Walking the Cat - recommended?

Question

I have a cat named Katie who is approximately 7 years old. (I got her from a friend who was moving, so her exact age and medical history are lost to me.) For all intents and purposes, she's a very mellow cat who's content with snuggling next to me and visitors. The problem? She's TOO mellow. She's not extremely overweight, but she is on the chubby side, and she's not very interested in most methods of play. (She's terrified of paper/plastic bags, turns her nose up at balls, etc.) I've reduced the amount of food I give her, but I know she needs exercise. What if I was to try walking her around my apartment parking lot? (It's a small lot, usually with only 4 cars max at any time)

Answer 1

She is too old to be trained to walk on a leash. Go to a pet store and get one of those toys that make cats jump. Also put her on a low calorie cat food. Check with your vet for the right brand. Iam's and Science both have them. If she's not terribly overweight, just leave her alone. She is happy and contented. Why upset her routine?

Answer 2

A 7 y/o cat who has never been on a walk will absolutely not go on a walk. She will either cower at the door or lay on the ground, dead weight and let you drag her.

Do you "free feed"? Meaning is food out all the time? Try feeding her about 1/4 cup twice a day. You could also invest in one of those carpeted playgrounds from the pet store. She might have fun climbing all over it (then again, it might be a total loss). Does your vet think she's over weight? If not, I wouldn't worry too much-tis the life of a cat. Most older cats (especially female) aren't very playful.

Answer 3

OOOOh I'd love to be this cat !

Bags - very spooky things for cats. One of ours got it's back leg stuck in  the handle of a plastic bag. Ever seen a cat do the wall of death without a motorcycle? - quite amazing. The wallpaper still has the clawmarks. We just stared in disbelief .

To be honest - Feed her less - and kick her out on fine days.

This is not being cruel - it's just showing her there is an outside world.

If you are afraid katie becoming ka__________tie, then get into a regular routine of walks outside, but a harness is better than a collar - and don't take her off it.  

Answer 4

probablly not. if it was a kitten than you could've trained it to walk on a leash but its probablly to old now.

Answer 5

Yes, you can walk your cat.  With a mature girl like Katie, it may take some time though.  First, buy a harness at any pet store that will fit Katie now and is adjustable.  Put the harness on Katie indoors.  See how she reacts.  Most likely, she will fall over, writhing in "pain."  For about two weeks, put the harness on Katie.  Then take Katie, with her harness on, to the porch...but only for a few minutes.  Katie's still dealing with the contrapment on her.  Hopefully soon, her curiosity will take over and she'll want to explore.        

Good Luck and watch for other pets, mostly dogs.  If Katie gets scared in the early stages, she'll never go out again and blame you forever!

If you and Katie decide Katie is NOT going to cooperate, many cats are laid back and that's OK.  Just keep up with her diet as you have been doing.  

If you still want to do something and have the time, you could offer to socialize cats at your local shelter.  You can bring one home for a few weeks.  By introducing another cat, Katie can learn to get along (playmate?) without losing her throne.  Check with her previous owner (if you can) on how Katie does with other cats.