Cat walking off lead

[Usedphone]

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.

Very first time I've ever seen walk their cat off lead.

I can't even imagine a way to walk a cat unless on a lead. They do what they want.

Please tell me this is a joke?

I wish it was, but no :/ it really felt like out of the Twilight Zone

Don't cats usually walk themselves?

I don’t think OP’s post is a joke but @gamerchick ‘s clearly is .

What’s your aibu ?

Your dog needs to be on a lead if it has no impulse control.

To think the cat needed a container and or a lead.

So they went for a walk, their cat joined them, your dog went for their cat, and their cat ran away?

No, the cat jumped to the dad's arms, he held it, and then walked the opposite way (and released the cat) .

I think we need more context. Was said field near apartments or houses and cats are regularly brought to for walks there ?

Cats usually just wander where they want, when they want.
Most cats are usually able to fend off a dog with a quick claw to the nose.

Sounds quite funny in all honesty.

I've never seen a cat there! It's a nature reserve that it's at the very least 400m from the nearest house.

Plenty of dogs off lead and the odd brave squirrel

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

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)

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.

I've never had an issue with my dog!

Something like that (or a lead).

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.

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.

You just said he chases squirrels.

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

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

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.