your cat best, 630 cats die from cars according to pet plans statistics every day in the UK it will be more than that it's just one insurance company, it's up to the owner what they choose to do but us owners who walk our cats should not be told we are doing it wrong there is zero proof

[@agemjourney5457]

yeah it's weird how indoor cats are less common here for some reason

[@evie9239]

My indoor cat ADORED walking on a lead when we lived in London. He would go and retrieve his lead from the chair and go and sit and his carrier waiting for us. But in true cat fashion would walk, pawprint for pawprint, the same route round the park every day. Stopping at his favorite log piles to climb and particular benches to sunbathe, some spots to roll. I let him out once I lived in a village, as he made the most miserable house cat.

[@fbaallied]

''Up in the city, they called in boss Jack. But down home he was an alley cat!'' - Curtis Mayfield.

[@KatYesrsley]

My cat Maya loves her trolley pram and yes cats can go on leads for walks as long as you keep them safe

[@mcboswell1]

How dare they say he didn’t walk most of the way he clearly did

[@MoonlitPurpleRose]

… Mine didn’t like to be in a harness and on a lead and hated the outside. I tried to introduce him to it but he was not having it. He’s got a balcony to go out to and watch the birds or other cats patrolling the neighbourhood and he is happy with it. He vocalises his unhappiness once per year when I drive him to the vet. Every time I watch videos like this I wish he was more open and less afraid but I guess that’s what you get when you take home a kitten who is hiding behind another and you feel sorry for him …

[@Honeyandkimba]

My two cats love going on walks , they need the fresh air

[@Glenys8080]

Growing up I had a family friend that had a rabbit that she would take for walks on a harness. I honestly don’t see the issue if you have trained your pet well and they seem to enjoy it. A cat 5 very effective ways of telling you when they aren’t happy about something (death paws and sharp teeth).

[@lindasapiecha2515]

Yes thank you I had a rabbit that followed me everywhere Any danger around he would leap to me Not run away 😊

[@jh3118]

That blonde can't help but move her hands when she talks must be half Italian 😂

[@Jamietheroadrunner]

I had one of those cats that fell down and refused to get up when I put a leash on him, so I would put the leash on him at meal time. Almost immediately he got up to eat and sat down to clean himself after. Eventually he got used to it so I experimented with taking him outside with the leash and he was so excited he seemed to forget the leash completely. Occasionally he’ll still try to take it off but I let him lead so he feels he’s in charge and it’s working. I want him to enjoy the outdoors in a safe way (we live near a major highway in Boston.) Have patience and use bribery and eventually they’ll love it ❤ 🐈‍⬛ 🐾

[@chrysalis4126]

My cat used to follow me when I took the dog out for a walk but one day she was chased by a dog in the park so now she only follows us a very short distance then turns around and goes home.

[@achatwithalex474]

Think the issue is more our perception of domesticity between cats and dogs over hundreds of years. Wild dogs across the world are perfectly capable of being self-sufficient, however as pets they have evolved to become more dependent, therefore any arguments that cats shouldn't be walked like dogs is due to our biased experiences. As a cat owner, I have no problem at all with it. For me, I don’t walk our cats simply because I see it as their time. I would say if you do begin to walk them you might see a temporary change in their behaviour due to adjustment. Beyond that, I don’t see any problems with it

[@Daisy-Jay]

I recommend watching Jackson Galaxy videos.

[@roxanneslate8661]

I think it's ok if your cat likes it but not in places where there are loose dogs like the park. Keep your kitty safe.

[@wendywebster5351]

It is fine for some cats but you have no chance with others. None of mine would have it but a friend had a cat who demanded to go out for a walk round the block on his lead at 5 pm every night. The neighbours used to look out of their windows for him. There was absolutely no chance that his sister would do the same.

[@Vicki_lewis]

People take cats on leads 🤔 why is this a debates The cat is happy chilled Fed loved hmmm As she clearly said , it's not for all so what is the issue

[@melzymoomin888]

I have 2 teenage indoor cats and they have been indoors most of their life. I feel guilty they can’t wander about outside sometimes but they’re happy and although I like the idea I don’t think they’d take too well to being in a harness/on a lead. Maybe if I had trained them at an earlier age they wouldn’t be scared. My previous cats who went outdoors either went missing or were hit and killed by cars at much younger ages. A lot of drivers will hit your pet and just keep driving.

