Parade Pets and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.
If you thought getting a cat meant saying goodbye to daily walks, you might want to think again.
One cat mom learned this the hard way after adopting a curious kitty who quickly decided the outdoors was very much part of his routine. The video, shared on Reddit r/cats, shows the cat confidently trotting down the street on a leash. Since it’s nighttime, the kitty is wearing a glowing collar for safety, which also makes the whole scene even cuter.
🐶SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾
Ironically, the cat mom originally got a cat rather than a dog to avoid this kind of commitment. As the post title puts it: “Got a cat to avoid the daily walks…and yet here we are.”
It Started With the Front Yard
According to the cat mom’s comments, the kitty had a habit of bolting for the front door, so she introduced a harness and leash as a way to safely let him explore the yard without risking him running off.
It seemed like the perfect compromise—fresh air for the cat, peace of mind for the human. But this agreement didn’t last long.
Before she knew it, the cat was demanding to explore more, and those short, supervised backyard outings turned into full-on neighborhood walks. And judging by the video, the cat is more than happy to keep the routine going.
Related: Ragdoll Cats Go on Dreamy Hike and the Views Are Wild
Viewers Had Thoughts
People in the comments were equal parts amused and impressed.
One person wrote that they “love the glow collar lol,” clearly appreciating the cat’s nighttime visibility.
Others had more practical questions, especially about walking cats in areas with lots of dogs. The cat mom reassured viewers that most dog parents keep their distance. And in the few instances where a dog has gotten too close, her cat has confidently swatted them away.
Another person joked, “lol as long as he doesn’t like to walk in the rain that’s a win,” to which the cat mom replied, “Unfortunately he will ask to go out in all weather 😔 but the walks will be shorter the heavier the rain haha.”
Do Cats Like Going on Leash Walks?
Leash walks can be a great way to provide cats with enrichment, exercise and safe outdoor time. But walking a cat is very different than walking a dog.
The key is starting slow. Most cats need time to get used to wearing a harness indoors before ever stepping outside. Once they’re comfortable, short, low-stress outings can help build their confidence.
It’s also important to let your cat take the lead—literally. Unlike dogs, cats don’t want to be guided by you (typical cat behavior). They prefer to lead the way, exploring at their own pace.
Of course, not every cat will enjoy it. Personality plays a big role—more confident, curious cats tend to adapt best, while more timid cats may find it overwhelming. Always pay attention to your cat’s body language to gauge how they’re feeling, and take proper safety precautions to keep outings as stress-free and secure as possible.
Related: Siberian Cat’s ‘Tree Time’ Proves These Cats Were Meant for the Forest
This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Mar 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.