My son wants a dog and I won't let him have one. He settled for a cat. I have been taking her outside little by little each day and she is doing pretty good after 3 weeks. Everybody kept saying how cute she is when she fetches, they laughed watching her run and bring it back. When they see her on the leash, they looked pretty upset, trying to tell me the different between cat and dog. DUH!!! My son's friend said I was being mean. My son didn't care at first and was happy to brag something different. Now he won't brag about his cat or take her outside anymore. When he did, I reliezed it wouldn't be til after dark.She'll walk beside you no problem except she hear new noise, she'll sometimes try to run. It don't look pretty. I see that. It looks as I'm choking her. She is inside cat so we don't want to lose her, the cats outside are wild and very sick. Plus it's the safest birth control . She seem to like going out and walking. I thought " Lucky " we were to find us a cat.
2007-10-10 09:49:04 · 15 answers · asked by jay c 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
I have known a few cats who take to the leash/harness very well. I love the idea! I tried it on two separate cats and neither of them could tolerate it.
I have a friend who walks his cat every day! He is quite proud of the accomplishment, as it took some training and patience. However, Sammy (the cat) loves, loves, loves, to go on explorations and little walks.
It is too bad that your son is embarrassed by this. You're right not to let the cat pout unless she is on a leash -- for her own health and safety.
BTW - there are a few cats out there who love to fetch, too! I left a pair of cats with my ex-husband because he kept the home and they were settled there, but I dearly miss playing fetch with Willie. : ) He had more fun playing fetch than our dog did!
I know that adolescents want to be like everyone else, but hopefully, he will learn soon that it is good to have your unique characteristics, too! : )
2007-10-10 09:59:12 · answer #1 · answered by susanmaried 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is no problem walking a cat on a leash as long as there are no off leash dogs or anything too frightening. It depends on the cat as some are very bold and enjoy going around the block while other never want to leave the house.
Some breeds of cats and individual cats are pretty dog like in the way they like to meet and interact with people. Some cats go stir crazy inside the house all the time.
I wouldn't use a collar though as cats do not have the neck strength and build of a dog. This is a walking harness made for cats. If she becomes frightened you can pick her up by the harness and hold onto her much more easily.
http://www.metpet.com/index.html
I would just ignore people as most of them have never seen a cat on a leash. Cats used to wander outside all the time but that just isn't possible in many places so it makes sense to let them walk outside with you.
2007-10-10 11:46:27 · answer #2 · answered by nt_sndr 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
People who're not familiar with cats are often surprised by how many of them enjoy playing fetch. It's really just an extension of their hunting instinct, only they are bringing you their "kill". Cats like to be outside because it's an ever-changing environment to investigate, and if you train them young enough, many will happily walk on a harness.
It sounds like the mean comments that some people made, have made your son feel too embarrased to walk her. Perhaps you might take over that duty for a while. Do you have a garden where you could take her to help build up her confidence outside. If she is getting freaked out too often though, it might be best to discontinue the walks. I know you want the best for her, but it's only beneficial if she enjoys it.
Keeping her indoors will only be an effective contraceptive if she never finds a way to escape. Females in heat can be very determined when they want a mate, and the crying can drive you crazy. Having her spayed would guarantee no pregnancy and it will also greatly reduce her risk of developing ovarian or mammary cancer later in life.
Don't worry yourself about what other people say, you've obviously spent time thinking of ways to keep your cat happy and what's wrong with that?
2007-10-10 10:10:02 · answer #3 · answered by Michele the Louis Wain cat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We also have an indoor cat as there is a bylaw against outdoor cats in our town. We got him a harness type walker that doesn't pull as much as just the leash. As for your son's friends and others, no worries. Something more exciting will come along for them to laugh at soon enough I'm sure. It's the best bet for a healthy cat and keeps them safe. Ours has never known any other way of life and he loves his walk time. Even if you just take the cat out into the yard, to play and lay in the grass, indoor cats don't need that much time outside.
You are doing your best, so stick to your guns!
2007-10-10 09:55:42 · answer #4 · answered by Elle3 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I used to take my indoor cat Rick for walks on a leash, and he loved it. Make sure you're using a well-fitting harness. And start your cat off slowly, just a few minutes at a time. The people in my neighbourhood used to love seeing Rick on his leash. This is much better than allowing a cat to run wild and possibly get killed by a car or something else.
2007-10-10 11:35:28 · answer #5 · answered by wendy m 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not mean at all to have a cat on a leash. I've seen many people walking their cats. As long as you don't harm the cat, which it doesn't sound like you're doing.
Being able to teack you cat tricks, even fetch, it by far pretty good.
Don't worry about what other people say, unless they're right about you hurting your cat. I think you're trying your best though... Not to hurt the cat, that is.
2007-10-10 09:54:53 · answer #6 · answered by Whitney 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Not sure but I think your question is are you being mean walking your cat on a leash! The answer would be NO you are not. My 2 indoor only cats are walked on leashes outside and I use a harness for them because it makes me feel safer! Who cares what other think it is your cat and you want her to be safe!!! Good for you
2007-10-10 09:55:55 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Good for you keeping your kitty safe outside by keeping her on a leash. There is nothing wrong with walking a cat (I have a neighbor who walks his right along with the dog) One thing though when you say it looks like you are chocking her when she tries to run it makes me thing you are walking her on her collar. Cat collars are designed to breakaway so they don't get caught in a tree or something and the cat hand themselves so its possible your cat could get out of her collar. I would recommend a harness to walk her on. (It will also keep from putting strain on her neck and throat if she tries to run)
2007-10-10 13:44:01 · answer #8 · answered by . 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not wrong to have a cat on a leash. I plan to have a harness/leash for mine too when they get older, so I can take them out from time to time. It's a good thing that you are looking out for your cat and are thinking about her safety. That's the only thing that matters. :)
2007-10-10 10:09:19 · answer #9 · answered by Missy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's fine to take the cat out on a leash. I'd recommend one attached to a harness though instead of just a collar, so you're not accidentally "choking" her.
2007-10-10 09:57:21 · answer #10 · answered by ? 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