Cat on a leash

[tarannau]

No shit sherlock. But nobody's suggesting that you keep a cat in a cage, no more than you keep dogs in a cage.

 

[Donna Ferentes]

But what does the cat perceive to be a cage?

 

[tarannau]

Oh god, you've turned into Max Freakout.

You see what cats do to people.

 

[Donna Ferentes]

It is a privilege to serve them.

 

[poster342002]

Our cat can't mix with other cats

Why not. What would happen if he did?

 

[poster342002]

Most pedigree kittens you have to sign a contract which states they must be indoor only except if on a harness or in an enclosure, not just rare breeds, it's pretty much standard practice for purebred cats. Hybrids are rare and by law you need a licence from the council and are not allowed to let them roam, so harnesses are also useful for those. Mine never took to a harness, but I know plenty of people who let their cat take them for a walk. The idea isn't for them to walk to heel - you follow them while they explore stuff.

How unbelievably silly. Who the hell is ever going to enforce this? Or can we now expect to see a "wrong type of cat police" enforcemnt unit of petty zealots set up to patrol the back gardens?

 

[idioteque]

I think the most significant risk of letting a pedigree out is that someone might nick it and sell it on for a few bob.

 

[Orang Utan]

tarrannau hates cats something rotten! It's quite alarming. If there's ever a mysterious series of cat murders in Brixton, then I know who's behind it.

 

[mrsfran]

Why not. What would happen if he did?

He's FIV positive (like HIV, but for cats). The risk is that he may transmit it to other cats, or may pick up an infection which is would be unable to fight due to his reduced immune system.

We did actually try him on a lead and he didn't mnd wearing it but absolutely did not want to leave the flat. He's a big old scaredy cat.

 

[perplexis]

One of the cats at my house (a rather lovely Bengal, a bit like the pic, incidentally) has a harness and a leash. We attach him to the washing line in the garden and let him belt it around, it's really funny.
It was deemed unsafe for him to go outside unsupervised because he'll get squashed/lost/stolen, so this way he gets to go out, chase stuff, attack bees, eat the plants and everything, but with minimal danger to himself.
I don't think actually walking him would succeed though, cats really aren't into following.

 

[poster342002]

I dunno ... it just feels like keeping a cat locked up indoors or only out on a leash strikes me as cruel in a way that it wouldn't be for a dog.

 

[mrsfran]

I dunno ... it just feels like keeping a cat locked up indoors or only out on a leash strikes me as cruel in a way that it wouldn't be for a dog.

What do you suggest we do with an FIV cat then?

 

[Orang Utan]

What do you suggest we do with an FIV cat then?

Condoms

 

[tarannau]

tarrannau hates cats something rotten! It's quite alarming. If there's ever a mysterious series of cat murders in Brixton, then I know who's behind it.

I don't you know. There are even a few urbanites who probably have captured me with moggies contently on lap. (And then I stab them and make them into furry collars for my Lord Anthony parkas)

I just think the present model of cat ownership in this country is wrongheaded and a bit irresponsible (thoughtless rather than deliberate) in the main - they should be treated as other pets and supervised, in urban areas at least.

 

[Orang Utan]

I just find it strange that you feel so strong about it, when there are other much more important issues.

 

[poster342002]

What do you suggest we do with an FIV cat then?

Was more thinking about other examples - such as purebreed cats.

 

[tarannau]

I just find it strange that you feel so strong about it, when there are other much more important issues.

Like what, bearing in mind this is a thread about cats on leashes.

FWIW I've been known to get animated about other subjects on these here boards as well. Take rotis, bad disco records or Quorn...