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Original poster

Cat walking off lead

189 replies

Usedphone · 17/01/2025 14:32

I've got two dogs, and a cat. So our dogs are used to cats, but one is an airedale terrier, that does like to chase squirrels but really loves the cat (they were raised together from babies).

So while I was walking my dogs in the field, we encountered a family walking their cat, off lead and without any way to safely contain it.

My dog got excited and went after it like she would have with a squirrel (it's a field after all with plenty of dog walkers and squirrels).

The family got annoyed with me as the cat was very distressed (poor kitty!)

It was a very bizarre encounter but I think they should.at least have had a plan B beyond cuddles to contain their kitty cat.

OP posts:
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5
Catza · 17/01/2025 14:55

Usedphone · 17/01/2025 14:48

I've never had an issue with my dog!

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Clearly, that can't be the case if it chases squirrels (and cats, apparently). Mine chases cats. You know what I do? Keep her on the lead! Cats have a right to roam and many venture outside without their owners. I am not taking any chances that one gets injured by my dog.

teenmaw · 17/01/2025 14:55

Op your dog is the issue here, I think you know that. He's a terrier that has a known prey drive so you should accept responsibility for keeping it under control. You'd be in deep shit if it was a lamb.

Choccyscofffy · 17/01/2025 14:55

Usedphone · 17/01/2025 14:51

I've never had an issue with my dog in her 6 years. She goes to that field and the beach regularly.

Never had an issue. It's quite abnormal to find someone walking a cat.

As soon as you saw the cat, you should have put a lead on your dog.

Original poster
Usedphone · 17/01/2025 14:54

Jackiebrambles · 17/01/2025 14:53

Walking a cat on a lead is odd enough but I know people do it. But walking a cat off a lead is surely just, following a cat? 🐈 or having one follow you?

Edited

No, no they were clearly walking their cat.

OP posts:
CleanShirt · 17/01/2025 14:53

I once walked a mile and a half to the station then realised my cat had followed me all the way there. I had to take him home and nobody believed why I was late to work.

They do whatever they like.

Jackiebrambles · 17/01/2025 14:53

Walking a cat on a lead is odd enough but I know people do it. But walking a cat off a lead is surely just, following a cat? 🐈 or having one follow you?

TooManyChristmasCards · 17/01/2025 14:52

I have seen cats following the family to the park or playground, it's quite funny to see.

Going on an actual walk? What a well behaved cat!

Mine get very pissed off if put on a lead, even if the dog is fine with his. (non negotiable when travelling by car, especially on motorways!)

LeaderBee · 17/01/2025 14:52

Why do they need their cat on a lead? Your dog was the one out of control that went chasing it.

Sprogonthetyne · 17/01/2025 14:52

Surely the issue is your (off lead?) Dog going for the cat. Why was it not under your control?

I'm not sure why you think preventing the cat from being able to run away from this attack would help, other then to give your animal an easier lunch.

Ponderingwindow · 17/01/2025 14:52

If your dog doesn’t have perfect recall in all situations, it needs to be on a lead.

yes, the same is true for their cat, but it seems like the cat did in fact return to its owner.

Middlemarch123 · 17/01/2025 14:52

I’ve probably had more cats than you’ve had hot dinners OP. Can’t imagine getting a lead on any of them!

Original poster
Usedphone · 17/01/2025 14:51

I've never had an issue with my dog in her 6 years. She goes to that field and the beach regularly.

Never had an issue. It's quite abnormal to find someone walking a cat.

OP posts:
Waterboatlass · 17/01/2025 14:51

Well I mean it's a bit unusual to be out walking a cat but there's nowt so queer as folk. Probably best to put the dog's lead on next time if you see them just to be on the safe side. You don't want anything nasty happening if he catches up to Puss on his next afternoon constitutional.

Teenagerantruns · 17/01/2025 14:51

To be fair our cats used to terrorise any dogs they saw, I expect the cat could have stuck up for itself if it wanted to.
We also had a cat that used to follow us to the local shop and wait outside, it would just hop up on a wall and take a swipe at any passing dog.

Bodybutterblusher · 17/01/2025 14:51

Our Maine Coon used to insist on coming with us if we were leaving from the house. She was so strong that she could lever our ancient bathroom window open if we tried to stop her. Only if her person (my five year old son) was going, obviously. She didn't give a shit if was just me, the other kids and the dogs. I really don't know what could have been done about it, or if I should have been expected to do something about it. She was a guardian angel cat and that was just that. I would not have fancied the chances of most dogs if they were to mess with her.

peachgreen · 17/01/2025 14:50

Dontlletmedownbruce · 17/01/2025 14:49

I can't believe people bring their cats for walks wtf? Cats are free roaming animals as far as I am aware. Dogs chase cats, this is hardly news to anyone. I think its OK to let your dog off lead in a field.

It is, but only if you can trust their recall to come back when called, regardless of what's in front of them.

gamerchick · 17/01/2025 14:50

Usedphone · 17/01/2025 14:48

I've never had an issue with my dog!

Show quote history

Well you do now. If it can't be trusted then it needs to be on a lead OP.

peachgreen · 17/01/2025 14:50

Usedphone · 17/01/2025 14:48

I've never had an issue with my dog!

Show quote history

You just said he chases squirrels.

Dontlletmedownbruce · 17/01/2025 14:49

I can't believe people bring their cats for walks wtf? Cats are free roaming animals as far as I am aware. Dogs chase cats, this is hardly news to anyone. I think its OK to let your dog off lead in a field.

SmellLikeStreepForCheap · 17/01/2025 14:49

Your dog needs to be under your control at all times. Clearly, yours isn’t when off-lead so you need to put a lead on him.

This isn’t about a cat, it’s about your dog.

Original poster
Usedphone · 17/01/2025 14:49

Something like that (or a lead).

Cat walking off lead
OP posts:
Original poster
Usedphone · 17/01/2025 14:48

peachgreen · 17/01/2025 14:47

If your dog can't be trusted around other animals, it's the one that should be on a lead. Obviously.

I've never had an issue with my dog!

OP posts:
Sampler · 17/01/2025 14:48

Sounds odd to drive a cat to a field. I don’t think you were wrong and I have a cat and a field behind me.

pizzaHeart · 17/01/2025 14:47

Could you post a picture or at least a diagram please preferably of the field in question and also for ways “to safely contain a cat” ( I struggle to imagine any)

peachgreen · 17/01/2025 14:47

If your dog can't be trusted around other animals, it's the one that should be on a lead. Obviously.