Cats in the community

Joanna Harvey presents the sociable cats who hang out in our community

By Wes Smiderle

Joanna's cat Squeaks eases back and enjoys a ride out in the community. He's always ready for adventure! Photo: Joanna Harvey
Joanna's cat Squeaks eases back and enjoys a ride out in the community. He's always ready for adventure! Photo: Joanna Harvey

You may be familiar with the Chronicle’s Dogs in the Hood column, but have you ever wondered about cats in your community? Walking your cat is becoming an increasingly common activity.

There are a number of cats who go for walks with their humans – some on leashes, some just following behind – and here are just a few.

Squeaks is a three-year-old medium hair black cat who lives on Chelsea Dr., and just loves to go for walks! Photo: Joanna Harvey

Squeaks is a three-year-old medium hair black cat who lives on Chelsea Dr., and just loves to go for walks! Whether it’s on his leash beside me, or riding in his cat backpack as I go for a walk or a bike ride, he is always ready for adventure!

Squeaks is a real “people person”, and loves to trot up to anyone he meets along his walks, plopping down in front of them for belly rubs in exchange for purrs.

His favourite places to walk include the woods behind my house, and anywhere he can find tall grasses or sticks to chase and fetch.

Squeak’s 14 -year-old sister Pumpkin likes to follow us on our walks, and meows for us to wait for her if we're going too fast. Photo: Joanna Harvey

Squeak’s 14 -year-old sister Pumpkin likes to follow us on our walks, and meows for us to wait for her if we’re going too fast.

Both of my cats have made lasting friendships with our local postal worker on her daily route (she even brings them treats!), and our neighbour Ziad from just up the road who Squeaks makes a beeline for anytime he sees him zooming by on his scooter.

Next time you’re out and about for a walk, don’t forget to greet the feline friends who cross your path – there’s a lot more to them than meets the eye.

aJoanna Harvey also walked her former cat, Smokey, who was known around the neighbourhood as a regular walker, and was missed by many in the neighbourhood when he passed. Photo submitted

Joanna also walked her former cat, Smokey. He developed a reputation around the neighbourhood as a regular walker. Smokey missed by many in the neighbourhood when he passed.

Cat owners choosing to walk their felines is becoming increasingly common.

House cat strut

If you’re interested, here are some suggestions to get your cat walking . . .

  • You can train cats can to go for a walk at any age. They don’t have to be kittens.
  • Start with getting them used to a harness. Give treats, cuddle them, play with their favourite toys. Try to do things that make them happy to associate with the harness.
  • Once they are comfortable with the harness, take them outside with a leash attached. Jst sit with them. (Again, bringing treats or favourite toys us also a good idea to get them used to the routine).
  • On the leash, let them explore beyond the boundaries of your property (toys and treats to entice them).
  • Pull a string or wand toy in front of them as they walk to encourage the walking behaviour.
  • Be patient. Like anything new, it takes time, and a lot of love and encouragement.

Editor’s note: If you have a sociable cat who likes to stroll around our community, let us know! Send a photo and short write-up to editor@manorparkchronicle.com. (Note: The key word is “community.” Please no photos of cats on the couch!)