The golden rules for taking your cat anywhere with you safely

For six years I have been living my best love story with Mamour, an incredibly stubborn Bengal cat weighing seven kilos. My furry beast has always had an adventurous temperament, an immense need to expend its energy and also to conquer the world! Unfortunately, I can only offer you a modest apartment lifeso in the face of his increasingly insistent pleas to remove the truffle, I ended up giving in to the whims of my wonder with regular outdoor leash expeditions. One password: safety!

Beware, not all cats are made to walk on a leash. Before embarking on this experiment, you need to take into account the character of your feline. If he has a fearful temperament, a walk outdoors could turn into a disaster. But if, on the contrary, like Mamour, he is curious, daring – unfortunately sometimes reckless – new horizons can open up for him. Sylvia Masson, MD, specializing in pet behavior medicineremember that it should only be done if the cat asks for it and not to force him to take walks he does not want:

“As a cat behavior veterinarian, people often bring me cats with behavioral problems wondering if they would be better off if they came out… well, no. It is not because the cat has no access to the outside that people are bad owners. There is a way the cat is already satisfied despite not going out. And conversely, cats that have access to the outside at home are not necessarily well. “

The equipment to take your cat-adventurer for a walk safely

Since she was three months old, I’ve gotten used to my hyperactive feline put on a harness and walk beside me. Mamour did not express reluctance, too happy to try this new experience. But all cats are unique … And some are horrified to wear a harness. A single technique? Try it gradually and observe the reactions of your hairball.

Harness + light leash = the safe combination

To bring your cat on a leash, better to prefer a harness because the leash attachment is at shoulder blade level and makes it much more comfortable and safe to wear. The collar is absolutely banned: it can slip over your pet’s head, get stuck on a branch and strangle your cat. If you have a bad encounter and your feline gets scared, you risk seeing him run away, terribly helpless in the face of his escape.

You will find many harnesses on the market to suit all sizes. If your cat is particularly large, you can choose equipment intended for small dogs. As for the leash, a thin and light one will make it easier for your pet to move around and will suffice in the beginning. But if during the walks you feel that you can opt for a retractable leashkeep in mind that you will have to fully master its operation to lock it and shorten it quickly in case of danger.

Well, finding the perfect size for your cat’s harness can be a bit difficult … But websites specify the measurements that correspond to the sizes: take the tape measure and measure your cat’s ribcage. I offer you a small selection of harnesses, which I have tried on Mamour, and which I find relatively safe. However, this represents a certain budget because the harnesses stretch, wear out quickly, and it’s best to change them regularly.

How to get your cat used to the harness and leash?

First step before the walk: accustom the cat to the harness and leash gradually and in its usual environment. You can start by having your cat wear the harness for a few minutes each day at home. Suppressed, “it is essential to associate the harness with a positive action”, recommends the doctor in the vet. Offer him treats or play with him, for example. You can also try wearing it just before the meal, because while eating it will gradually forget its super gear.

When your cat has adjusted to wearing the harness, you can add the leash. Start by taking your feline around the house, letting him go as he pleases. And above all, reward him if he stays calm. Over the days, little by little, and at your pet’s pace, you can impose your directions without tearing on the leash. And for each task its reward: give her some sweets after each session. If your cat accepts it, these training moments will soon become great entertainment for your pet, who will never stop asking for more. (And for you too!)

To return to Mamour, the harness has truly become a symbol of play for him: as soon as he hears we’re leaving, he waits impatiently for me to put it on him. Also, when the weather is good and the gentleman wants to get some air, does not hesitate to open the drawer of my chest of drawers alone and drag me his equipment as best he can … Between cat and harness, there are love stories!

A bag to carry your cat during your walks

During a walk with your cat, even in isolated and quiet places, you are not immune from a bad encounter. You may run into your feline’s congeners, who outside of his comfort zone and his usual smells, can be conquered by nervousness and anxiety. I found the best advice: always carry the Mamour carrying bag with me. The veterinarian and behaviorist also supports this technique for optimal safety:

“It’s a great idea to have a backpack, so you can get your cat to safety at all times if he’s afraid. It is an ideal fallback solution. “

Like a wandering cat, my feline really likes porthole bags and I can assure you that I too have conquered this means of transport. It is much more practical and less bulky than a classic transport case. I present to you a small selection of the best bags, which will transform your cat into a mini cosmonaut. Attention, read the comments carefully before investing in a bag, some cheap products, copied from big brands would trigger allergic problems to some cats.

Vaccines essential for getting your pet out

Your pet’s safety also depends on its health: there are several vaccines to take him to the vet, as well as a parasite treatment before putting out the truffle, as Sylvia Masson points out:

“Even if he doesn’t go out, you have to vaccinate your cat against typhus and coryza. When the cat goes out, it is advisable to have leukosis because as soon as there is possible contact with another cat, this serious virus can be contracted. If you keep it on a leash and there is no direct contact with another cat, you are theoretically not required to vaccinate your cat against leukosis. But I would do it anyway, because it can be in indirect contact with where other cats have roamed. “

What about the rabies vaccine? Currently, in France it is no longer mandatory to vaccinate your pet against rabies if it does not leave metropolitan France. However, the vet recommends doing this:

“Honestly, I think it’s always good to vaccinate your pet against rabies. Because even there he can come into contact with an infected animal and remember that rabies can be transmitted by all mammals.”

If you are planning to travel with your pet outside of France (to Europe or even Corsica), you will be forced to have your partner vaccinated against this deadly disease. Also, you will need to go to your vet to get a passport for your pet. To get it, your cat must also be identified by an electronic chip or a tattoo. And be careful! it takes a few weeks (21 days for a cat) for the vaccine to be effective.

The golden rules for a zero-risk walk

Once your cat is used to the leash, harness, and vaccination, you can finally dive deep. Be careful, for the first walk outside your cat, don’t think too big. Choose a quiet, uncrowded place. Before taking your cat for a walk, give him time to observe and smell his new environment.

If your hairball stands still and refuses to move forward, that’s fine! Sit next to him and caress him tenderly to reassure him. Above all do not force him to do anything, do not pull the leash, this will stress him even more, and the walk could turn into a nightmare. In the beginning, plan outings that do not go beyond fifteen minutes and try to go, the first few times, always in the same place.

Listen to your pet:When he gains confidence, he will let you know and start venturing a little further on his own. Above all, congratulate him with caresses! Gradually, you can increase the duration of your walks … Mamour, six years after his first experiences in nature, can now spend whole days wandering in the forest, or even along the beach with me. Of course, he asks for breaks to rest – damn! – sometimes, and he is happy to take a nap in his backpack for a few minutes, before setting off to explore …

However, if your pet panics, fidgets, struggles, it means that he is not yet ready for this new experience. Take him in your arms, caress him and above all talk to him to reassure him. You can try the experience again another day … And if after several attempts you don’t notice any progress, it’s because the great outdoors aren’t your cup of tea! So ? Couch cats, as they say, have understood everything in life: you are never as comfortable as at home! …

Find my Mamour, on his Instagram account @mamoursking: his specialty? Nonsense at will!

Foreground image: © Mamour X Marie Chéreau