RSPCA: Taking cats for a walk could cause distress
It is a practice that is becoming increasingly popular among pet owners, even if it does leave some observers a bit baffled.
But taking your cat on a lead could be causing the animal distress, the RSPCA has warned.
The practice has been lauded by proponents as 'enriching' for felines, especially those usually confined to the house, as it gives them a chance to get outside and explore.
Taking your cat on a lead could be causing the animal distress, the RSPCA has warned
It is claimed that this daily exercise could be good for a cat's mental and physical health.
'It’s also a great way for your kitty to get exercise, and it can alleviate boredom-related behavior problems,' says Laura Moss, founder of Adventure Cats. 'Plus, it can be a lot of fun for both of you.'
But the RSPCA claims walking felines on a lead or harness takes away their 'sense of control' which could cause them to become agitated.
A spokesperson for the charity said cats are reluctant to be taken into unfamiliar surroundings.
She said: 'It may be more difficult for them to be able to move away or hide from anything which might scare or worry them. Therefore the RSPCA wouldn't recommend that cats are walked outside in this way.
'We would generally suggest that for most cats taking steps to provide an indoor environment which has plenty of opportunities to be active and mentally stimulated is likely to be more beneficial for the cat's welfare than walking them on a lead.'
The practice has been lauded by proponents as 'enriching' for felines
The RSPCA claims walking felines on a lead or harness takes away their 'sense of control' which could cause them to become agitated
Walking cats has been a hot topic for many Britons who have taken to social media to express their confusion upon witnessing the practice.
One Twitter user wrote: 'So my neighbour is actually walking a cat on the lead. I'm already done with today!'
Another said: 'Saw a grown man walking a cat on a lead just now, considering calling crimestoppers. Not sure why, but he's bound to have done something.'
While one person tweeted: 'My neighbour stands outside my front window walking her cat on a lead. She looked at me like I was the weirdo in the situation for watching.'