Free Roaming Cat Walks
March 27, 2009 by Peggy Rowland
Filed under Pets
I have to admit that even though I’d never let my kitty wander around outside, I do enjoy watching beautiful cats play in the grass or chase a bug.
A few days ago I looked out my window into a common, grassy area of my apartment complex. It has a nice pond graced with plenty of ducks, geese and turtles. I sometimes see community cats who live between my apartment complex and the nursing home next door. I’ve identified four of them so far, but this post is about something else very intriguing I observed.
Outside my window I spotted a woman walking her dachshund. Nothing unusual. Then, along came an orange cat that wasn’t afraid of the dachshund. It kept ducking behind bushes and then running up to the dog. I didn’t get the connection at first, but later I saw the woman pick up the orange cat. She was letting her cat free-roam outside with her, something I’ve never seen at an apartment complex before.
Yesterday, I saw yet another cat I didn’t recognize as a regular. This was a long-haired dark gray cat, pictured above. I saw it walk up to the pond and take a drink. And, there she was — a different woman was walking alongside her cat as it explored the great outdoors. There were no leashes involved in either of these instances. Since we’re talking about a common area 
that’s not fenced in and is also close a busy road, this is like someone talking their cat to the park to walk.
I can only guess that these cats used to roam around in a backyard somewhere and they’re trusted not to flee. Would I do that with my cat? No way! I think he would bolt or be attacked by a goose. I used to let my cat walk on a leash in my fenced-in backyard when I had a house, but even that got me nervous.
If you do let your cat outdoors for brief periods, here are some safety rules to follow:
• Make sure your cat is wearing a collar, even if the pet has a chip or tattoo.
• Mention to your vet that you allow your cat outdoors. Additional vaccines and flea/tick medicine could be in order.
• Spay or neuter your cat to prevent any accidents.
• Utilize an enclosed area or a leash to keep your cat safe from pet theft and other dangers. I don’t recommend the free roaming I described above. Cats can run away too quickly.
It can be difficult to deny your cat free access to the great outdoors, but you may be able to keep your friend longer that way. On average, cats allowed to roam freely outside live only 2-3 years. Indoor-only cats live closer to 15 or more years.
Have you observed anyone taking a cat for a walk without a leash?
(Images by Peggy Rowland except for white cat image via flickr.)
I love watching kitties play outside, but like you it is rare to see them with someone. I’ve seen tons of strays but it isn’t very common where I am to see a cat outside walking with the owner. I have seen a cat on a leash but that is normally in movies, I’ve never seen it in real life. Great tips.
Hi Eliza, I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks it’s unusual. Of course, if you have an outside only cat in the country, it’s normal! I did that growing up.
My neighbor here in Palo Alto says she used to walk the cat without a leash. TO me it makes perfect sense. My kittens are very attacehd to me and hate any kind of noisy thing. So I might try it. I did buy a leash however and will try it for a while.
Doris
1 cat kills 1.8 million law protected song birds in 1 year, be a responsible cat owner and keep your cat inside to protect your cats and wildlife. A domesticated cat kills for sport, catches bird tortures it plays with it then walks away from it while it lays dying, a cat unbalances our eco system.