Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I work a lot and my neighbors have two retrievers right next door, so my cats don't get to go outside much. As a result, I feel like my cats don't get enough exercise. I have two harnesses and leashes, but my cats are in the adolescent stage and they are afraid of straying too far from the yard. I tried to lure them out a little further with their favorite toy, but they were wary of all the cars and noises. I wouldn't force them to do anything, however I would really like to take them for walks. Any suggestions?

Are they pretty accustomed to the harnesses? You may want to keep them on them for a while in the house so they get the feel for them. You also may want to walk them around in the house in a safe environment to get them used to the feel of being "walked". Then I'd suspect short walks around the yard until they are comfortable to venture out more. It may take a while, but they should get used to it... Are the neighbors dogs contained or free roaming. You will have to be careful walking them for dogs that may rush. It might be best to walk one at a time so you can snatch them up if a dog comes rushing up... I'd only walk them if I had a fairly "safe" path that I knew dogs usually aren't on...
-----
Tammy
Stanley and Pookey

Ditto on the dog caution!!!

Romes was leashed trained (it was a law where I lived at the time) - it took awhile. We started small; I'd sit on the front step with the door open behind me and let him come out as he pleased. Eventually he decided he "owned" the front yard, dragging me here there and everywhere. we were rushed by a dog a couple of times, it's not fun.

I use to see a woman who walked a cat on a popular jogging and bike path here, but her cat was the brassiest thing I've ever seen; he'd out swaggered any high school football player. We stuck with the yard.

Just be careful to be very consistant. They get out once without the harness, they will be bolting out the door. They have to believe leash means outside time.

Good luck!
Elizabeth

Yes I've left the harnesses on for a couple days now and they seem to be used to them. Dogs next are fenced in the back, but they would have no problem jumping it if they really wanted to. Thanks for your advise!

Hi,

First of all, your cats don't absolutely have to go outside. It's ok if you want to take them out on leashes, but let them decide where they want to go. It is a GOOD thing that they want to keep away from traffic and the noises of the street. Cats that go outside and enjoy it, often try to sneak out and the last thing you want is for your cats to head straight for the street.

I have had leash trained cats, and it's fun taking them out, but I have always let them lead and go where they are comfortable. It's much safer that way.

Regards,
PHKitkat

They all ready love to go outside, but I worry about them being out there alone, thats why I want to take them out myself.
That way they can get there fill of the outside, and still be safe.
Thanks for the advise!

I think it's a good thing that they're wary of cars and noises. What about just playing with them for about a half hour every day with a toy to get exercise? I'd rather my cats just stay inside, otherwise you could create cats who meow and pester to go outside when they feel like it at hours you don't appreciate.
staffordmom

Well, I could do that, but I also feel that they should kinda know their way around so if they ever got out without my knowledge, they would know the neighborhood. Better. But if they absolutely hate the walking idea, then I will follow your example, Thank You!