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Cat walked on lead to ease ‘cabin fever’

Cat walked on lead to ease ‘cabin fever’

A woman from Redruth has started taking her cat for long walks on a leash.

Helen Davies said Indie, a three-year-old Norwegian Forest breed, had been a house cat but had been moved to the woods near Plymouth.

Ms Davies said she thought the cat had “cabin fever” so decided to try it out in a harness.

“He was absolutely fine and made everything work,” he said.

Jewelery maker Miss Davies said: “He doesn’t go out at home as he’s not much of a street enthusiast. I think he just likes being out with us.”

“He was taken into the forest like a Norwegian Forest cat.”

An RSPCA spokesman said it was important for owners to consider carefully whether a lead was right for their cat.

If they think so, they should introduce it “gradually and positively”, the spokesman said.

“If the cat shows any signs of distress, such as trying to move away, this should be stopped immediately,” they added.

Ms Davies agreed and said: “Before you train your cat, you have to get to know him.”

“I put the harness on him at home and started seeing how he coped. You’ll know right away if your cat will use the harness.”

Ms Davies said Indie had become quite famous.

He said: “People stop us and take photos and ask if we have a social media account for that too.

“Everyone seems really friendly and happy to see a cat outside.”

As a result, she created an Instagram account for Indie so people could follow her adventures in the woods and on the beach when the weather gets nicer.