Walking a cat on a leash?

Originally Posted by KittyLova

How long do you walk your cat anyway?

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Not nearly as long as they'd like. Probably only about 10 minutes. That's all I have time for right now.

"Something else I've read: when you're ready to go out, CARRY your cat through the doorway, so she doesn't get the idea she can go through there on her own. "

This is good advice - I never thought about it that way but it makes sense. I'm glad that i carry Stoli out. . . .

I only spend about 10 minutes out there with him.

do you have to use a harness???? I got a collar... could you just walk with a collar and a leash?? like dogs do???

i think cat's necks are too fragile, they aren't like dogs. you don't really walk them, they walk you. Plus dogs don't completely spaz out if something scares them and try to climb up a tree. I use a jacket and a leash.

No, KittyLova, a collar is not enough.

I adopted a stray mother cat once, when I lived on a busy street. I felt guilty about the fact that I'd stolen her beloved outdoors from her, so I tried the collar and leash thing. She wanted to roll in the grass, scratch the trees, explore unweeded areas, flop belly up and get pet. All of these things worked well, for a little bit. Inevitably, she'd want to go under the house, and once she was startled by another cat hiding in a bush. I don't fit under the house, and I didn't dash off as she did from the sudden appearance of a cat, so I was left holding a leash and a collar, with the cat elsewhere. Thankfully, I was always able to get her back inside, even if it was hours later. But if you are using just a collar, you might as well dispense with the leash and just walk around with the cat unrestrained, because that's all you are really doing anyway. That and trying to choke the cat as she strains against the collar around her throat.

ok,ok,ok. i just asked.

ok I found one.
Size Right Cat Harness
$8.99

Product Information:
A cat harness is a must when walking your cat outdoors on a leash. The Size Right Cat Harness has the figure-8 design that works well with cats, but unlike many cat harnesses, it's adjustable to accommodate cats of many sizes. Nylon harness features a metal leash loop and plastic, click-lock closure. Adjusts to fit girth from 12"-18". Matching leash sold separately.

it is for cats or Kittens!!

I have a harness like the one in the post above, but didn't care for it because of the knob on top where you hook your lead.
The ones I prefer are the adjustable H harness like is shown in Arcata Pet here http://www.arcatapet.com/category.cfm?catnum=220
The reason I prefer these is if the cat wants to play and roll they won't have that big knob in their way.

The first harness I tried was the figure 8 that you have to loop around the cats neck and then their body and secure. I didn't like those much at all. For one think I tend to be a bit clumsy with securing such things, especially when there is a cat not wanting to cooperate very much being involved.

At any rate, harnesses are not terribly expensive and it's not a bad think to have on hand for trips to the vet or outdoors time if you want to offer it.

As KittyLova mentioned... a harness is a must if you want to walk with a cat. A cats neck/throat cannot take the tugging that a dogs can and they can sustain permanent injury too easily.

KittyLova, no, don't get that one. That's a "figure-8" harness, and it's too easy for a cat to get out of. If you can't find the "H" type harness for cats then the "petite" size (14 in.) dog harness will work.

Another idea is a "walking jacket" -- a bit pricey, but effective.

that's what i have!!!! love it

But do you have to use a collar???

no, my cat doesn't use a collar

for a reguarl harness. does the harness connect to the collar?
or is it like a collar?
sorry for the

Originally Posted by coaster

KittyLova, no, don't get that one. That's a "figure-8" harness, and it's too easy for a cat to get out of. If you can't find the "H" type harness for cats then the "petite" size (14 in.) dog harness will work.

Another idea is a "walking jacket" -- a bit pricey, but effective.

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Hey Coaster - I LOVED that video!!!

My cats all wear collarswith their ID attached, so whenever I put a harness on any of them I just put the harness in addition to the collar. Never caused a problem. The harness is not left on all the time and the collars are.

Kittylova...no, you don't need a collar with a harness. They're two completely separate things. BUT I do think a collar with ID tag is a good idea just in case your cat gets loose.

Another big problem with the figure-8 harnesses is that they sort of strangle the cat if the back gets pulled. So it's nearly impossible to size it correctly, because you want it to be snug around the ribcage, and if you do that with a figure-8 when they're wriggling around it tightens around their neck, or if they get an elbow out or something then it gets very tight around the neck as well. Not a huge disaster since you're only a few feet away at all times, but it can't be comfortable and sometimes I'm off in my own little world too.

Another reason you can't use a regular collar is that all cat collars should be breakaway and obviously there's no way to put a leash on a breakaway collar (aside from the things already mentioned).

Zissou's harness has her ID on it, as does her collar.

I don't use a collar as of now, Stoli is due to be microchipped. I just put the harness on when we go outside.

Originally Posted by coaster

KittyLova, no, don't get that one. That's a "figure-8" harness, and it's too easy for a cat to get out of. If you can't find the "H" type harness for cats then the "petite" size (14 in.) dog harness will work.

Another idea is a "walking jacket" -- a bit pricey, but effective.

Click to expand...

Coaster - I wonder if others have viewed the video .... , the cat could be my KiKi - I've watched it several times - really wondered how the cat was trained to actually walk back to the door, and wait to be let in - I would think he/she would want to just stay out, but - no, he's done and wants back inside...
Gloria

Yeah, that was a remarkably cooperative cat .... just standing there letting her put the jacket on, staying on the path (all right, she did cut one corner ) and then going back to the door to be let back IN!!

Truly amazing!!