What’s Your Take on Cat Strollers? Why Olga Isn’t the Ideal Candidate

Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.

Most of the pet owners in my neighborhood have dogs, and although I’ve seen a few cats roaming around outside, I haven’t been fortunate enough to meet anyone who uses a cat stroller. Walking cats with harnesses have become more accepted, but some owners may be self-conscious about carting their felines around in a stroller.

Since it’s unusual, some may be unwilling to be labeled as “the strange neighbor who pampers their cat like a baby.” I don’t have a problem with the practice, but it’s unlikely to catch on. I don’t know many cats, including Olga, who could sit calmly in a baby stroller during a long walk. Unlike babies, they can leap out of it and escape.

Cats With Mobility Issues

Energetic cats aren’t the best test subjects for baby strollers, but those with mobility issues or other health conditions would probably love a ride around the neighborhood. When I was treating my Siamese cat for kidney disease, I didn’t let him go outside by himself, but he would’ve enjoyed a walk in the stroller if I had been courageous enough to attempt it. When he was healthy, however, he would have jumped out and run away.

Olga’s View of the Great Outdoors

Olga isn’t as hyper as my Siamese, but she’s no couch potato. She enjoys running around the house, tearing up the blinds, jumping on the back of my chair to surprise me, and dribbling her paper soccer balls.

She’s never tried to venture outside because she fears the unknown. She loves watching the birds and lizards in my backyard but backs away if I open the door. I’ve carried her in my arms and walked outside before, and she cried and scratched me.

I took her outside once when it snowed, which is rare in my area, and it terrified her. She jumped out of my arms into the snow, ran to the back door, and screamed. She wasn’t fascinated by the snow or happy to be away from her comfort zone. Before I adopted her, I assumed most cats wanted to be outside and hated being confined indoors.

The Guilt From Keeping Cats Indoors

I still feel guilty that I didn’t let my other cat roam free, but I stayed in a busy area, and he may not have lived for over 19 years if he had been an outdoor cat. I have a fenced-in yard and live in a quiet neighborhood now, but Olga isn’t ready to play outside.

I’ve read about owners training their older indoor cats to use a harness for walks, and I’d like to try it with Olga at some point. I’m not worried about her getting enough exercise inside, but she needs to experience the fresh air and all the sights, sounds, and odors other animals take for granted.

Getting her to wear a harness will probably require several months of training and plenty of antiseptic to treat my wounds. I’m willing to go through it to make her happy, but I’m not ready to become the neighborhood oddball who shows off his cat in a baby stroller.