Thread: Out walking ...

Dogs are definitely a concern when a cat is tethered in any way. I always carried dog pepper spray when I walked Karma and I nearly always have it when Bella is out in the yard with me now--just in case. Have never had to use it to protect a cat--though only because one dog's owner showed up just as I was about to spray (one of only two dogs in the neighborhood that are cat problems). I decided to carry it because I could never figure out how else I might protect a cat from a large charging dog without risking being injured myself. Don't know what is available elsewhere, but in the US there is a product called Halt! that is pepper spray meant for use on dogs. As I recall, it is 1/100 the strength of pepper spray meant for use on humans. I also carry it on my bike, and have used it dozens of times while biking. Never has taken more than two encounters to have any dog trained to not even attempt to chase me (they don't even bother getting up off the ground). Extremely satisfying to bring a growling, charging German Shepherd to an instant dead halt, lying on the ground pawing at its face! No permanent harm to them, but it certainly does make an impression.

I've been wondering about how to handle dogs - we've got a great place I could take either of mine on the harness and was psyching myself up to give it a go as they love this warm weather. Bit anxious about how to proceed with loose dogs or those on long leads.

I sometime walk Pangur around our road but he's so nervous about sounds he doesn't understand.
He's happy enough in our garden on a harness though .

I think I'm going to try and make friends with the ferret man so he and I can walk our kitty and ferrets at the same time...

We've got a secure garden at the back of our new flat so I might take Ted for a wander if he feels like it but I doubt that it would be very exciting! It would be nice to bring him down with us if we were going to spend time outside but it's communal...do you think people would object?