Unleash the Adventure: 5 ways to Safely Train Your Cat to Walk Outside

As a pet photographer, one of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of my job is capturing the beauty and personality of cats. However, many cats are indoor pets and may not be accustomed to walking outside on a leash. In this blog post, I'll share some tips and tricks for training your cat to walk outside and enjoy the great outdoors.

It won’t come as a shock- cats are independent creatures and may not be as willing to follow commands as dogs. You’ll need a oodles of patience;remember to work with your cat at their own pace.

First step - let them used to wearing a collar and leash. Start by leaving the collar on your cat for short periods of time and gradually increasing the amount of time they wear it. Once your cat is comfortable with the collar and leash, you can start taking them for short walks inside your home or in a securely enclosed area such as a patio or balcony.

Next, it's time to take your cat outside. Start with short walks in a quiet, safe area, such as a park or residential neighborhood. Make sure to bring treats and a clicker to reward your cat for good behavior. It's also important to let your cat lead the way, rather than trying to force them to walk in a certain direction. Consider our Minnesota weather too. January might be too cold for walks along the lake; similarly August might be too warm for a stroll around our Minneapolis area.

As your cat becomes more comfortable with walking outside, you can gradually increase the length and difficulty of your walks. Be sure to take your cat to different locations and environments so they can experience new sights, sounds, and smells. I recommend places with woods and tall grass to appeal to your cat’s natural instincts. Old Cedar Bridge is a great park for this, and so is Lebanon HIlls.

For an extra dose of fun bring toys or interactive cat wands to keep your cat entertained, engaged, and bring out their natural hunting instincts. Might also make a great photo opp……

Training your cat to walk outside may take some time and patience, but the rewards are well worth it. Not only will your cat get to experience the great outdoors, but you'll also get to bond with your furry friend and create lasting memories.

Happy Trails!