How To Safely Walk Your Cat

Veterinarians and pet advocates generally agree that your cat should live his or her life indoors. Indoor cats live approximately 7 years longer than cats that live outside. There are many dangers that your cat will face by being outside including:

1. Death or injury from a passing vehicle

2. Accidental poisoning by plants or chemicals on the ground

3. Injury from hunting wildlife

4. Illness from killing wildlife

On the contrary, there are many people who feel that cats need to explore the outdoors. Cats are, by nature, intensely curious animals and it is cruel to trap them indoors. However, the potential harm that can come to your cat outweighs the benefits he may enjoy exploring the outdoors.

It is possible to teach your cat how to walk on a leash, and then he will be roaming outside safely. There are also a host of outdoor enclosures in which your cat can traverse. Another option is to walk your cat in a pet stroller.

A pet stroller may seem, to some, to be an extravagant accessory. Most stroller owners report that taking their cat outdoors improves his quality of life. There are pet strollers that ride close to the ground and others where your cat can perch up high. Pet strollers have mesh windows on all four sides of the cabin so your cat will have an unobstructed view of the outdoors. Some have privacy compartments, so if you cat prefers, he can take a break from the action. Pet strollers have at least one tether inside the cabin so you can attach a leash to your cat's collar and leave the mesh windows open. The cabins are roomy enough so you could take more than one pet for a walk. Pet strollers are generally lightweight and collapsible, making them easy to fold-up and place in your car or store in your home when not in use. Taking your cat for a walk also gives you the benefit of a little exercise.

Getting your cat acquainted with the stroller is usually a quick and easy process. Open up the stroller in a room of your house where your cat spends his time and let him investigate it. Consider placing some toys or catnip in the cabin of the stroller to attract him inside. Chances are good that your cat will quickly get comfortable and the next step is a ride around town or at the park.

Cecelia Brown is a licensed mental health professional with an expertise in stress management. She strongly believes that pet ownership leads to having less daily stress. Please visit her website: www.PerfectPetStroller.com to find out more about Pet Strollers, Pet Bike Trailers and Wheeled Pet Carriers.