u/Darth_Quaider

I've basically done nothing other than observe him and realized very early on that he was comfortable with the situation. He loves when I put his harness on, but that being said, I've never forced it. He's always indicated to me that he wants to walk and then I put his harness on.

I take my time with him, I don't rush any of the process. I wear clothes I know are comfortable for me and also safe for us both. Safe as in, I know what he can do when he freeks because he does it at home and if I had to restrain him in the worst circumstance, I'd want something that would protect us both(more on that later). This means I might have at least one extra layer on and almost definitely long sleeves. Also, I make sure my shoes don't make too much noise, aka softer bottoms that don't scrape so hard on gravel. He HATES when I make unnecessary loud noises while walking like dragging my feet or walking through leaves or gravel.

He's less than a year old in this video, he's almost 4 now, I've never once had an incident where he was panicking or uncomfortable. He and I communicate. If he wants to be picked up, he comes to my feet and I can scoop him single handedly and leave the area until he's comfortable again.

I live in a small city and he won't budge at the sound of passing busses or even emergency vehicles. He'll stop and maybe wait until they leave, but I think it's mostly out of him wanting to hear what's around him.

So, he's never had a panicked event and I've never had to restrain him. I still ALWAYS wear clothes that I know can protect both of us. Sometimes that's an extra baggie hoodie or a jacket over a heavy shirt. All that in mind, I'm always looking around us and trying to watch out for what is ahead or what might be around any corner. Meeting a dog or another cat unexpectedly could potentially result in an altercation that neither of us have control over. If I see anything at all that I don't like or if he indicates that he's no longer walking on his own, I pick him up. He sits in my arms and both of us are safe. Typically I hold him cuddled across my chest with both arms and he prefers this. I think he knows that we are working together.

Still, I've thought about some of the worst possible scenarios and if there was ever a time that we were attacked by another animal, I think I'd feel comfortable holding off whatever it was and letting him go if need-be. It's not my first option and it's not to say I wouldn't be distraught until he was found, but I know that with his tags and his harness and leash that he's likely to eventually be found.

I've had multiple dogs and multiple cats in my life. Walking a cat is completely different than walking a dog, and out of all the cats I've ever had in my life, this is the only one that has ever done anything like this.

So please, please listen to your animal and do not attempt something like this if either one of you is not prepared.

TL:DR

Communicate and respond to your animal. Only do this on their terms.

Prepare by understanding the risks and taking the most precautions.

Be CONSTANTLY aware! Constantly pay attention to where you're going and what is around you.

Beef and onion gravy

Cheese curds

Brioche

Potato sticks

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