More Cat Tales

Once we brought Tigger into the house, we decided his outdoor roaming days were done. Not really worried about him running away because he knows where his next meal is coming from. It was more because we didn’t want him catching and eating anything outside. We had to treat him for stuff he picked up while living outside so being indoors is a safer option.

When I woke up the other day to a coyote sleeping near our house, it just reinforced this was the right decision. Not that we would let him stay outside all night but it was enough to show that there are dangers outside. 

But we can see that the great outdoors still calls to him. He loves open windows which we haven’t done in a bit because it is still winter. When I have to open the front door to get a package or let someone in, he generally tries to see if he can slip by us. He hasn’t yet but it does mean we have to be more careful when opening the doors. 

So we decided that we’d try getting a harness and leash. That way we could give him some time outside but that it would be supervised and he couldn’t run away from us if he saw a bird or a chipmunk that looked tasty. As with all things pets, there are way too many options and they all show happy cats wearing their get up and enjoying the great outdoors.

Reality is a bit different. I suspect some cats take to it right away, some may need some time to adjust and others are just “Oh HELL NO” right from the start. At least Tigger didn’t seem to fall into the last category but he clearly wasn’t thrilled about it so we’re going to be putting it on him for short periods of time for the next couple of days to see if he gets used to it.

The good thing is he didn’t attempt to scratch me to death while I was putting it on and fastening the clips. He does tend to be somewhat accepting of things being done to him. Except brushing. The brush is a mortal enemy that must be defeated at all costs. But he just kind of flopped over and let me hook up the harness.

But he wouldn’t walk with it on. I took him out on the little deck outside our bedroom. Its off the ground and safe because there is nowhere to go but down and I don’t think he’s that much of a daredevil. He seemed to enjoy the fresh air but had no interest in doing anything more than just sitting there.

Then we took the harness off and he turned on Wild Cat Mode and just started zooming around the room and jumping and off our bed. In this mode, attempting to pet him carries the very real possibility of an attack so we just let him run around and expend his pent up energy. 

So we’ll see how it goes. It may not ever work and he may have to just be satisfied with open windows. But maybe we’ll be able to get him out in the yard when the weather gets nicer.