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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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!)

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?

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.

No, no they were clearly walking their cat.

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

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.

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.

If the cat wasn’t with people, and was killed or injured by OP’s dog while off-lead in a public place, how would people feel?

So your dog chased a cat and it's the cat's fault? Just put your dog on a lead

If you can’t stop your dog chasing things it needs to be on the lead all the time. 100% a your dog problem. Most cats are outdoor cats and wander where they like so you should be prepared to encounter them outside at any point.

I used to do this all the time with my cats. It was rare they'd be bothered by a dog, but if they were they just hid in the middle of a big bush for a bit.

I don’t think any dog, however well behaved, has total recall. Dog trainer to the stars Steve Mann concedes that. Dogs do chase - squirrels, birds, balls, sticks, their own tails - doesn’t mean they should always be on a lead in open countryside. The squirrels and birds just laugh at their pathetic efforts. We trained our dog not to chase our cats (the cats now bully him mercilessly) but he continues to chase birds whenever he sees them. I don’t think this means he must never be off lead.

When I walk my Whippet in a specific place we sometimes see a pedigree cat 🐈‍⬛ walking with her owners.

Your dog shouldn’t be chasing a cat.

If it can’t be trusted, put dog on lead.

Cats have the right to walk with their owners.
Bengals often do this.

The fact the cat happened to be walking along with its owners is a red herring.
Cats wander all over the place (they have a right to roam), so your dog might encounter them on any walk. Whether or not there are people with the cat isn't particularly relevant. Now you know that there's a risk of the dog chasing cats, so probably a good idea to be vigilant on future walks.

That said i do put him on a lead if I see people/other dogs, to ensure he doesn’t annoy other people. He’s a puppy and still learning.

Are you not in the UK OP? I know other countries it's the norm to keep cats indoors but in the UK there are cats walking outside all the time so this makes no sense.

This. If you’re walking in a residential area then of course your dog should be on lead. But in open countryside it’s normal for a dog to chase things. Mine chases squirrels and rabbits. Her chances of getting them are zero.

And when we do (which is normally in the more urbanised areas) they just immediately jump on a tree as soon as they sense my dogs, the difference here is that said cat was static in someone's arms.