[@agemjourney5457]

100% fur babies are so much safer indoors and as long as cats have enough to do inside they'll be fine

[@misskiz786]

If you have a garden or a balcony you could consider cat proofing it and allowing them to explore safely, or many people are now building cat trees/shelving on their walls indoors so cats come jump up and run around (they love heights). I know the feeling, my kitten lived in a flat with us for the first two years of her life and no matter how much we played with her she was always full of energy. When we moved to a house (very quiet countryside area) she started going out and has calmed down so much. It's such a pleasure watching her climbing the trees and running around outside. She just loves finding a shady corner and taking a nap under our plants :)

[@CatherineComerford-n8b]

Theres nothing wrong with a cat on a lead if they like it and are not wanting it off them.Its excerise for a house cat who mightnt get too much exercise.

[@RobertaBriffa]

The other lady doesn't know what she's talking about. It depends on the cat. Why shouldn't a cat be walked on a lead? If they love it, they love it. And has anyone seen how she's not even looking at Katie's beautiful cat?! Not an acknowledgement.

[@fabihatahsin1506]

This cat looks like it takes you on walks loll

[@Littlefluffykittycat]

I told my family members that had dogs that I don’t think I could get a dog, because I don’t have time to take them out. Well, my cat begs me daily to take him out. He even tries to reach for the door handle himself! I took him out twice for 15 minutes on the harness today to walk around the yard. He loves going in the cat backpack as well. My moms dog on the other hand hides when the harness comes out, because he hates going outside! I think it’s about training and personality for any pet.

[@julietbryden7169]

I’d say if cats feel comfortable having a lead on them by their owners when they go outside for a walk that’s safety for the cat. Peace of mind for the owner and the cat. I realise it’s a choice cat owner. I knew a cat that went out for a walk with its family and the couple had two boxers. The cat want on a lead. So it a personal choice weather the cats on a lead or not. Also depends on the area. Weather it’s in the country or in the surbubal area. I apologise for the length of this message. 😊😊❤❤

[@itsaibreeze]

I have an indoor ragdoll cat and live in an apartment. I started harness training when she was 13 weeks old. She's can be timid outside and easily spooked but she absolutely loves it. You don't walk a cat though, they walk you, I let her go at her own pace and she has areas where she feels safe. It would be wrong to try and force it, but I think most would benefit from getting some outside time. The whole bringing in the outside indoors just isn't the same, the sounds of being outside, flies, insects etc just provide an experience you can't replicate indoors. My girl's favourite thing at the moment is chasing grasshoppers.

[@cr33pycrawley74]

I’ve had my cat since he was a few months old and walked him on a lead since, he adores it and in the winter depending how cold it is, he’ll go out with me in his bubble backpack with some blankets or walk on his lead with me. Every time he’s gone to the vets, they’ve loved the fact I take him out with a lead and bubble backpack instead of a cage as it’s better for them and safer overall instead of just letting them wonder, the rates of cats getting hit by cars and taken by other people is too high, and cages generally make cats stressed out, it’s a lot more harmful to them than a bubble backpack where they can see everything, move around and socialize. My cat loves going out on walks, especially longer walks around nature reserves, lakes and country parks as there’s so many trees to climb, things to smell and look at and obstacle courses with tree stumps, leaves, rocks and fences, it’s an amazing enrichment activity, especially if you don’t have the money for lots of toys at home as they’ll play in nature and be worn out and cuddle when you take them back home. I always follow the lead of my cat, he’ll go to where his lead is if he wants to walk, then when we’re out on the walk, he chooses where to go, I’ve taught him how to sit and some other commands such as wait and paw as well, so when we’re by a road he knows what to do when I say the word and will meow if he wants to be picked up and go on my shoulders or the top of the backpack. If you listen to what your cat is comfortable with, let them make decisions and only do things when they’re comfortable to, I don’t see any problem with talking them out on a lead, nor do a lot of vets, it’s one of the best things you can do for your cat if they’re okay with it. Only thing I would worry about is walking them through longer grass as ticks and snakes love to hide in long grass so it’s a risk, I always carry my cat whenever we get to a long grassy area and check his fur when we get home just in case too.

[@daniellemary1619]

I have 2 cats who both go for walks on a leash. I think my neighbours think Im crazy lol. The key is you have to start them on the leash when they're young so they're are confident when they are outside with you. My cats both meow at the door until I take them for their walk.

[@AdZS848]

I tried taking my kitten on a walk with a lead, thinking it would work since it was young and could be taught. As soon as it got outside, it went straight under a parked car.

