How to Take Your Indoor Cat to the Beach!

Taking an indoor only cat to the beach might seem unusual, but for our cats, Festo and Theodore, it’s become a special treat. Living on the 6th floor of a Wellington apartment keeps them safe from outside dangers, but somewhat limits their outdoor experiences.

Inspired by Jackson Galaxy, we’ve ‘Catified’ our place with climbing posts, made a suspended cat bridge over a doorway, got big cat trees, and our mammoth floor-to-ceiling windows are perfect for ‘Cat TV’. But even with all these indoor enrichments, I still yearn for them to experience the outdoors.

So we reached an imaginary compromise with them – taking them on harnessed outdoor walks.

There’s something special about letting them experience the feel of sand under their paws and the fresh scent of the ocean air. So, when we stay at the family bach in Waikanae, we take the cats along a private track to some sand dunes. I usually take them individually as my husband likes to sleep in, and although I’ve taken them together, it can be tricky as they want to go in different directions! Here’s how I do it:

1. Harnesses: The Key to Safe Exploration

When it comes to taking your indoor cat outside, safety is absolute paramount.

A sturdy, well-fitting harness is essential for keeping your cat secure while allowing them the freedom to explore. I’ve tried a few different brands of harnesses, and found the ZeeCat harnesses offer the best combination of durability and style. They’ve never let us down, even when our cats have decided to have unexpected zoomies on the way back!

I’ve also attached a 3-metre retractable leash onto the harness, so they have a bit more space to roam while still keeping them within reach. The retractable feature is particularly useful if I need to quickly reel them in, whether it’s to avoid a potential danger or simply because it’s time to head back.

2. The Magic of Sunrise Walks

One of the most magical aspects of our beach walks is the timing – sunrise. There’s something truly special about watching the sun rise over the horizon with your cat by your side. The air is cool and fresh, the beach is nearly deserted, and the world is just waking up. It’s a peaceful time, free from the bustle of midday crowds, and the potential stress of encountering off-leash dogs.

For our cats, the quieter environment at sunrise makes a huge difference. They feel more at ease, allowing them to explore with greater confidence. Theodore, in particular, seems to enjoy these early morning outings, often waking me up early with an insistent meow, ready for his next adventure.

3. Understanding Your Cat’s Limits

Every cat is different, and it’s important to let your cat set the pace when exploring new environments. Our cats have been fortunate to grow up with regular visits to the beach house, so they’re fairly comfortable with that setting. However, we’ve also taken them on road trips to other places where they’ve been less enthusiastic about exploring.

It’s crucial to pay attention to your cat’s body language and behaviour. If they seem hesitant or scared, don’t push them. Give them time to adjust, and if they’re not ready to explore, it’s okay to call it a day and try again later. The goal is to make the experience enjoyable for them, not stressful.

4. Creating a Base Camp: A Home Away from Home

When we travel with our cats, we always bring a bit of home with us to help them feel more secure. This concept, which we learned from Jackson Galaxy, is known as creating a ‘Base Camp.’ Essentially, it’s a safe, familiar space where your cat can retreat if they feel overwhelmed or anxious.

For our cats, their Base Camp is a large grey blanket that they love to smurgle on. At the beach house, we drape it over the couch, transforming it into their go-to spot, and to protect the couch itself. It’s amazing how much comfort they derive from this simple piece of home. If they ever feel unsure or scared, they run straight to their Base Camp to relax and recharge.

Setting up a Base Camp at your destination is a great way to ease your cat into new environments. It provides a familiar scent and texture, helping to reduce stress and make them feel more at ease.

5. Short and Sweet: Keeping Walks Manageable

When taking your cat for a walk at the beach, it’s best to keep the outings short and sweet. A 30-minute walk is usually more than enough to give them a taste of the outdoors without overwhelming them. Remember, this time is for your cat’s enjoyment, not yours. If you are wanting to sunbathe or have a picnic, then I would recommend going back by yourselves later without them.

Shorter walks are also more likely to be successful, especially in the beginning. By keeping the experience positive and manageable, you’re more likely to encourage your cat to enjoy future outings. Our cats wake me up early in the mornings, to get me to take them on walks!

6. The Joy of Letting Your Cat Lead

One of the most rewarding aspects of walking your cat at the beach is watching them take the lead. It’s their time to explore, so let them take you on their walk. Whether they want to sniff every blade of grass, dig in the sand, or simply sit and watch the waves, allow them the freedom to follow their instincts.

Our cats have surprised us on many occasions with their choices. Theodore, for example, loves to dig in the sand, while Festo was more interested in chasing after anything that moved. It’s these little quirks that make each walk unique and memorable.

If they want to eat grass, let them.
If they want to run, keep up!
They’re wanting to dig up sand? Take videos lol.

7. Stay Vigilant: Protect Your Cat from Potential Hazards

While the beach can be a wonderful place for your cat to explore, it’s important to stay vigilant and aware of potential hazards. Your cat might not notice dangers that you can easily spot, such as off-leash dogs, sharp rocks, or broken glass. Always keep an eye on your surroundings and be prepared to intervene.

If the beach is starting to get busier, and off-leash dogs are coming in your vicinity, then it might be best to head back.  Other things to be mindful of; beach vehicles, smashed glass bottles, beached jellyfish, strong winds, etc.

8. Take a Pet Carrier

We’ve also found it helpful to bring along a pet carrier, especially if the beach is a bit of a walk from our place or parked the car. The carrier provides a safe space for our cats if they become frightened, or if we need to transport them safely back. Theodore, in particular, appreciates having his carrier nearby as a retreat when he’s had enough of the beach.

Not all cats enjoy pet carriers, but they can be useful for those who don’t mind them, as they can safely watch the outdoors from inside. It’s also helpful to use a carrier for timid cats who need a slow intro.

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Walking our indoor cats at the beach has become one of our favourite activities. It’s a unique bonding experience that allows us to share a new aspect of the world with our feline companions. Each walk is a little adventure, filled with discovery and delight, not just for them but for us as well.

If you’re considering taking your indoor cat to the beach, I highly encourage you to give it a try. With the right prep and a bit of patience, you can create a safe and enjoyable experience that both of you love.

Below is my YouTube vlog I made from our recent trip to Waikanae Beach where I took them on walks:

Are you thinking about taking your indoor cat to the beach? Or have you already ventured out and have some stories to share? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.