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I'm a newbie here and just registered a couple weeks ago.
I'm so, so glad that I can write a new thread now !!
anyways,
I have three cats and two of them have a problem.
I have adopted them when they were 1 month and 2 weeks old,
and they're now 8 month-old. (they're a brother and sister)
I bought cute and comfy harnesses and everything, and have tried to walk my cats
when it gets quiet outside after dinner. They were fine at first,
but when every time they hear 'beeping' sounds of vehicles like
cars, motorcycles - you know the sound the car key makes when
you click it to open and close the door. - they get all worked up and scratch my legs.
They don't get frightened at other things, but those beeping sounds
(except for cell phones), make them go crazy.
I want to stroll along the streets and the beach nearby, but it just
sounds ridiculous to me now.
Has anyone experienced this? How can I calm down my two kitties?
While I do think it's great for some cats to take a leashed walk outside, it's not something mandatory for a cat's well being especially if the cat doesn't like it. It always comes down to setting the priority I ask myself: is it something that I want to do or is it something the cat would enjoy doing.
For a number of reasons being on a leash changes the state of mind of the animal. My sister's beagle couldn't care less about certain things when he's not on a lead or leash, but as soon as that confinement occurs (because that's what it is) his self-confidence disappears and he becomes a barking nut feeling that anything like another dog or a car approaching or leaves falling off trees are dangers and his confinement removes any chance of fleeing from danger.
It can be the same thing with cats, and more so because they all tend to first choose flight over fight and a leash removes that choice. That's why a cat might calmly sit in a window and watch noisy traffic go by, but put that cat on a leash and take him outside, and his whole demeanor changes. Nature tells him to always be alert and know his escape route, but a leash defies nature.
But someone who's determined to leash walk a cat could try some desensitizing to sounds while within the safety zone of inside the house. You could "practice" being leash walked within the house over and over so perhaps the cats could possibly (no guarantee) get used to the confinement. It takes a lot of work, time, and patience, and won't always have a 100% positive outcome. There's a specific very-involved process to desensitizing through behavior modification using positive reinforcement, but what needs to be remembered is that the goal is to change the cat and for whose benefit?
I agree with catsmom21 and Threestep.
All that being said, and hopefully not taken the wrong way!, welcome to city-data katherinep1225! I can sometimes be too opinionated - upfront apology - but it's because I am passionate about certain things, so just take what I write with that in mind!
Nope, the cats do not have a problem! They clearly know what they like, and more importantly, what they do NOT like. They DO NOT LIKE strolling outside. So don't make them. Keep them inside. That will keep them calm (and happier).
I have 2 cats, and one likes to do a walk about in the yard once in a blue moon. The other has zero interest. She will lounge by the screen door all day long, chirp at birds, bat at bugs, etc., but the minute the door is opened, she backs way up and wants nothing to do with the great outdoors. So WHY would I torture her and make her go outside when she clearly has no interest?
thanks for your advice, everyone.
my two cats love walking outside when it's quite. they are playful and look pleased.
And they strangely love sandy beach, and that is why i love to take them outside.
maybe I should walk them outside when it is all quite like midnight or something.
thanks for your advice, everyone.
my two cats love walking outside when it's quite. they are playful and look pleased.
And they strangely love sandy beach, and that is why i love to take them outside.
maybe I should walk them outside when it is all quite like midnight or something.
thanks for the advice again.
Truly if they honestly don't mind the harnesses and leashes and it's just the hustle and bustle of our noisy world that bothers them, then by all means give them the opportunity to enjoy themselves when most of the world has finally shut up. If after dark is a safe time for a walk, their nocturnal instincts might kick in (all their senses would be enhanced) which could be even more pleasurable to them. Their body language, especially their tails, will tell you what they're thinking.
Find something(maybe a you tube clip) of the noise that bothers them and play it while they are inside. Just at random times. Reward them with super tasty treats(probably canned tuna or chicken, or cat treats if they like them) when they are calm around it.
They should get used to sounds while inside and comfortable, and with treats, then you can take them out.
I'm not sure why the other posters jumped on you. Being outside is important for cats if they enjoy it; the sunshine, fresh air, grass, and new smells. You are doing it the *right* way with a leash rather than just letting them out to roam(which we all know isn't a good thing). All of our cats at my moms house have access to an enclosed yard, which they spend most of their time in if the weather is nice.
Find something(maybe a you tube clip) of the noise that bothers them and play it while they are inside. Just at random times. Reward them with super tasty treats(probably canned tuna or chicken, or cat treats if they like them) when they are calm around it.
They should get used to sounds while inside and comfortable, and with treats, then you can take them out.
I'm not sure why the other posters jumped on you. Being outside is important for cats if they enjoy it; the sunshine, fresh air, grass, and new smells. You are doing it the *right* way with a leash rather than just letting them out to roam(which we all know isn't a good thing). All of our cats at my moms house have access to an enclosed yard, which they spend most of their time in if the weather is nice.
kaelti12 ... it wasn't so much about taking strolls, but the fact that the cats did not apparently like it. That was the issue. So, I wasn't jumping all over the OP about cats taking walks. I know a number of cats who love going outside (supervised), and I also know many who despise it. It is not up to the human on the other end of the leash to make the decision - it's the cat's.
Find something(maybe a you tube clip) of the noise that bothers them and play it while they are inside. Just at random times. Reward them with super tasty treats(probably canned tuna or chicken, or cat treats if they like them) when they are calm around it.
Actually, my older sister suggested this a couple days ago.
So I found some videoclips from youtube that have car sounds.
At first they seemed to get a bit frightened, but I was sitting next to them and tried to calm them
with fuzzy toys and tuna cans. After a few seconds, they acted normal and fine.
I didn't try to take them outside yet - I think they need to get used to these sounds for more than just a few days anyways, thanks for your advice too!!
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