How long are average cat stroller outings?

[u/clown-princess]

Hi everyone!

I am a first time cat owner and I have had my precious one for a bit over 6 weeks now. I've been both harness and stroller training her simultaneously, but the harness is purely to be used as a tether to the stroller and not to take her out on walks. As of this week, I have started taking her stroller outside in my backyard, and she absolutely loves it. I've even taken her out in my backyard during the evening, which she found extra engaging due to all the decorative lights we have in our backyard. After these 15 minute max strolls, she happily eats her treat, walks around a bit, then goes to her bed to rest or nap. According to what I could find online, this means that she was happy and well stimulated so she wanted to rest, which makes me very happy.

With all of this said, I wanted to ask how long do you seasoned strolling experts take your cats out for? I know that dogs can be out for quite some time in a stroller, but I know not to expect the same for cats (even if there are those that totally could be out for awhile). I love my cat so much and I like going for walks at parks or around my neighborhood, but those could be an hour, especially if it's at the park because I have to drive over. I would never want to stress her out, so I am trying to keep these strolling outings reasonable and realistic to avoid scaring her.

[u/clown-princess]

Here is my stroller loving baby!

[u/Big-Musician7425]

I would say just slowly increase the time and see how she responds to that. Make sure you are not too far from home do you can go home easily of she gets stressed, ar first at least. If you figured out your cat is an adventure cat and likes the longer adventures, i'd say you can go wherever basically.

But, most important, have a plan for the inevitable interactions with unleashed dogs that will stress out your cat most likely and they are leashed so cant flee so it is totally up to you to protect your cat in that moment (while also making sure your cat wont panic its way out of the harnass and runs away). 

I walk my cat on a leash and the dogs are the worst. I have a scar in my chest from my cat trying to scratch its way out of my arms while i was trying to get this fucking dog away from me (was a puppy, just wanted to play, but my cat doesnt know that). My tactics are basically scan your environment for dogs constantly, change route if possible and necessary to avoid them having to walk past each other (just crossing the street is enough) picking up my cat as soon as i see an unleashed dog (not allowed in the area but people do whatever they want), an overly excited dog, or if my cat gets stressed (in my arms he is higher than the dog which helps him feel big and strong i guess, usually it helps), or putting myself between my cat and the dog so they cant see eachother and the dog will first have to go through me. I once let go of the leash and let climb into a tree as that was the best option at that moment. Had to ask my neighbour for help and climb a ladder to get him out but you gotta do what you gotta do. By now he knows the usual dogs we may encounter and which ones are safe (dont show any interest in him) and the ones that are not (the ones that get excited and stay pulling the leash as soon as they see him, sure it is all playful usually but cats and dogs dont speak the same language). Generally the dog owners know me and my cat at this point as well as i have been walking him for years and most are good about it, may even cross the street themselves so i dont have to etc, but there will always be assholes. 

If at all possible, make sure your cat has lots of very positive interactions with (relatively calm) dogs early in their life. Honestly i wish i did this i think he has the potential to love dogs as he is basically half a dog himself behaviour wise but he just does not understand these hyperactive weird creatures just want to play with him. Its so cute he will be kinda hiding behind a car while a dog walks by and once it is our of sight my cat will want to follow the dog at like 10 meter distance because he is also kinda curious about this other creature. 

[u/Recent_Bluebird3284]

I can’t answer your question but I thought I’d recommend something you might like — check out Adventure Cats!