Why Cats Should Not Be Walked Even with a Comfortable Harness 0 54

The charity organization Cats Protection and the British RSPCA advise against fashionable harnesses. According to experts, cats are territorial animals that need to choose how to explore their environment themselves.

Unlike dogs, cats handle control and forced walks poorly, which can cause them feelings of fear and helplessness.

Why Cat Harnesses Cause Stress

A new study by Cats Protection showed that today almost one in six owners (15%) uses a harness to walk their cat. Just a year ago, this figure was 10%.

Meanwhile, on social media, owners share videos: some cats resist and hiss, while others fall to the ground and try to break free. Despite individual stories where an animal supposedly "got used" to the leash, specialists warn that this is more of an exception.

According to experts, a harness limits a cat's ability to escape, blocks the natural "fight or flight" instinct, and thereby increases stress. The feeling of being "trapped" can make the animal's behavior unpredictable, and the risk of injury higher.

Veterinarians and animal rights advocates recommend using a harness only in extreme cases, such as during transportation. But even then, a carrier is preferable to a trendy "cat backpack," which also causes anxiety in pets.

"Cats need the ability to choose how and where to go. Organized walks deprive them of this freedom," notes Cats Protection.

Experts remind us that stressful situations for animals often go unnoticed by their owners but can affect their health. Increased anxiety, behavioral problems, and even a weakened immune system are often linked to disruptions in a cat's natural habits.

Thus, a popular trend supported by social media and celebrities can turn into a problem. For cats, a safe environment at home or free exploration of their territory under supervision is better than leash walks for the sake of a fashionable shot.