Our cat is back!

I tried the leash and harness on my cat. One time I had to drag him. I'm used to dogs, so I thought he would walk behind me. Turns out he tried not to follow me and ended up skinning all 4 paws on concrete! Poor baby.

Then someone suggested I let him lead, so I tried that. I put him in the grass. He plopped down and refused to move for a few minutes. Then went to try to get back inside. I guess because he's always been an indoor cat, he doesn't like the outdoors.

Yes, the harness/leash arrangement needs to be done gently, gently. They might need lots of time and patience shown before they totally adapt to it. Cats are generally unhappy when they are inhibited by anything. They also feel very vulnerable when that harness is on---they're thinking "escape plans", pretty much always. So they don't want to be slowed down by anything. But even our little wildcat got used to it.

We don't try to take him for walks on it; that would never happen. But it's there to keep him from giving too much power to his uncontrollable urges. And he's always got the collar on when he's outside as well, in case he escapes; and that's to let people know he's a beloved pet.

The garage visits and the hanging out in the bedroom have become much-appreciated privileges for boy kitty, and he knows he has to be a good boy for them to happen. It's also created quite a strong bond between husband and boy kitty.

Sammy is neutered. Actually we do have a security system, so I know from the cameras that Sammy is coming up to the porch. Yesterday the front doorbell chimed to let us know that something was happening on the front porch. When I looked out the window, Sammy was scarfing down his food. He's really been more of an outside cat once he discovered there was an interesting outside. He was found behind a Food Lion (grocery store) when he was a kitten and adopted by a family--and we later got him when the family passed him on to one of our sons.

Caroline is now on the back porch, so Sammy could take advantage of that.....

Thanks for all your thoughts. Sammy is an old cat and used to his ways, I think. We have have two covered porches, a carport, and even a gazebo, where he could stay out of the bad weather.

It does sound like you care very much for your kitties, both of them.

We had to sign off on actual legal adoption documents (things are different here in Canada) that in adopting our two cats, who were a bonded pair, that they would always remain indoor cats. I think the Humane Societies and cat shelters have the stats on cats going outside, and husband worked for the local SPCA for a number of years. So we can't rationalize going back on our word, nor forget what we know, and what I've personally experienced.

I've tragically lost three cats (under very different and uncontrollable circumstances, except for one, for which I can never forgive myself) by letting them go outside. I will probably never get over them, although these events happened years ago. So, I've made a commitment ever since to always keep any cats I own safe and inside.

Please forgive my zealous advice. Like I said, things have happened to me.

At least Sammy can find some peace of mind if he can head out away from the girl kitty, and be on his own for a bit. And you do sound like a caring and watchful cat parent.

I am glad Sammy came back.

Thanks. Yes, I think a lot of my kitties--and my dog. I looked out on the front porch earlier tonight and a cat I'd never seen before was digging into Sammy's food. I clapped my hands and it ran off.

Oh, well. I'm sure my cats have eaten other cats' food, since they roam around the neighborhood.....

Trav, did you see the story in the news about the kitty taken to the vet after he did not eat for three days? Lots of $$ and an ultrasound to discover he had a tummy full of the neighbor kitty's food!

Lol 😂

My guy has a harness for trips outside. He seems to tolerate it well. But now that he doesn’t go anywhere except the vet he seems to dislike it a bit more. He has zero interest in going outside but does like car rides. I used to drive back and forth between Texas and Minnesota. He was a terrific passenger. I secured his lease to the seat belt put his litter box on the floor, his carrier secured his carrier to the back seat and put water on the other side. He could roam the back seat but not reach me in the drivers seat. He’d spent most of the ride in his carrier or in the back window. Sleeping 💤. In all those trips he never ate until we’d stop for the night. In the last 5 years the only reason he’s gone out is to the vet. So he’s more reluctant but tolerant of his harness. He won’t however wear a collar. I figure if something happens people will know he has a home because of his harness, plus it makes it easier for the vets to hold him without having to grab him. He loves being petted and sitting on laps but not being held.

No, I missed that! We should keep that in mind when our cats are sometimes outside. Maybe the cat liked the neighbor's kitty food better. I know my Caroline is very picky about what she eats. She's into Temptations Kitty treats and gets perturbed if they aren't in her bowl.....

Thanks for sharing, liz.

Sounds like you have cat travel down to a science! It's interesting how cats are so different.

Sammy came into the house early this morning. All of his porch cat food was gone. He announced his arrival by meowing a lot. Caroline, who was sleeping at my feet, woke up, but she didn't attack Sammy or even react at all. Sammy hid under the bed and came out to eat the cat food in our bedroom after Caroline left.... (I could hear him crunching the cat food that Caroline doesn't eat.)