Scholars in the United States once conducted an experiment and found that cats playing outdoors are happier than cats indoors and can freely carry out instinctive behaviors. For example, claw grinding can also effectively reduce the wear and tear of furniture.

And because the outside world is bigger, they will smell and feel more things, which will greatly stimulate their curiosity and reduce the chance of obesity while walking around and exploring!

But this does not mean that it is recommended that everyone choose to walk their cats outdoors. Every cat has different personality preferences. If your cat was once a stray cat, then it may like to go out more; if you have a A cat that has been injured or has never left the house may be very sensitive and fearful of the outside world.

Therefore, we need to be fully prepared before taking cats out. There is only one chance! If we can’t succeed, it will be difficult to take them out again later... It will be difficult to reach the sky!

Outdoor Cat Development Program

In order to prevent the cat from being frightened and running away when it encounters danger, we can use appropriate restraints to ensure its safety.

1. Selection of safety harness

Unlike dogs, cats are not suitable for using collars as safety belts, and cats can easily break free from them. It is best to choose an H-shaped, lightweight safety harness, which will not make the cat feel foreign and uncomfortable; the material should also be made of cotton or nylon.

The size should not be too tight and should ensure comfort. There is about two fingers that can slide between the carrier and the cat. This is the most suitable size.

2. Selection of traction rope

The length of the rope is about 1-2 meters. It is best to choose a retractable traction rope, but during the initial outdoor walk, it is best to maintain a fixed range for a period of time.

3. The process of adapting to the traction rope

· Adapt to the strap

Wear a carrier when the cat is playing, eating or just waking up (sleepy). At this time, the cat is in the most comfortable state and is less likely to struggle. Don’t rush to buckle it after putting it on, and let the cat First get used to the feeling of having the strap on your body.

During the process, you can feed it some food rewards to calm its mood, make it happy, and connect the food and the carrier. This process requires repeated operations, and it is best to put the harness on it every day until it is fully adapted.

Then, you can try to button one of the buttons for 30 seconds.Feed some food at the same time, and if it doesn't get dissatisfied, maybe you can extend this time a little longer.

·Tighten the straps

This step can be regarded as an advanced version of adapting to the strap. Tighten the strap appropriately every day, then return it to the original position, tighten it a little more, and repeat the operation. Usually this step needs to last for 1 month.

After the cat has no major reaction to the tightened carrier, you can let it walk around the house in the carrier.

· Adapt to the leash

When the cat has completely adapted to the existence of the carrier and can walk freely wearing it. The leash should be in place at this time. Buckle the leash and let the cat walk with the leash. However, cats are quite sensitive. It is best to take off the traction rope after an interval of about 3 minutes each time, take a rest, and then continue training. It will take about a week to adapt.

· Indoor cat walking practice

Start walking on a leash in a small area in a familiar indoor area for your cat. The territory filled with your own scent can increase its acceptance level.

4. Assess the outdoor environment

If your cat can still walk around and play happily while wearing a leash, it means that it has completely adapted to this method. At this time, you may be able to try walking your cat outdoors for the first time.

But before going out, we also need to observe some outdoor environmental conditions. After all, safety comes first.

· Are there any aggressive animals nearby;

· Are there any noisy car horns, construction, etc.?

· Whether the grass has just been dewormed and whether there are any pesticide residues;

In addition, the best area for outdoor activities for the first time should be a relatively safe place near home (downstairs). If the cat appears to be scared or irritable, the adventure must be canceled immediately, otherwise it will only increase its rejection.

Precautions for walking cats outdoors

· Make sure your cat is fully vaccinated;

· Achieve regular internal and external deworming;

· Have identifiable marks on your body, such as a nameplate;

· Cats have been neutered to prevent them from escaping due to heat;

· Try not to be around people/Taking it out when there is the most traffic will only scare it;

· It is best to go home before dark, otherwise you may be irritated by the headlights;

· Try not to run into the haystack, avoid contact with pesticides or other dangerous items, and accidentally eat poisonous plants;

· Do not go to places such as fountains or ponds to prevent cats from accidentally falling in;

Of course, we cannot ignore the possibility that the cat accepts the leash but cannot tolerate walking outdoors, but there is no need to force it. In fact, 70% of cats have never left the house and can live healthy and happy lives with their owners.

We can enrich indoor activities and increase the fun of cats’ lives.

· Place some climbing frames for cats in several areas of your home so they can climb and play;

· Place some scratching boards on the legs of stools and sofas where cats like to stay, so that they can release their natural instincts (grind their claws) at any time;

· Add several resting areas near the windows to satisfy cats’ curiosity about the outside world;

· Buy some cat toys, whack-a-mole and other toys so they can play;