Taking a domestic cat for a walk on a leash is still quite a controversial issue, although it shouldn’t be. A walk with a cat? Absolutely, but before we decide to do it, we need to think about a few fundamental issues. First, keep in mind that a domestic purr should never be let outside alone, without the care of a guardian. Many articles have already been written about how many dangers await such a cat outside the home. However, it is not only about the danger from e.g. other cats, dogs, people or speeding cars – but also about epidemiological threats, such as the current situation, which we are dealing with not only in the Pomeranian region, but – as indicated by numerous reports – also across Poland. Experts are warning that cats should stay indoors and not go outside right now:
Our reader experienced one of the unpleasant situations during a walk with her pet. The woman decided to share her thoughts with us. She told how she was treated during a morning walk with her cat in her estate. The incident happened about a month ago. “In short, I heard it was a dog yard and I’m insane,” she says.
A resident of Warsaw points out that she usually takes her pet for a half-hour walk in the early morning hours to avoid too much stimuli and dogs walking with their owners. This is a proven hour when the risk of encountering them is the lowest. In addition, she usually chooses a secluded, hidden place – one that her pet knows well and feels safe in. It is quite a spacious yard in the center of a block of flats, which is very common in the capital. From 9-10.00 in the morning, it is usually swarming with dogs and their owners, with whom no one has the slightest problem.
“You see, they made a dog out of you”
Two older women approached me. Already from a distance they were pointing at me with their finger and looking at Wojtek, who was sniffing a nearby bush. Taught by experience, I thought that they would stand next to us and start saying something like: ‘my dear, what a beautiful kitty’, but it was completely different – says our reader.
Suddenly one of them in an aggressive tone said: ‘See, they made a dog out of you’ – it is not known to whom. Unless she expected Wojtek to answer her, I don’t know, everything can be expected from people. dog?!’ – it was already addressed to me. I replied calmly that none of these things, some cats just can and like to go out for walks, I do it responsibly, the cat has such a need, etc. In addition, we were really in a secluded place, totally hidden, so it’s a coincidence that we happened to meet anyone!’ I was pissed off and told her it was none of her business
– describes.
‘You can see he’s not happy’ – they both grumbled for a long time, which was funny, because Wojtek just then lay down next to my leg and started purring the best, closing his eyes. ‘Well, but now you know, instead of children, they have cats or dogs, it’s not surprising at all. It used to be called just abnormal, and today it still talks like that – the one continues to say to the other. Just so I can hear! Both were standing right next to me
our reader writes. – ‘This is a yard for dogs, not cats, ma’am. The cat should be home,’ continued the other. I interjected that this yard is primarily for people and there is no law that would prohibit walking a cat on a leash. They finally unhooked, but I came home really bummed out.
It stunned me, really. I was in shock. Especially since it was long before this cat disease emergency was even announced. Now Wojtuś is sitting politely at home on the meshed balcony, although he misses going for walks
– admits our reader.
Taking the cat for a walk. How to prepare?
Taking your cat for a walk on a leash can be a good idea, but only if a few basic conditions are met. At the beginning it is worth realizing – ironically – that a cat is not a dog, so it does not have to go out for walks. Anyway, not every cat is suitable for such activity. Many cats feel safest at home, surrounded by four walls and then they should not be taken out of this safe environment by force. This can put your pet under a lot of stress. Leaving a cat at home is by no means a reason to worry, especially since it is primarily related to the issue of its safety.
If our cat shows interest in exploring the outdoors and walking on a leash, we can take it for a short walk – so that it gets to know the nearest area. Before that, however, you should slowly, gradually and patiently get him used to harnesses and leashes (Not every cat will succeed and it’s also perfectly fine). Braces are the most important – you must not attach the leash to the cat’s collar, as the animal can easily free itself from it.
So let’s move on to the key issue, i.e. the safety of the cat on a walk. If our cat shows willingness and courage to explore the outside world and we enable it, it should be done responsibly. First of all, you need to remember that cats can react unpredictably to various situations, e.g. panic and flight. In addition, we are unable to predict the reactions of other people and animals. Therefore, you must not let your pet out of your sight while keeping it on a leash and in a harness.
What do you need to remember?
In addition, a tomcat going out on a leash must be dewormed much more often, and also well protected against ticks and fleas, not to mention mandatory vaccinations. The choice of the area on which we will walk plays an equally important role here – preferably it should be a secluded, quiet, peaceful place, without dogs and other animals. The cat cannot freely hunt, for example, birds, or approach other cats or dogs. It is best to chip the animal earlier, so that in the event of a crisis, the chances of finding our home purr are much greater.
Cats are very different in terms of character and it may turn out that our pet just loves going for walks on a leash! Taking a curious cat on such walks is all about new stimuli, because cats eager to explore quickly get bored and are also interested in what is happening outside the balcony window. But it is worth remembering that an indoor kitten does not have to be bored and you can provide him with enough attractions at home. To learn more about not only walking, but also dealing with a domestic cat in general – it is worth seeking the knowledge of a cat behaviorist. There are many blogs on cat behavior available online, run by specialists in this field.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
