Here are the pictures of adult Xinxin walking with her mommy outside on a leash. On some of the pictures you may not notice the leash, but it is always there.Maria does NOT let her cat outside, but by the advice of her vet, she takes her cat with her for walks on a leash when it is sunny and warm outside.
Xinxin doesn't really like to be on a leash, but she accepts it because she likes to be outside.
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Hongse Xinxin's portrait on her 1st birthday, 12 May 2001. Wearing her holiday fancy collar and tag, of course.
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Here, Xinxin seems to be thinking "Well, meowmy, I'm happy you took me out. But it's too hot - I don't want to walk. I'll better lie on the grass."
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"Meowmy, it's so beautiful to sit on a blooming tree. But why do you bother taking pictures of me? Go away and let me sit here and watch the birds - - - Why should I look at you or at the camera?"
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Here, Xinxin seems somewhat unhappy with the leash and careless about her meowmy (mommy). She is all interested in and completely focused on some birds in the bush just out of this photo.
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IMPORTANT NOTE:I do not encourage cats allowed outdoors.I never let my cats go FREELY outdoors, and I strongly advice everyone to do the same.The photos above were taken outdoors while the cat was walked ON A LEASH.This kind of letting the cat outdoors is not as dangerous as letting the cat roam freely outdoors, but it still has some negative aspects and there always is the danger of cat running away.ALL cats will take off their collar or harness and leash and run free occasionally if you take them out, and you will have to catch them.My own Xinxin took off her harness and leash and ran free two times, and I had to to catch her running around the street or take her off the top of a tree. If you decide to walk your cat outdoors on a leash, use ONLY a harness (NOT a collar) with an ID tag that contains your phone number.The leash should be retractable and no longer than 6 meter(20'). The harness should be AS TIGHT AS POSSIBLE (but not as tight as to strangle the cat, of course). And in case if there suddenly happens to be a dog running at your cat, don't even try to call to the cat to come.Cats do not come when they are called if they are frightened or if they are focused on something as a bird or a squirrel (never let your cat catch a squirrel---squirrels can transmit rabies, a deadly disease that can be transmitten to humans,too). Instead, lift the cat up in your hands immideately. And, of course,never leave the cat on a leash without close supervision. --- Maria Mouchun
