Have a stubborn cat who won't go on walks with you?

pen_thief

Does the cat stroller have a way to keep them in it? I would hate for you to get them outdoors and then not be able to keep them safely in the stroller...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DuZmAHglus

Here's an example of one. Prepare to crack up at that guy's "cat voice," it's hilarious. They're completely covered and most cats seem to love them!

PLUMSGRL

When I owned cats (or they owned me) I used to walk them on a leash, took a long time to get them trained but it was that or they stayed indoors all the time (it may surprise people to know that many municipality's leash by-laws apply equally to cats) Contrary to popular belief (especially in an urban setting) indoor cats are healthier and live longer (and don't crap in all of the neighbourhood gardens). I love cats, cat owners who let their cats run amok not so much.

This is true. They are nearly 13 in people years and are very healthy and playful from keeping them inside, groomed, fed healthy and given plenty of fresh water. I wish I could figure out how to get them leash trained, but I'm thinking the stroller may be safer anyway since there are some loose dogs in the neighborhood that even I'm a bit afraid of.

I can just see it now: you strolling along with you cats in the buggy and one of those lose dogs you're afraid of approaches. You won't be able to stop the dog, it will do anything it can to get at the cats. They're outside, unprotected (you didn't think that little buggy thing would really keep them safe, did you?), they will freak out. The dog will have them because they're trapped inside a soft container. Keep your cats safe...at home!
I've seen it happen...

DebG2006

That's too cute! I have a pet stroller for my Chihuahua. It keeps her safe and you can zip it up.

pen_thief

Cats aren't designed to be walked. Should have got a dog.

However, I think most indoor cats would enjoy being taken for a person-drive. They can see all sorts of things they yearn to kill.

It's a long, heartbreaking story but I had to get rid of my dog after a family split. In my teens, my mom permitted me a cat as they were lower maintenance in the cleanup department. How I ended up getting a brother and sister cat is also a long story.

Anyway, my cats pee in the car 80% of the time so now I have to plan according. Not going to lie, I considered fashioning diapers. It's the speed of the car and all the loud noises. (Again, some cats love car rides. Go figure!) But I know they'll handle the stroller okay, especially after the first few times when they figure out I'm not taking them to their doom.

tastywhalebacon

I just told my cats about this. They both looked at me with hate in their eyes. Toaster (4yo) wants to kill me and Beanie (3yo) wants to destroy me.

pen_thief

When I owned cats (or they owned me) I used to walk them on a leash, took a long time to get them trained but it was that or they stayed indoors all the time (it may surprise people to know that many municipality's leash by-laws apply equally to cats) Contrary to popular belief (especially in an urban setting) indoor cats are healthier and live longer (and don't crap in all of the neighbourhood gardens). I love cats, cat owners who let their cats run amok not so much.

This is true. They are nearly 13 in people years and are very healthy and playful from keeping them inside, groomed, fed healthy and given plenty of fresh water. I wish I could figure out how to get them leash trained, but I'm thinking the stroller may be safer anyway since there are some loose dogs in the neighborhood that even I'm a bit afraid of.

I can just see it now: you strolling along with you cats in the buggy and one of those lose dogs you're afraid of approaches. You won't be able to stop the dog, it will do anything it can to get at the cats. They're outside, unprotected (you didn't think that little buggy thing would really keep them safe, did you?), they will freak out. The dog will have them because they're trapped inside a soft container. Keep your cats safe...at home!
I've seen it happen...

It's going to take one hell of a dog to overpower a 6' tall girl with a baseball bat.
And, yes, I do think they're made pretty darn sturdy even if I couldn't fell the beast. I mean, you've got me thinking of Cujo or the Hound of the Baskervilles here. lol

DebG2006

Cats aren't designed to be walked. Should have got a dog.

However, I think most indoor cats would enjoy being taken for a person-drive. They can see all sorts of things they yearn to kill.

It's a long, heartbreaking story but I had to get rid of my dog after a family split. In my teens, my mom permitted me a cat as they were lower maintenance in the cleanup department. How I ended up getting a brother and sister cat is also a long story.

Anyway, my cats pee in the car 80% of the time so now I have to plan according. Not going to lie, I considered fashioning diapers. It's the speed of the car and all the loud noises. (Again, some cats love car rides. Go figure!) But I know they'll handle the stroller okay, especially after the first few times when they figure out I'm not taking them to their doom.
[/quote

When I got my pet stroller I took my dog for rides around the house. If I was using the computer my dog was in the stroller next to me. Same procedure if I was watching TV.

taytaylynn3

I've tried taking my babies(cats) on walk so many times and they just lay down. I want to walk with them.

dittmarml

However, I think most indoor cats would enjoy being taken for a person-drive. They can see all sorts of things they yearn to kill.

^^^This. Though, they may decide to ditch the stroller and just do the kill.

(Love the Weeping Angel, BTW)

ExplorinLauren

That is so adorable. I will definitely need to be seeing photos of that. It almost makes me wish I could walk my rats..

You don't "walk" cats.

You can do anything if you believe in yourself

Yes you can.. but you can't walk cats because you believe in walking yourself. The idea seems ludicrous to me.

darrcn5

OP, I used to have a cat stroller. My cats love to go outside, but after one got lost, they are not allowed to free roam. They LOVED the cat stroller. Anything where they can be outside is okay with them. I have tried the cat leash too, and that didn't work so well. They didn't like the idea that someone else was controlling them. Of course!

