You know how they say it’s good to get a dog because then you’d get in shape going for walks together, and even improve your social life? Well, you can get all this with a cat too which is great news for cat lovers!

We don’t usually consider cats for walks because they have strong personalities of their own and they don’t enjoy being led on a leash much like dogs do however with a little bit of training, you could manage to turn your cat into a walk lover.

This is the perfect way to let your feline get in touch with its inner tiger, do what cats do like hunt, climb trees, smell and chase things, get the exercise they need and experience the outdoors (even if it’s the backyard!) to the fullest which honestly isn’t possible indoors or even in a catio or another type of cat enclosure.

Furthermore, it’s also a much better (read: safer) option to let your cat have fun outdoors than simply letting it explore on its own without a harness and leash because they can get lost, get in cat fights or even with dogs, being exposed to all sorts of risks, from viruses and diseases to poison and traffic.

If your cat is new to this whole experience, it’s best to start with baby steps; in case a harness and leash is too much to ask for, and you notice your cat is showing anxiety even at the sight of them, then let it first get used to wearing a cat collar Australia shops provide that are recommended by vets, i.e. they’re made from premium quality materials, such as nylon, and are easily adjustable.

Collars happen to be useful for placing ID tags too, and they have a rather stylish role as they are available in a wide range of colours, designs and patterns, just what you need for your stylish kitty.

However, placing a leash on the collar isn’t advisable because cats can pull aside, slip out of the collar or worse, end up being injured, so if you want to take it on walks with you without harming it, it’s best to move from a collar to a harness gradually.

Once you’ve picked out your cat harness from a harness and cat collar Australia store, yes you read it well, cat and not dog harness, then it’s best to just let your cat see there’s nothing to be afraid of, so let it sniff, touch and be around it to get comfortable. Likewise, snap it together and then undo it to get kitty used to the sounds as well.

Other than the harness, you’re going to have to pack up on the favourite treats and catnip to do the training trick. If your kitty is nervous around the harness, then it’s going to take time to relax before it’s ready to wear one so a good strategy would be placing it near the food bowl or putting some catnip over it.

Whenever you see an improvement in your cat’s behaviour for the better, don’t refrain from praising it, offering enough treats – this would stimulate more such behaviour and a faster success with the training altogether. Also, don’t forget to take them on walks indoors or in the backyard first before moving to the noisy streets.

Still, you have to remember you’re training a cat, and it may not be working out as fast as you expect but don’t give up just yet, give both of you the time necessary for the training, be it weeks, months or even a year. Patience is a must, especially when you realise how handy this kind of walking would be when you’re going on trips to the vet or even travelling.

Besides, it’s just as handy with letting you two bond, more so when walks in the morning would become your favourite thing first thing every day. Don’t be surprised if your cat starts showing off a particular excitement all of a sudden!

As soon as they’ve gotten used to wearing their harness from a specialised cat collar Australia shop, cats are ready for their walks. As mentioned, it can easily turn into the activity you both love to share, and as a result improve your health and quality of life in general.

You’d both end up being more energetic, you’d sleep better, maintain your fitness and even end up meeting new friends, or who knows, the love of your life! If you’ve ever dreamed of discovering more of the world with your favourite feline, after walk training is over just pack up and go.

In case your cat doesn’t turn out to be amazed by the harness, to the point of struggling to take it off, don’t worry, there’s another way to make the most of the experience – with the help of strollers!