Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.
Most of the pet owners in my neighborhood have dogs, and although I’ve seen a few cats roaming around outside, I’ve never been lucky enough to meet anyone using a cat stroller. Cat walkers with harnesses have become more acceptable, but some owners may be self-conscious about carting their cats around in a stroller.
Being unusual, some may not want to be called “the weird neighbor who pampers their cat like a baby.” I have no problem with practice, but it is unlikely to catch. I don’t know many cats, including Olga, who can sit calmly in a baby stroller on a long walk. Unlike babies, they can jump out of it and escape.
Cats With Mobility Issues
Energetic cats aren’t the best test subjects for baby strollers, but those with mobility issues or other health conditions will likely want to ride around the neighborhood. When I was treating my Siamese cat for kidney disease, I never let him go out on his own, but he would have enjoyed walking in the stroller if I had had the courage to try it. When he is healthy, however, he jumps up and runs away.
Olga’s View of the Great Outdoors
Olga is not as hyper as my Siamese, but she is no couch potato. He enjoys running around the house, ripping off the blinds, jumping on the back of my chair to surprise me, and dribbling his paper soccer balls.
He never tried to venture outside because he was afraid of the unknown. He loves watching the birds and lizards in my backyard but retreats if I open the door. Earlier I hugged him and walked outside, he cried and scratched me.
I took him outside once when it snowed, which is rare in my area, and he was terrified. He jumped from my arms into the snow, ran behind the door, and screamed. He’s not fascinated by the snow or happy to be out of his comfort zone. Before I adopted him, I assumed that most cats like to be outside and I didn’t want to be cooped up indoors.
The Guilt From Keeping Cats Indoors
I still feel guilty that I didn’t let my other cat roam, but I stayed in a busy place, and she might not have lived more than 19 years if she had been an outdoor cat. I have a fenced yard and live in a quiet place now, but Olga is not ready to play outside.
I’ve read about owners training their older indoor cats to use a harness for walks, and I’d like to try it with Olga at some point. I’m not worried about him getting enough exercise inside, but he needs to experience the fresh air and all the sights, sounds, and smells that other animals are left with.
Getting him to wear the harness would probably require months of training and lots of antiseptic to treat my wounds. I’m willing to stop by to make her happy, but I’m not ready to be the neighborhood weirdo who shows up with her cat in a baby stroller.