[@maverickhistorian6488]

Sweet, fluffy little mew mew 😼😻❤

[@AngelChris-e7h]

for indoor cats YES because there so many crazy dangerous people outside on cats

[@camgoode9996]

Oh enit someone pulled my little ones tail a few weeks and as her toilet function never came back had to say goodbye Las tue

[@benconnolly4258]

We have a ragdoll so it's either lead or outside enclosure or shed be well gone

[@agemjourney5457]

100%

[@mynameisnotimportant2854]

What an adorable kitty

[@suzannemcguinness8030]

Then you can call it a "Cat walk"

[@user-oz7lq9ln6z]

Hi🙋🏻‍♀️my beautiful UK 🇬🇧🫶& everyone 🗺️🕊️🫶 When it comes to the Perilous Road Safety, Precious Cats, dogs are safer on the lead! My neighbourhood Priceless Cats would come along with me during my walks but the road was always unsafe. Although they would walk beside me when it came to crossing the road it was always unsafe!

[@lindasapiecha2515]

My cat loves going out on a lead So chilled 😊

[@ctgctg1]

Why would an SPCA recommend against walking on a lead. My cats all walk with one and it gives them exercise, and lets them be outside in a safe way. Walking a cat on a lead isn’t all that unique in Canada. I just don’t do it that much in the winter.

[@Jessica-uv9sp]

it's not a good idea, they're defenseless against dogs while on a lead. no where to run or hide. especially if it was a dog off its lead, it could get very nasty

[@EmmaVB82]

All true - that’s why you have a carrier to put them into if you see any hazards like dogs off leads coming up, why you don’t want to ever have them on an extended lead if there’s any kind of unpredictability like that in the place you’re in, and why you as the owner in charge of their safety in that situation have to be hyper-vigilant for those sorts of cases so that you can protect them from that danger before the dog ever gets near to your cat. Walking cats on leads definitely isn’t something you can do with only one eye occasionally glancing at your cat and otherwise mostly looking at your phone - it’s a full focus task! The park next to me has had an increase of dogs (including some dogs off the lead) over the past few years, which would make me more hesitant to take my cats for walks there, and it’s something I would only do if I was fully confident that I could keep my cats safe in the process.

[@GemUnicornn]

That's why you have a backpack or stroller, a safe space away from home is key when walking your cat

[@jhibberd6290]

Beautiful cat

[@Larry4life]

I have 2 Cats - 5 and 3yrs old. I can safely say they're sociable, and are hyper-aware of things

[@thethrowawaythatstayed7055]

The RSPCA lady doesn’t even seem to like the cat.

[@forgeustiss6667]

I really wanted to walk my cat 30 years ago. She hated it and didn’t pursue it. It’s not a trend.

[@mirisiky3718]

My cat was not stressed whatsoever when I used to take her for a walk on a lead! Trained her when she was a kitten 17yrs ago. I think taking a cat on lead given it is not stressful is far more a better choice than letting cats outside who are likely to get hurt/ cat fights/ catch disease. Also totally disagree cats are not social depends on the cat my boy cat loved to be around people not the girl cat. His adoption details said not good with kids but turned out wrong!

[@Sheba-jh6pf]

It’s not really about should or shouldn’t. However as any other animal, it needs to be exercised in order to be healthy and happy.

[@skyblaze6705]

It must be safer than letting them out without anyone overseeing them. Many get hit by cars, harmed by people and other things. I think it is irresponible to just let them out and don't care at all what happen to them.

[@Rea_Obsidian]

my cats love to be outside in the garden, woods and where there is no traffic. they get super scared off cars, wich is understandable, since cars are very new and they and their ancestors have not adapted to it yet, and other industrial things. and as they said in the video, all cats are different. some like to be at home 24/7, some just outside their house, some in their neighborhood and some cats like to explore the whole world, just like us humans.

[@Auldreekie967]

Both my cats come on a walk when I take the dog out. No leads. They love it.

[@mrsmerily]

My cat says really bad words to this. Never had to even leash train her... but it depends on the cat and where you go with them.

[@Tee-pr6fm]

I want to take my cat out but what if i dog attacks him, i would take a pet stroller (which I've purchased but haven't got to use) so he can hide if he needs to but I'm petrified of putting him in that situation... Any advice?

[@A-xo6hl]

Can I ask from experience what are the different situations you've had from an unknown dog when cats been on leash? Such as in a park, town, trail. (Dog and cats behaviour, dog owners) Any recommendations on how to react as a future cat owner. Also what to take for that potential situation and what precautions.

