How to Train Your Cat to Ride in a Cat Stroller

Thinking about taking your feline friend for an outdoor stroll? Many cat parents use leashes to take their cats outside safely, but most cats don’t like walking on a leash unless they’ve been trained to do so since kittenhood. If your furry pal won’t walk on a leash, consider using a cat stroller instead. Cat strollers are similar to baby strollers, but are completely enclosed, making them a great way for your indoor cat to enjoy the outside world from a protected space. While strollers are pricier than leashes, they are a worthwhile investment and require less training—once your cat gets used to it, you can simply zip it up and go.

The most important part of getting your cat to ride in a stroller is to get them comfortable with being in it. This should be done gradually at your cat’s pace, so putting them inside the stroller right away is not recommended.  

The training process will likely take at least a week; avoid getting angry at your cat, as this will make them less accepting of the stroller. In addition to patience, you’ll need some treats on hand. Always praise and reward your feline companion when they sit in the stroller, even for a few moments. 

Once your cat becomes acclimated to this new mode of transportation, you can spend more time outside together. Being outdoors not only keeps your cat mentally stimulated, but also hones their senses of sight, smell, and sound. 

Giving your cat an opportunity to safely enjoy the fresh air and explore beyond their window perch provides essential enrichment, greatly benefiting their mental well-being.

Be sure to choose a stroller that is large enough for your cat to sit up, turn around, or lie down easily. Your cat should also be able to see out of multiple spots; aside from the front, many strollers have mesh windows at the top and back as well. 

Before every ride, see to it that your feline friend is securely placed inside the stroller and that all openings are closed. Some strollers also have tethers that hook to a harness for extra protection; if your cat has been trained to wear a harness, it would be a good idea to take advantage of this feature.