- Cats Walked on Leashes: Posing a Threat or Protecting Animal Well-being?
Social media trends tend to extend beyond humans, affecting our furry friends too. Currently, a popular trend is walking cats on leashes through city streets, carrying them in backpacks for extended outings, or even taking them to foreign countries. While some experts view this positively as enrichment for understimulated indoor cats, others criticize it, as cats may not always enjoy this activity.
Cat behavior therapist Angelika Firnkes from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München suggests that cats enjoy regular access to a secure, natural area near their home, with a harness and leash, to explore their surroundings. However, traveling to new locations, busy parks, long hikes, or long-distance transportation is not beneficial for cats.
Cats are ambush predators and have preferred hunting or retreat areas, explains Firnkes. Even a tour in an enclosed courtyard may not be enjoyable for every cat, as factors such as age, character, health, and the owner's empathy and training ability come into play.
Just like trendy practices such as dyeing dogs (Doggy Dyeing), petting owls in Japanese cafes (Owl Cafe), or keeping mini pigs as pets (Teacup Pigs), walking house cats is a trend that deserves critical attention. Famous social media cat influencers like "louieandtodd" and "nala_the_bengali" contribute to this trend's popularity on platforms like Instagram.
Petfluencer meetups in the park
One popular cat influencer, Nala the Bengal mix with 60,000 followers, is often seen outdoors in her videos and has also joined social outings like SUP trips or airport training. British Shorthair cats Louie and Todd from Chicago have traveled far and wide, promoting cat gear to their over 170,000 followers, often dressed up in knitted hats, colorful ribbons, or sweaters.
Central Park in New York is home to numerous petfluencer cats, posing for group photos with other influencers, shopping at malls, and receiving whipped cream at Starbucks. They often wear seasonal accessories like bunny ears or Christmas costumes, attracting the attention of passersby.
Making contact with strangers
Todd the cat has already embarked on a European tour, with videos showcasing his seemingly calm acceptance of petting and hugs from numerous fans and supposed cat lovers. "So cute," many comments read. Petfluencers are always depicted relaxed, skillfully avoiding any encounters with dogs that could potentially lead to issues.
Red flags on social media display numerous instances where cats seem distressed or scared during leash walks, alarmed by hashtags such as #CatOnALeash or #LeashTrainingCats.
A stress-free cat life?
Prince Louie and Todd appear calm in the showcased images and videos, but experts caution that they may not be enjoying the overcrowded cuddling sessions and backpack trips through crowded streets and stores. As territorial animals, cats are usually stressed by transportation and location changes, according to Moira Gerlach of the Veterinary Association for Animal Protection (TVT).
Gerlach advises against attempting leash walks with cats unless proper preparation and patient training have been undertaken. Even while influencers often claim that a cat can be walked on a leash like a dog, cats and dogs move differently.
Cats prefer to explore their territory from hiding spots, observing their surroundings at their own pace. They may suddenly run or climb to investigate something interesting. If the owner wants to take their cat on a leash walk, they should allow the cat to lead the exploration and not force them to cover a predetermined distance.
Danger zones
Injury risks, such as interactions with loose dogs, should also be considered, adds Firnkes. If a cat becomes panicked and flees, the leash could get tangled in bushes or up in trees, posing a danger to the cat.
Experts warn against frequent leash walks, as the cat may demand them constantly and become frustrated if the walks are irregular or discontinued. Frustrated cats may exhibit behavioral issues such as litter box problems or destructive behavior towards furniture and doors.
Taking cats in backpacks on hikes is discouraged, says Firnkes. There is no reasonable justification for putting a cat in a backpack for long hikes, emphasizes Gerlach. Only the owner's needs are being satisfied in such cases.
Animal cruelty: cat backpacks
Long hikes can result in insufficient air exchange or heat buildup, and strapping the cat in the backpack can be dangerous, as the animal may get injured or strangled. Transport in a cat backpack is not considered appropriate accommodation, as pain, suffering, or harm cannot be ruled out, concludes Gerlach. This is why cat backpacks are considered incompatible with animal welfare by the Veterinary Association for Animal Welfare.
In conclusion, allowing cats to roam freely outside without a leash is best for them, according to Firnkes. If this is not possible due to safety reasons, a secure, cat-proof, and naturally landscaped garden should be considered the next best option.
The European Union could potentially express concerns about the treatment of cats in trendy activities, given its commitment to animal welfare and protection regulations. Even though some pet owners argue that leash walking or backpack carrying enriches indoor cats, it's crucial to consider the cat's specific needs and preferences, as emphasized by cat behavior therapists and experts.