[@purpleflamereiki]

i think cats are supposed to be outside naturally so taking them out side is a great opportunity and i think that lady saying it caused anxiety needs to prove her point of view with research and keep her points of view to herself until proven

[@allinotte4263]

Cats were naturally born to be outside not in the house. My cat waits by the door for whenever I go out in the back yard so she can lay on the deck. That lady doesn’t even look like she likes cats.

[@Tiggysmum]

I agree with u on the lady not looking like she likes cats, her body language says it all. My cat is an indoor cat because I live very close to a 4 lane dual carriageway and he has FIV. But he seems content enough.

[@aurora6920]

Dogs were also born to be outside, pet birds and rabbits too. Some cats have contagious health issues or are a type of breed where they are not very good at defending themselves. Cats are killed all the time outside on the road and strangers can put them in danger. Pros and cons really, it depends on each situation.

[@allinotte4263]

@@aurora6920 I completely agree. Thankfully dogs get more time outside!

[@aurora6920]

​@@allinotte4263 cats don't need as much exercise as dogs and they sleep most of the day. You can cat proof you garden so they can go outside still, but still be far safer then out on the street.

[@GemUnicornn]

630 cats are killed per day in the uk by cars mine are indoor but go on walks just been on a 4 mile hike with them yes they both have a backpack

[@goforitbeyourself.suekirk2165]

No no no and not indoor cats either they are free spirits and need freedom !!!

[@GemUnicornn]

UK/Europe are the only culture that have majority free roam cats and it's from the Romans this is not true at all

[@maxineb9598]

​@@GemUnicornnI live in NZ and almost everyone I know who has cats have outside cats. My son has indoor cats because he lives on an extremely busy road. He has only been in his house a few months but intends building a catio for them at some stage.

[@Sharon-zi1xn]

Oh all the cats i have had including the ones growing up have lived to between 17-21 years of age, so not be any dangers outside, as i said it depends where you live, it is very important!! Get a dog if you want something to walk on a leash!!

[@joycemanning1254]

Why is the other lady not petting the cat! She is talking nonsense!

[@GemUnicornn]

Oh don’t be boring Sharon

[@Sharon-zi1xn]

@@GemUnicornn It's called common sense!! Clearly something you do not posses if you agree with this BS!!

[@GemUnicornn]

​@@Sharon-zi1xn 630 cats a day are killed by rta in the UK by car accidents that is fact and on the government website

[@GemUnicornn]

I walk my cat most days they are fine and at no risk of dying 😊

[@jj-if6it]

It's not really recent, I saw it 10 years ago in Europe and Canada etc

[@paulgreen1821]

Isn’t the whole point about owning a cat as opposed to a dog as a pet is they walk themselves?

[@agcwoodham]

Orion is absolutely gorgeous- positively majestic!

[@JamieJamie2o2]

They need to be taken for a walk to get exercise, otherwise they get overweight for just laying around and eating. Cats in Britain have already been recorded to be at a high for being overweight.

[@mrdelaney4440]

Its upto the cat, some like it some absolutley dont, mine goes limp once a harness goes on her so she just follows close to me.

[@Zanders459]

Cats have distinct personalities just like us. That’s all there is to it. I know loads of people that don’t like to be on leashes. Me on the other hand…

[@jj-if6it]

Weird that Elle didn't pat him once

[@CCMillz]

Cat dgas on thumbnail 🤣

[@quackcement]

looks like norwegian forest cat, curved ears

[@Littlepocketrocket81]

He is

[@quackcement]

Still could be mixed, as she said brought as 2 weeks old rescue cat, normally kittens sell for hundreds. have a Norwegian forest cat myself​@@Littlepocketrocket81

[@Angie.GiGi.Ari.86]

I think it's mean to put a leash on a cat and most cats don't like it. It takes them out of their natural way of being, they are not followers in that way. Yes some cats love it, But the ones that don't please just leave them alone. But either way I just feel it's selfish to try to and turn a cat into a dog period.

[@PainElemental]

indoor cat owners are cruel. cats like going out. bringing plants and cat trees in is not OK. my cats went out with their cat flap and lived to their 20s.

[@tescoprimark1299]

Some cats are okay, but not all. Cats tend to have a bossy attitude!

[@doodemog]

Err no

[@SamRaph-p7w]

It depends on the cat. Two rescues they travel around Europe on leads and love it. Id they didn't like it they wouldn't do it. Cats don't do anything they don't want to. The second bet is a bit ridiculous

[@SamRaph-p7w]

Vet

[@MilkyHorrn]

Yes. Cats need exercise and enjoy the outdoors. Indoor only owners are cruel.

