Do you think housecats belong on leashes when outside?

Question

I think not

Answer 1

Lord noooooooo!!! Cats are naturally instinctive to there home.They will never go to far(unless they don't like you anymore) and will come home.They smell there way back home.

Answer 2

I am a cat lover and unfortunately, my answer is yes, house-cats belong on leashes when outside. Times have changed and it is just too dangerous for cats to be able to roam freely as they once did in the past - and people are a lot less tolerant. Just the other day, walking home from the store, I found a cat dead in the gutter that had been run over by a car. Yes, I know that happens, but that was the 3rd time in as many months. I can't even begin to describe how upset I was - it upsets me to even write this because the picture of that poor little cat is still very much on my mind. In the news not very long ago, two young teenage boys were arrested for beating to death a kitten with a golf club right in front of the little girl who had received the kitten for her birthday. And those two examples barely covers what can happen to a cat free to wander. So, for your cat's safety, if for no other reason, please use a leash if you would like your cat to spend some time outdoors.

Answer 3

Well, my parents cats are both housecats and they let them out in the backyard on leashes. That way, they get the best of both worlds. They have a big backyard, and the leashes are very long, so they get to wander out, get fresh air and at the same time, we know they'll come back home safely.

Answer 4

Yes they should be on leashes or they should stay inside. Cats **** in peoples gardens and the sand at the park that little kids play in... no one wants that. Its just the same as a dog, if a dog has to be on a leash then so should a cat.

Answer 5

I'm not sure. According to cat books, the way to get your cat used to walking on a leash is to fasten the leash to the cat's collar when it's a kitten and allow the cat to drag the leash around the house, which allows the cat to get used to the weight of the leash on it and it's collar.

If you try to take your cat outside on a leash and the cat's not used to having a leash on, then the cat's likely to resist and fight to get free of the leash.

I once tried to leash train my cat, but it didn't go very well. The only time I put my cat on a leash these days is if I'm taking him to the vet (which he really dislikes), or if I take him to PetsMart(which allows you to bring your pet with you while you shop, provided said pet is on a leash) with me to buy his food. He seems to like riding in the cart and looking around the PetsMart while we're there.

If your cat is all right with being on a leash, then walk the cat on a leash. If you're worried about whether or not your cat will return home after his or her exploration around the neighborhood, before letting your cat out, make sure it is familiar with it's home's sorroundings, then let it outside and allow it to explore. Don't worry, your cat'll come home, just give him or her time to explore the neighborhood for a while and he or she will come home again.

Answer 6

The only reason I put a leash on my indoor cat is because I dont want him to run away..like when we go on road trips and we stop at a rest stop I put him on a leash and walk him around so he could do his business, even though he hates it..

I think if you think he's not gonna run away then dont put him on a leash

Answer 7

If you care about enhancing their longevity, then yes, use a leash. They will dart into traffic in a heartbeat if something catches their eye.

Answer 8

Well why not. My cat is a house cat and I know that if we were to let him outside he might not be able to defend himself at least this way he's close to me. Funny you asked this question b/c my mother and I were talking about it yesterday.

Answer 9

why is it ok for cats to roam free and be nuisances, when dogs have to be leashed? Both on leashes!!

Answer 10

I don't put mine on a leash, I stay outside with him and watch him.