Is taking your cat for a walk good for them or just good for TikTok?

The Rise of Cat Walking Trends

A cat named Roo is now equipped with a harness and ready for an outing, though she’s far from the only feline embracing this trend. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have sparked a surge in cat adventure videos, showcasing pets on paddleboards, scaling mountains, or strolling along beaches. This phenomenon has gained traction, particularly among city dwellers who live in flats, where outdoor time can be limited. For these owners, supervised walks offer a way to let cats explore without the risks of free-roaming life.

Training the Feline Explorer

Alana Kestle, a 22-year-old veterinary student in Surrey, adopted Roo with the intention of keeping her indoors. But after seeing videos of cats walking on leads, she and her partner decided to try it. The process involved gradual exposure—testing harnesses at home before introducing a backpack for outdoor use. “It took her months to realize, ‘this is safe,’” Alana shared. Now, Roo enjoys “zoomies” outside, with a tail held high and playful energy.

Expert Perspectives on the Practice

Cat specialist Emily Blackwell acknowledges the appeal of walking cats but cautions that success depends on the individual animal. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach,” she said. Meanwhile, the UK Cat Walkers Facebook group has over 4,500 members, reflecting the growing community around this activity. Some vets support it, while others worry about overexertion or improper training.

What Makes a Successful Walk?

Training cats for walks requires patience and understanding their body language, according to Alana. “You have to read their cues and know when they’ve had enough,” she emphasized. Lucy Francom, a cat owner in Llandudno, uses a clicker to reinforce positive behaviors, rewarding her cats with treats when they follow her lead. However, she notes that not all cats are suited for the activity—like her older felines, who might struggle with the physical demands.

Social Media’s Role in the Trend

Lucy added that younger generations are drawn to cat walking for its social appeal, seeing it as a way to bond with their pets. Candice Stapleton, a dog trainer with a Welsh background, agreed that the practice has become popular due to its visibility online. Yet she warned against doing it for likes alone, saying, “people might push their cats too far.” For her, walking is more than a pastime—it’s a way to create a safe space for her cats to explore.

Real Stories Behind the Trend

Abby Mayers and her wife, Melody, in Cheshire, walk their cats in scenic areas like Erddig and Llangollen. While their new kitten, Robin, is undergoing harness training, Ginny remains a homebody. “It’s about finding the right balance,” Abby said, highlighting the personal considerations involved in each cat’s journey. Whether for safety, enrichment, or fun, the practice continues to evolve, driven by both necessity and creativity.