[@DeleteExistence]

Good luck with my Soot, he will get out of the harness and escape.

[@ArranVid]

Cute cats

[@Gkghsfarwkfvogoejsgwyq]

thats what human described cat as. Naturally all the street cats and wild life cats walks around everywhere. They shouldnt be kept in small room.

[@DTRIPLESOWKOW]

It’s always best to take cats outdoors rather than bring the outdoors inside. That chick is giving bad information.

[@catherinebrennan8133]

I have two cats they go out them selves but when i come back from shop they be waiting or walking along the wall side of house they walks up beside me they love the little walk. I think if you have big cats like maincoon they would be abke for the walks, think the super vets brings his cats out as they are maincoon ,but maybe not all cats like the long walj😂😂

[@ArranVid]

No, they don't need leads.

[@jj-if6it]

The hosts accent...

[@ridiculouslyoverpoweredsup4421]

Cats are not play things and are only semi domesticated. They do not need a human to walk them and if you're worried about the nature they hunt thrn don't get a cat at all. The only reason why you'd lock a cat up 24/7, or insist on taking it on walks is because you're selfish. And the only reason why you justify it is because you don't want to admit you're abusive.

[@rubycandy92]

No if my 3 romanian rescue dogs saw them they eat them

[@Angie.GiGi.Ari.86]

It is truly heartbreaking to see a cat on a leash, it is ruining the natural beauty of these cats. I don't care if some like it as many say. It looks really sad and unnatural. Cats are not followers and shouldn't be on a leash.

[@catharnessaustralia8738]

We believe that with the right approach, walking a cat on a lead can be a wonderful experience for both the cat and the owner. Our Catventure harnesses are designed to be comfortable and escape-proof, helping reduce stress and anxiety. While we respect the RSPCA's concerns, we advocate for gradual and supervised introduction to harness training, ensuring cats feel safe and in control. Every cat is unique, and their comfort is our top priority. Happy, safe adventures start with the right gear and approach! 🌿🐾

[@gibbousmoonasmr]

Or just, point blank, MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS. That's what I'd say

[@laadeedah]

Not really sure why people in flats have cats, seems cruel in most cases

[@GemUnicornn]

Oh be quiet in other cultures cats on leads is super common

[@agemjourney5457]

no evidence for that at all

[@maxineb9598]

Cats don't need a ton of room to move around in. These days there are lots of different toys, climbing trees and things to stimulate indoor cats

[@caribbeansunshine992]

Cats actually love small spaces it's a natural instinct.

[@MrRosebeing]

In the UK where there are very few natural predators for cats, then I think it's unnecessary, but it's up to actual cat owners to decide. Yet another fad from America that has taken hold over here. Cats are not dogs. You may be able to make a cat do what you want, but you should really ask yourself "Is my cat really happy being restrained?".

[@EmmaVB82]

Very few natural predators for cats? How about cars? Or some dogs off their leads and/or not well controlled by their owners, or city (or otherwise) foxes? All of those are definite hazards for cats, never mind some of the terrible things people do intentionally do to them (leaving aside what they can do behind the wheel of a car, where they’re sometimes seemingly not even aware of clipping a cat and causing it terrible injuries, and at least hopefully aren’t doing it intentionally)! I live in a flat where there’s no access for my cats to come and go from home to outside, so it’s a bit different compared to living somewhere with a cat flap into a garden, etc, because it’s either no going outside, or going outside on harnesses and leads for walks with me. And I actually haven’t done it yet, due to logistical issues and my fears mostly, but I think if it’s something your cat takes to when it’s gradually introduced, if they don’t otherwise have a way to get outside, then it’s a great thing. But you’re totally right about your last point - if your cat isn’t happy then don’t keep doing it! The whole concept of taking your cat for walks isn’t because its a cool social media trend or whatever, or fun for the owner as a novelty, but specifically to enrich your cat’s life and give them a different kind of enjoyment in their life they didn’t previously have access to. It’s not a simple good/bad thing, like this piece seems to try and present it - it’s more complicated than that 😊

[@MilkyHorrn]

Woman on the left isn’t too bright.

[@krazykefir]

Americans

[@alexhaynes7220]

No they should not at all

[@Tayothecomp]

The reason why I don’t take my cat out for a walk because people break glass and it’s outside and it’s dangerous for my cat so that’s why cats are allowed to go for a walk is just people that don’t clean up after themselves

[@GemUnicornn]

Get a backpack and you can walk to a nice isolated forest before letting her explore