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• June 2007 • Shop Online for Cat Supplies, Toys & Gifts • |
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On the Catwalk: Putting Kitty on a Leash Taking the dog for a walk isn't just to satisfy a biological necessity. It's also exercise and Over the years, it's become less acceptable for people to allow their cats outside to roam. Neighborhoods have become busier and more crowded: if speeding cars don't strike fear into your heart, the angry phone call from the little old lady next door just might. In some cities, it's even illegal to allow your cat loose in the neighborhood. Such has begun the curious concept of cat-walking. But don't expect to slap a collar and leash on your kitty and march straight out the door. As most cat owners know, their felines would faint at being lumped in with their tail-wagging brethren. While dogs aim to please, and are often more than happy to be attached to their humans, cats are independent and like to do things their own way. With these differences in mind, however, it is possible to train cats to walk on a leash, affording both an opportunity for exercise and a little bit of excitement in their lives. It's easiest if you start with a kitten, but mature cats can also be leash trained, if you're patient. First, of course, you'll need something with which to walk your cat. Collars are strongly discouraged because contortionist cats will likely be able to squirm out of them. Instead, experts recommend a harness: Not the one-piece, figure-8 type, because it's more difficult to fit snugly. A two-piece harness is best, with one piece fitting around the neck like a collar, and the other encircling the cat's chest behind the elbows. Both sections should be adjustable, allowing for the best fit possible. (See bottom of article for Cat Connection's available harnesses.) Robin Downing, DVM, a private practitioner who writes a weekly pet advice column for the Denver Post , recommends that owners seek advice from their veterinarian for the initial harness fitting. "They may be surprised at how tight the straps need to be. It's quite different than the fit with a dog, because of a cat's anatomical flexibility," she said. "Probably the biggest potential obstacle is getting the cat used to the harness," said Holly Webber, a Bengal cat breeder and owner of HDW Enterprises. "Once the cat feels safe and comfortable in the harness, understands that the harness is not going to cause any harm to it, and is confident that when the harness gets put on, the result is always a positive, pleasant experience," Ms. Webber said. "[So] the rest of the training should go quite easily." Before making your cat wear the harness, experts suggest just letting your cat play with it for a few days -- leave it on the living room floor, or dangle it in front of the cat and let it bat at it with its paws. Once the newness has worn off a bit, let the cat wear the harness around the house for a few days, just a few minutes at a time. The sensation will be a new and strange one for your cat, so be prepared for possible aerial acrobatics -- or a very convincing "frozen cat" impersonation. When the histrionics are over, you can attach the leash to the harness, and let the cat drag it around the house for a few minutes. You've surpassed the first hurdle: acclimating your kitty to its snazzy new outerwear. Now it's time to introduce the second part of the equation, which is having a human attached to the other end of the leash. This is also where the real difference between cats and dogs comes into play. Dr. Downing recommends starting your "walks" inside, where your cat feels comfortable. Remember, though, that this isn't going to be like walking your dog. "By nature, cats are predators, and are used to being in charge of their environment," said Dr. Downing. "Unlike dogs, they're not used to taking direction." The key, she said, is to make the cat think that the walk is their idea. Your job is merely to follow. Follow your cat on a few walks around the house, and then, when you're ready, try an outdoor outing. Choose a time of day that's quiet, and be prepared to expend a lot of time and patience. "Dogs are eager to go outside to play and explore; they show this by blindly leaping through the door without a care. Cats are always cautious about anywhere they go. To be offered an open door triggers caution, not joy. Interest, but restraint," said Margaret Whitman, of Arlington, Va., who trained her cat Mathilda to walk on a leash at the age of five months. They walk around the neighborhood together several times a day. "To put a harness and leash on a cat, tuck it under your arm, then plop it down on grass or sidewalk somewhere is completely alien to all their instincts. They have not had time to stop, look, listen, and smell before being there. They have not had a chance to gauge any potential, perceived dangers. It terrifies them," she explained. "I believe no cat should be asked to walk on a leash unless the human takes the time to start at the inside of the door. Then open the door, and let the cat take whatever time it needs to be reassured of its safety before venturing across the threshold," Ms. Whitman said. "And for the rest of the walk, the human must understand that the cat is going to go low and slowly until it becomes familiar with the area. This could take a good half-hour to go 20 feet. But so what? It's the cat's outing, not the human's. That is a distinction many people find very difficult to make." Always ensure that the walks are positive experiences for the cat. Walk in quiet, safe areas, like your backyard or a park, and be prepared to scoop your cat up in any dangerous situation. Other than that, your only job is to stay out of your cat's way. "Walking a cat on a leash should be regarded as a wonderful time of joy between cat and human, with the cat acknowledging the presence of the human, but the human staying as far away as the leash allows. The cat can feel free to be a cat: stalk, jump, stop and stare, race suddenly up a tree trunk, occasionally come to the human and smile," said Ms. Whitman. "It should be approached in a very unhurried frame of mind. It should be regarded as totally the cat's time. To be with a cat in those circumstances is to truly understand the joy of sharing the cat's interests and pleasures vicariously." *Article courtesy of VetCentric.com Available Cat Harnesses at the Cat Connection.
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a social activity for both man and beast. But why should dogs get to have all the fun?
