Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cats

Does your cat need a stroller? 3 times when it’s actually kind of necessary

Mary Johnson
By

Cat parents agree on most points. We think cats are ridiculously cute (and science agrees), we know that wearing all black when you have a cat is a futile attempt at looking chic, and we’re experts when it comes to choosing the perfect cat toys. But one aspect of cat ownership remains a topic of intense debate: should you let your cat go outside at all? Most veterinarians agree that keeping your cat indoors is the best option, but some people believe cats are unhappy unless they spend time in the great outdoors. 

Fortunately, there’s an easy solution. Taking your cat outside on a leash allows her to explore without endangering her. But does your fur baby need a cat stroller? Evidence suggests the answer is “yes.” We’re here to explain why. 

A ginger Maine Coon cat wears a jacket in a stroller.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Why should you invest in a cat stroller?

Should you walk your cat on a leash and harness, or should you use a stroller? A leash and harness may be less expensive, but we can think of three strong arguments in favor of a cat stroller. 

Recommended Videos

Age

Just like us, cats are subject to age-related health conditions like arthritis. If your older kitty can’t be as active as she used to, you can still allow her to get plenty of mental stimulation by taking her for walks in a stroller. Strollers are also a fantastic way to transport cats to and from the veterinarian, making regular checkups less stressful for you and your cat.

Allergies

While walking your cat on a leash will go a long way in keeping her safe, there’s still a chance she could meander off the sidewalk into an allergen. Certain types of grass, pollen, and fungi can trigger an allergic reaction in your fur baby, but she won’t be able to make herself sick if she’s safely ensconced in a stroller. Additionally, an estimated 10% of Americans suffer from pet allergies, with cats being the worst contributor. You’ll be able to keep fellow walkers safe from direct contact with your kitty while she’s in her stroller. 

Safety

Allowing your cat outdoors unsupervised is risky. Not only is there a chance that Miss Kitty will wander off, putting her at risk of being hit by a car or harmed by despicable people, but there are other dangers you should be aware of before you let your cat outside. Predators such as dogs, coyotes, and birds of prey could seriously harm or kill your cat. If she gets into a tussle with another feisty feline, her wounds could become infected. Or she could contract a contagious disease such as rabies or feline leukemia. However, taking your cat outside in a kitty stroller allows her to get some fresh air and experience the wonders of nature safely. 

A woman gently loads a tabby cat into a stroller.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How to choose the perfect stroller

Cat strollers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you’re bound to find the perfect fit for your fur baby. If you plan on taking more than one cat for a walk, opt for a stroller built for two. Does your kitty try to jump out of her stroller on walks? Invest in a stroller than keeps her enclosed. (You’ll want to keep an eye on the mesh, though. Determined kitties may be able to claw their way out if they’re unhappy.) 

Helping your cat adjust to the stroller

Some cats take to going for rides in a stroller like ducks to water, while other cats panic and attempt to flee. Here are a few things you can do to help your cat get used to her stroller before ever setting foot outdoors. 

  • Allow her to explore. Rather than placing your cat in her stroller and immediately going for a walk, allow for an adjustment period. Leave the stroller sitting in an area where your cat spends a lot of time. Allow her to sniff at it and climb inside at her own pace.
  • Reward her curiosity. Once your cat gets used to the presence of a stroller in her space, try leaving some of her favorite treats near the wheels and inside the stroller. You can also try placing some of her toys or a blanket inside. The stroller will smell more like your kitty, and she’ll be more likely to feel comfortable there.
  • Start off small. When your cat jumps in the stroller to enjoy a treat, try pushing her around the room for a few seconds. It’s possible she’ll jump out the first few times, but patience and perseverance will pay off in the end. 
An orange tabby cat sits in a blue stroller on the beach.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Whether your kitty has a difficult time getting around, or you simply want to keep her safe outside, you can’t go wrong with a cat stroller. Your kitty will probably need time to adjust to her new ride, but you can help her get used to it with treats, toys, and attention. In no time at all, you’ll be able to chauffeur Miss Kitty around the block in safety and style. 

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Mary Johnson
Mary Johnson
Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
Why does my cat meow at night? The answer may shock you
Most reasons for this behavior aren't cause for concern
A white Domestic Shorthair cat meows

Every cat has their own special behaviors and personality traits that make them 100% unique, but pet owners know that not every one of those special traits is fun to deal with. Just think about it -- odd cat sleeping positions or obsessions with catnip are one thing, but it's not exactly a joy to come home to a cat that's marked their territory around the whole apartment.
Meowing is another behavior that can drive even the most loving cat owner mad, especially when it happens over and over again. The only way repetitive meowing can get worse is when it happens in the middle of the night, but sure enough, plenty of feline owners find themselves asking, "Why does my cat meow at night?" Whether it's out of burning curiosity or out of desperation for uninterrupted sleep, finding this answer can feel life changing.

Why does my cat meow at night?
If your kitty frequently wakes you up with midnight yowling, it's perfectly normal to wonder what's up. Even though cats are naturally most active at night, being woken up by meows can become problematic for both you and your cat. But what does it mean?
Your cat is hunting
Cats are crepuscular, meaning that they're most active at dawn and dusk. It's just their nature to be up and at 'em when you may be snoozing, but most domestic cats also start to tune in to their family's routines as they mature. So if your nocturnal meower is younger or new to your home, it may only be a matter of time before they get the hint that nighttime is for sleeping.
Additionally, nighttime is when wild cats tend to hunt. Your kitty's strong instincts may help them tune into signs of prey while you're catching your z's, so there's a strong possibility your cat's sounds are just signs of their hunting activity.

Read more
Why do cats lick each other? It’s not always a bathing ritual
When your cat's licking becomes a problem
Cat licks his paw on the bed

One thing every pet owner encounters is dogs or cats that licks themselves. It's estimated that kitties, in particular, might spend up to 50% of their day cleaning themselves. Imagine if you took a shower for 12 hours per day. Still, part of the reason animals groom excessively is that they only focus on one area at a time and also they find the process soothing and relaxing. It's more like going to the spa for them than simply going through your morning routine.

When you have more than one cat, they might take turns grooming each other. Of course, bathing could well be part of this, but there are other reasons your cats like to lick each other. Why do cats lick each other? We'll walk through the various reasons.

Read more
Cats sleep with their eyes open — it’s creepy, but here’s why they do it
Cats do all sorts of weird things, including sleeping with their eyes open. Here is why.
A one-eyed cat sleeps with the other open

Cats do weird things sometimes, and we love them for it! What would we watch on TikTok otherwise? But their strange behavior can also cause us cat owners some concern. If you’ve ever seen your cat sleeping with her eyes open, you know exactly what we mean. Not only does this look frightening, but it also might spur some crucial questions in your mind. Why do cats sleep with their eyes open? Is it a medical problem? Should I be worried? Keep reading to find out.

Can cats sleep with their eyes open?
They can. If you’re reading this article, you have probably already observed your cat sleeping through the day with her eyes open. Not all cats do it, and cats that can don’t usually do it all the time. The first time you notice your cat sleeping with her eyes open, it can be quite jarring. It looks a little spooky, and you may start to worry that something is wrong with her.

Read more