Walking outdoors with their pet parents is an activity many cats will come to enjoy if they’ve been properly harness trained and enjoy adventures outside of the house. Consider the following tips to make the most of these outings.

Always plan ahead and be aware of your surroundings before heading outdoors with your cat. Variety is the spice of life, but a pleasant time can become a nightmare if your route crosses paths with a barking dog or other startling distraction. Let your kitty lead you. Walking a cat basically consists of you following him with some slack in the leash. Plan walks accordingly to avoid extreme weather.

For safety’s sake, it’s best to stay on your own property, but if you have friendly neighbors, you might occasionally shake things up for your feline by crossing into the lawn or garden next door (only with permission, of course!)—cats will enjoy exploring a new area that’s nearby.