Is it safe for me to take my indoor cats on a walk with a leash?
Oct.14, 2011 in
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I have two lovely indoor cats that I just started taking out for mini walks (like…15 minutes) in the park with a leash and harness.
I’m not too worried about fleas and ticks since I live in CO and the grass where I’m taking them is very short…but is there anything else I should be worried about? Worms or anything? Should I pat them down with some kind of flea/tick powder or something? I don’t want to make them wear a flea collar as they’ve never worn anything like that before.
It’s only maybe 2 – 3 times a week that I’d like to take them outside with me…just to get them outside. 
It’s not like I’d let them run around outside to places that aren’t safe.
Anyone have experience with this?
October 18th, 2011 at 11:36 pm
Sure it’s safe if they are on a leash and with you at all times. You will still have to worry about fleas and ticks even living in Co. I recommend using Revolution, it protects against fleas, heartworms, hookworms, roundworms and ear mites. It is a topical medication that you get from a vet, it goes on the back of the neck b/t the shoulder blades. This medication is applied once a month. Your biggest worry will be the cat getting worms from the soil or getting heartworms from mosquitoes. Please don’t use any over the counter medications for fleas b/c some of them can actually kill your cat. Hope this helps!
I’m a Licensed Veterinary Technician
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October 22nd, 2011 at 2:36 pm
You may only want to walk your cat in the park at certain times, and see when there are dogs likely to not be present. You do not want your cat spooked, or attacked. And not everyone who walks their dog uses a leash, nor do some have their dog under control at all times.
Ticks are less likely unless one wanders into tall grass or weeds. Fleas can be anywhere. Using a flea comb on them will determine if they develop a problem.
As you may know, a figure 8 harness is the safest.
Long ago, I decided to see if my indoor cats would like to be in my yard, so I got a figure 8 harness for them. They showed absolutely no interest in being outside. They plopped down, and hardly moved. So if your cats like being on a short walk, good for you.
I’m a Licensed Veterinary Technician
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October 25th, 2011 at 1:36 pm
It is totally safe to take a cat on a walk as long as you put in some extra effort. I would suggest getting a leash and harness for your cat over just a leash. The harness goes around your cat’s upper body. This keeps a better hold on your cat and prevents any accidental strangling of the leash on collar action or from your cat running off in the chance the collar comes undone.
I’d also suggest take a walk on the route before you take your cat out. This will give you a heads up of any outside/fenced in dogs or other animals/situations your cat may find frightening. Better to be safe than sorry later if my motto.
http://www.catchannel.com/experts/marilyn-krieger/is-it-safe-to-walk-my-cat.aspx
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October 28th, 2011 at 2:36 am
My cats LOVE to be taken out on a leash. I put both of mine in those harnesses since they are not used to collars. You get it out and they come running. One actually walks around (like a dog) the other just knows that it means they are going to get to go outside and roll around in the grass. I keep all our shots up on them, and check them for anything before bringing them inside. One of my cats seems to attract those tiny fur balls. I see nothing wrong with taking them out on a leash, I would never let them roam around alone but I agree a little outside time makes them very happy.
Beau and Gizmo can never wait to go outside.
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