Would this be cruel or interesting/fun to a cat?

cubbie

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I thought about letting my cats play in snow before but my ex gf thought it would be cruel. Initially, she didn't but then changed her mind.

Anyway, what I was thinking of doing was taking my boys outside after a fresh snowfall and letting them explore the snow in the bed of my pickup truck. It would only be for a few minutes.

What do you think?
 

jcat

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They'd probably like it, as long as they're not overwhelmed with being outside. Jamie loves to go outside in the snow (on a harness), as long as I carry him from one spot to the next, as he doesn't like cold feet.
 
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cubbie

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Thanks!
I thought it would be fun for them (and me). I'll be sure to take pictures and video the next time we get snow - hopefully sometime this winter.
 

pami

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Make sure they are on a harness in case they get scared, so they dont run away. They will either love it or not. I would try it.
 

squirtle

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Do your cats go outside on harnesses now? If not, I would work on getting them used to wearing the harness and being outside before I set my expectations too high of them enjoying the snow
 

epona

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And have some towels warmed up so if they come in cold and wet you can warm and dry them
 

yosemite

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Originally Posted by squirtle

Do your cats go outside on harnesses now? If not, I would work on getting them used to wearing the harness and being outside before I set my expectations too high of them enjoying the snow
I agree completely. Bijou doesn't mind the snow but little Mika isn't interested. Of course when Bijou comes back inside he jumps up on my back to get his little paws warm (and my back cold).
 

luckygirl

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ooooh, I don't know....I don't think they'd like it much, given that they like warmth & sunshine....and lay on heaters, computers, vcrs, and anything else that produces heat....also, it would be wet....and alot of them don't like wet either....
 
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cubbie

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Originally Posted by squirtle

Do your cats go outside on harnesses now? If not, I would work on getting them used to wearing the harness and being outside before I set my expectations too high of them enjoying the snow
No, I don't take them outside on harness now but that sounds like a good idea. On occassion I hold one of them while I walk to my mailbox. They are fine with that and seem to get a kick out of being outside.
 
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cubbie

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Originally Posted by LuckyGirl

ooooh, I don't know....I don't think they'd like it much, given that they like warmth & sunshine....and lay on heaters, computers, vcrs, and anything else that produces heat....also, it would be wet....and alot of them don't like wet either....
True, but they also try to climb into the fridge when the door is open. LOL
 

swampwitch

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I don't know if your kitties will like it much, but you probably will. It's pretty funny when they lift their feet up really high trying to step on top of the snow, and sometimes they'll shake each foot with each step. Get your video camera out, then let them back in right away, is my advice.

Cheers, from
SwampWitch
 

kluchetta

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Nadette and Smudge both love the snow. Actually Smudge loves it. Nadette sort of ignores it. (It's in her "way")
 

squirtle

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Originally Posted by churchi4cubs

No, I don't take them outside on harness now but that sounds like a good idea. On occassion I hold one of them while I walk to my mailbox. They are fine with that and seem to get a kick out of being outside.
Get them used to it gradually... Let them wear the harness around the house for a little while, without the leash attached, to see how they do. Once they do well, attach the leash and let them walk in the house with it (supervise them so they don't get caught on anything). Then you can begin to get them used to going outside... again go slow with it. Cats don't walk on leashes like dogs do.... You probably won't be able to just attach the leash and say "Let's go walk around the block, kitty"
 

hissy

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Would advise that you instead get a big low tub and fill the tub up with some snow and take the tub inside your home. If you haven't gotten your cats used to a harness, they are not going to just let you put one on them, unless they are extremely mellow cats. If you can get an issue of Cat Fancy, this month there is an article about how to harness train your cat. Might be a good idea if you read that first.
 
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cubbie

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Originally Posted by hissy

Would advise that you instead get a big low tub and fill the tub up with some snow and take the tub inside your home. If you haven't gotten your cats used to a harness, they are not going to just let you put one on them, unless they are extremely mellow cats. If you can get an issue of Cat Fancy, this month there is an article about how to harness train your cat. Might be a good idea if you read that first.
Thanks for the advice (and everyone else)! I have time to get them used to a harness. This winter has been so mild that I'm not sure we'll even see snow again.
 

kluchetta

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Originally Posted by churchi4cubs

Thanks for the advice (and everyone else)! I have time to get them used to a harness. This winter has been so mild that I'm not sure we'll even see snow again.
I'd be happy to send you some!
 
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cubbie

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Originally Posted by kluchetta

I'd be happy to send you some!
LOL - Where are you located??
 

lunasmom

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Its snowing in Michigan right now as we speak. Only an inch is expected.

Anyhoo, I've thrown Luna out in the snow (when she was a kitten).
She quickly ran back in.


As much as I would love to stick Whitey out there, we're trying to break him of the habit of trying to exit the door with us. So he's a no for snow.
 

clairebear

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I have some indoor/outdoor cats and they seem to like the snow. Just observe them as you do it, if they seem scared of unhappy, then bring them back in. You'll be able to tell if thier having a good time. It would only be cruel if you find they hate it, and then force them to continue.
 
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