If your cat is unaccustomed to walking on a leash, start by letting it explore in a limited area while you are holding the other end of the leash to keep it from scampering under the brush or up a tree. As it becomes comfortable with the situation, you can broaden your range.
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When you want a pet that can go places with you, you may think of a dog. But a group called Adventure Cats says you can have just as much fun with your feline friend. In fact, they have teamed up with Purina ProPlan to declare June 15th as National “Take Your Cat On An Adventure” Day.
It’s true that cats love to explore, whether outdoors or indoors. Adventure Cats offers ideas for ways to let your pet explore the outside world - safely.
It all starts with a harness. You can find inexpensive ones with a strap around the animal’s neck and another around its chest. More modern versions are often made of a mesh-like material; some even resemble a vest. Whichever you select, be sure it fits your pet properly so that your flexible friend can’t wriggle out of it. And never just attach a leash to a cat’s collar. That can be painful for the animal and dangerous if it manages to escape.
Spend some time letting your cat become accustomed to the harness. Depending on your animal’s age and personality, it may take a while for your friend to get used to it, but patience pays off. And make sure your pet is current on all vaccinations before taking it outdoors.
Once you’re ready, you and your furry friend can go for a walk, or a hike, or go camping, or even travel. If you will be staying overnight, confirm that the facility allows pets, specifically cats.
If your little buddy is just not the outdoorsy type, there are always adventures to be found inside, whether it’s chasing a toy or exploring a new cardboard box. What matters is not which adventure you share but that you’re spending time together having fun.
For more ideas about adventures with cats, visit the website at AdventureCats.org. Or type “MyGreatCatAdventure” into your favorite search engine, and click on the Purina ProPlan link. You can also visit the Facebook page by clicking on this link.
June is Adopt-A-Cat Month – a great time to visit your local animal shelter or rescue group and adopt your own adventuresome feline friend when you’re speaking of pets.
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