My neighbor on the other hand walks her cat nightly on a leash. She said she has been doing it since he was a kitten.

laserturkey

I could try to put my cat in a backpack. . . ONCE.

rhonniema

:laugh:

I would love to see a cat on a leash actually.

pen_thief

:laugh:

I would love to see a cat on a leash actually.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcCvXr2jAco&feature=fvwrel

It's more of a "meander," as pointed out in the comments. lol!

Haylz_ish

Love it! Need photos!!

Here is my manx cat outside on a leash (and yes it is the breed of cat with a short tail he hasn't been docked or anything lol)

paleirishmother

My cats would growl and hiss while ripping holes in the stroller with their fangs until they clawed their way out. The would then spray urine on the stroller and take off into the wild.

I'd imagine, anyway.

Firephoenix013

One, if a cat wants to walk with you, it will. If it doesn't, it won't.
Two, cats on leashes....not a great idea. It can be done but not a good idea.
Three.............really? Do you honestly think this is a good idea? Especially for the animals? I had a cat who had never been outside, she accidentally walked out the front door one day (we were moving furniture and she just walked right out not knowing what she had done) and she literally froze on the porch and had one hell of a panic attack. Was not fun.

pen_thief

OP, I used to have a cat stroller. My cats love to go outside, but after one got lost, they are not allowed to free roam. They LOVED the cat stroller. Anything where they can be outside is okay with them. I have tried the cat leash too, and that didn't work so well. They didn't like the idea that someone else was controlling them. Of course!

My neighbor on the other hand walks her cat nightly on a leash. She said she has been doing it since he was a kitten.

I know some people have had luck with the leash/walking thing. It's probably as rare as finding a cat who likes water :P
And I hope my cats will love their stroller as much as yours did!

jofjltncb6

Cat people make me uneasy.

srp2011

um.....

why can't you leave the cats at home and go for a walk without them?

just asking.

Dog owners get to enjoy taking their dogs for walks. Cat owners often lament their lack of being able to do this. Seeing how my cats stare out the window, yearning for an adventure, I figure this will kill two birds with one stone. I get my exercise, and the cats get to see the outdoors.

Seriously, you ought to see the way they try to run outside as soon as the door is opened. Only regret is not getting one for them sooner.

Keep us updated on how the stroller works - I have one cat who would love to go outside, but the one time I tried him on a leash, he slipped out of it - luckily I caught him (he's declawed - adopted from a recue that way so I can't take chances with him), but he tries to escape out the door and loves the balcony, so I might try a stroller. Where did you get it?

Feisty_Red

I actually thought this was gonna be a joke thread? :laugh: Wow..your cat is gonna yack on your favorite pair of shoes if you make it walk with you.. heh

tajour

MFP will now need to add a new activity:

Walking, 0.2 mph, meandering pace, walking cat

ExplorinLauren

MFP will now need to add a new activity:

Walking, 0.2 mph, meandering pace, walking cat

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :drinker:

LastMinuteMama

MFP will now need to add a new activity:

Walking, 0.2 mph, meandering pace, walking cat

^ Awesome!

polarlove

next time someone calls me a crazy cat lady, I'm referring them to this thread... :laugh:

pen_thief

One, if a cat wants to walk with you, it will. If it doesn't, it won't.
Two, cats on leashes....not a great idea. It can be done but not a good idea.
Three.............really? Do you honestly think this is a good idea? Especially for the animals? I had a cat who had never been outside, she accidentally walked out the front door one day (we were moving furniture and she just walked right out not knowing what she had done) and she literally froze on the porch and had one hell of a panic attack. Was not fun.

If my cats showed signs of a panic attack I would give up on the idea. They actually love being outdoors like the girl's cat above. As far as leashes go, I only use those for an occasional "meander" about the yard.

And you could apply your first point to dogs too, I'd think.

On an amusing note, every time my cats see me get out their collars and leashes, they get excited and run up to me in a hurry because they know they're going to get to go outside for a bit. So maybe that counts as wanting to participate.

MoreBean13

This cannot be a serious post. This CANNOT be a serious post. THIS CANNOT BE A SERIOUS POST!

pen_thief

um.....

why can't you leave the cats at home and go for a walk without them?

just asking.

Dog owners get to enjoy taking their dogs for walks. Cat owners often lament their lack of being able to do this. Seeing how my cats stare out the window, yearning for an adventure, I figure this will kill two birds with one stone. I get my exercise, and the cats get to see the outdoors.

Seriously, you ought to see the way they try to run outside as soon as the door is opened. Only regret is not getting one for them sooner.

Keep us updated on how the stroller works - I have one cat who would love to go outside, but the one time I tried him on a leash, he slipped out of it - luckily I caught him (he's declawed - adopted from a recue that way so I can't take chances with him), but he tries to escape out the door and loves the balcony, so I might try a stroller. Where did you get it?

Amazon sells several models

jenhaze

I think it's a fantastic idea and I would love to put my cat in a stroller for a walk. Excited to see how well it goes.

KittenKittyKitteh

Tony Danza absolutely loves going to the park. We recently explored Petco where he got to see mice, birds, and guinea pigs. Once we got the harness, it took him about a week to warm up to it. We never drag him or force him to go. He loves the car too!