Question
In recent days I've been trying to develop a habit in my cat of a morning walk with me.
It is to be noted that letting the cat alone outside to roam independently is not an option. Here there are lots of stray dogs who attack cats. She will be dead within half an hour.
Also I live in a small 1BHK apartment, in a high rise building. So basically it's eat as much as you want with no exercise for my cat. Although she is still 7 months old, I am worried that this lifestyle might lead to cardiac and other problems in my cat.
Also when outside what my cat wants to do is to simply run to the nearest bush and get inside to hide.
So I have to make my cat wear a collar with a leash to make my cat walk.
Now when I am present the dogs don't come nearby but bark from distance and she still gets frightened.
The main problem is with cows. Here are some cows, and when my cat sees one she gets terrified. All her hairs go straight as if to make her look larger than she already is. And she simply refuses to move any further. I have to then pick up my cat and carry her away from the cow.
Now, on returning, my cat seems to get extremely upset with me. She won't play, won't meow and just sits in a corner.
Now what is an option for me?
Clearly the morning walk isn't working out well. And my apartment is too small for the cat to play. I am worried she may develop heart diseases if this lifestyle of hers continues.
Answer
I think it is best to stop the walks; cats have a very good memory, so you will have to change the way she gets her exercise. Since she has a very good memory, she will remember that there are cows on that route and will have a bad association with those walks.
If you continues to take the walks you might end up in a bad circle for both you and the cat, and this will be very hard to change later.
You say there is too little space where you are living, but cats don't need a lot of floor space, and it is often possible to use the vertical space, the walls and some of the furniture.
Putting up some shelves and maybe combining this with the furniture to make an area for the cat to climb-jump and rest. Cats in general like to have an elevated place where they can rest and view their territory, even if she is small.
I am not saying you should let the cat destroy your furniture; I am just saying there are possibilities one just have to find them.
If it is impossible or too hard to change the place where you are living you might have to change where you take the walk and hope this makes it easier for the cat.
Answered By - trond hansen