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June 24, 2008
That's not natural
Around the neighborhood lately, I've seen a guy *walking* his cat, and the cat is on a leash. I have never seen such a thing! The cat, for his part, looks pretty pissed off that he has to be on a leash.
The whole thing seems so strange. Does the cat want fresh air? Isn't there a way for a cat to get fresh air that doesn't involve putting him on a leash? For example, one great way to give a cat the feeling of being outside is by opening a window. They can smell the air, look at other animals, and feel the breeze. The downside, of course, is that the cat isn't actually outside and has outside envy.
Alternatively, maybe he was walking the cat because it had to go to the bathroom. However, what kind of cat doesn't know how to use a litter box? I think another problem is that most cats are bashful, and unlike dogs, won't drop a deuce if you're watching.
Maybe he was walking the cat for exercise. This makes the most sense to me. Cats are pretty sedentary, and only do as much work as they have to. Even my old cat, Sam, would get up in the morning, catch some mice for breakfast and then spend the rest of the day sleeping until he was hungry again. No wonder he weighed twenty pounds. I mean, he was a brutal murderer when he wanted to be, but he didn't much care for frivolous exercise. He was like Babe Ruth in that respect.
Overall, I don't know why this guy takes his cat for walks. Clearly he can't let the cat run around the neighborhood unfettered, as he will most likely get hit by a car or into a fight with a giant rat. I will, however, have to question the wisdom of doing such a thing. If any other cats see him on that leash, it's curtains: that cat has to be so embarrassed to be seen on a leash. The cat even looks embarrassed every time I walk by, because he knows everyone is laughing at his leash.
I bet if that cat had to choose, it'd prefer to stay at home than get walked around on a leash.
entry no. 1171
Posted at June 24, 2008 10:43 AM
Comments
I had a college professor who walked her cat. It actually liked it.
Some people walk their cats because they want them to experience things, just like a dog or a child.
My cat would under no circumstance walk on a leash. All he does is sleep and wait to be rubbed on. He's going to get fat, I can see it!
Posted by: Candi at June 24, 2008 03:31 PM