Well, it's not a completely new idea to take your leashed cat on a walk outdoors, but the momentum seems to be building, at least according to this article in today's New York Times. In fact, training your cat to walk on a leash is the latest rage-yes, we said "training" and "cat' in the same sentence.
Mac, the author's kitty, explores Prospect Park in Brooklyn: Photo courtesy of NY Times.com
We enjoyed reading about the author's cat, Mac, whom she rescued from a shelter at the age of four, and soon became frustrated confined to his owners' apartment. Many escapes, neighbor "visits" (does eating a turkey leg count as a visit?), and ankle attacks ensued.
So Mac's owner enlisted the help of Jackson Galaxy, a cat behaviorist who stars on "My Cat From Hell", a television show poised to begin its second season on Animal Planet...and what happened next is both entertaining and enlightening. The article in the paper edition includes tips on how to start your newly leashed kitty out on the right paw, and the online version adds a video with Mr. Galaxy, Mac, and owner engaged in training.
We're considering trying this with Bella, although for the last seven years, she's appeared perfectly content to be an indoor kitty...
What about you folks owned by a cat-have you, or are you willing to try, walking your cat on a leash? Let us know!
P.S. A correction to last night's post announcing the winner of the FURminator Deluxe De-Shedding Tool: The winner, Olivia, is not the author of the blog we mentioned-we were simply confused with blogs she followed versus blog she authored. Please excuse our mistake.
We enjoyed reading about the author's cat, Mac, whom she rescued from a shelter at the age of four, and soon became frustrated confined to his owners' apartment. Many escapes, neighbor "visits" (does eating a turkey leg count as a visit?), and ankle attacks ensued.
So Mac's owner enlisted the help of Jackson Galaxy, a cat behaviorist who stars on "My Cat From Hell", a television show poised to begin its second season on Animal Planet...and what happened next is both entertaining and enlightening. The article in the paper edition includes tips on how to start your newly leashed kitty out on the right paw, and the online version adds a video with Mr. Galaxy, Mac, and owner engaged in training.
We're considering trying this with Bella, although for the last seven years, she's appeared perfectly content to be an indoor kitty...
P.S. A correction to last night's post announcing the winner of the FURminator Deluxe De-Shedding Tool: The winner, Olivia, is not the author of the blog we mentioned-we were simply confused with blogs she followed versus blog she authored. Please excuse our mistake.
5 comments:
We love this idea (though we are sure we would like to participate). Mom has thought about trying it with certain cats at the shelter where she volunteers - of course, every time she finds the perfect candidate, the cat gets adopted.... (there is something to think about). Best Friends has several cats you can take on a walk when you volunteer as well. :)
I used to walk my angel Bobo on a leash ALL the time! He loved it!! I know I probably didn't train him in the "traditional" way but it worked! I actually used a dog collar and leash (for a small dog), I found it to be more secure and he was not the type that would wear a harness. He loved it!
On the other hand I tried it with Cody and he wanted NO PART OF IT! Cody has no desire at all to be outside and I am just as happy to honor that request.
HEYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! its us!! We want to wish everyone a glorious new year filled with treats and toys and cookies and tummy rubs And Archie says throw in world peace as well A billion hugs and kisses A+A
We were at the vets office the other day and there was a cat on a leash in there. Seemed very comfortable on it, my cats would freak out I'm sure.
I really want to try this with my new cat. Been reading about it all morning! what harness is best?
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