What do you guys think of cats in muzzles?

Hi. The other day at petco, my sisters kitten Spock attacked me aggressively twice on my arm all because a stupid dog owner let go of the dogs leash after I told him to please keep your dog away from the cat. FYI the cat was on his harness when it happen and I was about to put on the leash. So now I'm considering on getting a muzzle for him whenever we go out to places where there will be other animals around for now on to warn people that he may bite you especially with other animals around. Also to the vet too when they have to exam him and things. I'm not guarantee that it will happen, it was just out of curiosity.

God it's like having a aggressive dog now.. 
 

Honestly; I wouldn't.  Cats are not dogs; for the most part.  Most do not like going places; they like their familiar territory.  I have taken one of my cats into Petsmart; but she was in her kennel. The only reason she was there was because I'd had her at the vet nearby and I needed to stop for food and both places are a good 45 minutes from my home.  Otherwise the only time my cats leave home is to go to the vet.  Even my super social cat wouldn't have done well with that.  She would have been trying to figure out how to claim it as her territory.  

I don't see a cat reacting well to a muzzle either.  I would be afraid it'll only reinforce his fears because he has another defense mechanism taken from him.  It's best to leave him home where he can be king of his castle.  I have one cat who is aggressive at the vet; but neither enjoy being handled.  My vet doesn't even use any sort of muzzle and my cat bit her last year.  They wrap the girls up in a thick towel until they can calm down.  Both have health issues and have had stays at the vet and they still need to take the precautions.  I even remember my childhood cat would bury her head under my step-dad's shirts at the vet.  That would calm her down because she felt secure; like she was in a dark little cave.  

If you still want to bring the kitten places; a better alternative (and safer for her) would be a soft sided carrier.  She could see; but not dart from you.  A cat who is startled can dart faster than you'd think.  I wouldn't trust most harnesses in a place where you are more likely than not to come upon another animal.  

I'm sorry if that's not he advice you wanted to hear; but my experience just says it's not in the cats best interest to go on outings like that.   We might enjoy it and enjoy showing them off; but they typically do not.  Especially if you are going to resort to a muzzle in order to keep from being bitten. 

Cat "muzzles" are made for temporary restraint. They're like a big blindfold that goes over the eyes, nose, and mouth, for very short periods of time, like when a cat needs an injection. There's no cat version of a dog muzzle and I wouldn't try to use one even if there was. And if you take your cat to places where there are guaranteed to be other animals (like Petco) keep her in a carrier for her safety. 

Thanks guys for the reponse. FYI this wasn't the first time he went to Petco and petsmart. He actually enjoys going to those places. He's been going to those places since he was 2 months old and he is very dog like. We actually avoid dogs and his carrier is around at all times every time we go out.


I'm not going to get a muzzle for him and if I do it will only be at he vet when he gets shots. Not when we go to pet blessing or other places.

My other cat on the other hand doesn't so I don't really take her anywhere except pet blessings and the vet.