September 10, 2008

Cats on a Rope

Last Sunday, we were treated to some spectacular late summer weather. My husband and I spent the afternoon on the front lawn, eating chips and salsa and watching our kids dig up my garden beds in search of earthworms. Everything was perfect, except for an annoying sound coming from the screened door.
"Meow! Meooooooooooow!"
Our two indoor cats felt left out.

Since we didn't feel right about calling the day a "family day" without the entire family being present, we decided to bring the cats outside. To prevent Millie and Biscuit from hunting birds or catching the amorous eye of the gigantic tomcat that roams the neighborhood, my husband tied a fifty-foot rope around each of their collars. Although the cats weren't exactly thrilled to be attached to gigantic leashes, their desire to eat grass and stalk grasshoppers eventually overpowered their feelings of frustration and irritation.
Over the next hour or so, my husband and kids took turns "walking" the cats around our yard and cul-de-sac. Coincidentally, as all of this was taking place, a neighbor was holding an "Open House" for their home that is on the market. We want to let potential buyers of the home know that our neighborhood is filled with friendly, normal people, so we made a special point to hold the makeshift leashes in one hand, thus freeing up the other hand to wave to all of the people as they passed.

9 comments

Liz said...

I love it!
We have indoor/outdoor cats... the one, Sammie... will take neighborhood walks with us, wherever we go! It's quite amusing...the looks people will give you when your cat is trailing behind you! In the neghborhood we're in now, she's aware of a mighty large tomcat at one house, so if we travel past it, she'll actually hang out in the bushes at the house before it and wait to catch up with us on the way back! :)

Hair Bows & Guitar Picks said...

So cute...my cats would love it if they could go outside. Great idea.

Unknown said...

My friend walks her cat and she is perfectly normal and lovely (although I have to admit the first time I heard her say that I almost died laughing.) I think your new neighbors will love you guys and your cat walking ways.

Rachel said...

Two of my 4 cats would love to be outside, but have refused on several occasions to be on a leash. They seem to think it's demeaning or something. Their loss for being snooty I guess!

Ice Cream said...

Can I borrow your family? My husband and I would really like to buy a home and are trying everything we can to lower the house prices around here.
=)

Jana said...

They actually sell cat leashes? I've heard of kitty wigs (if they weren't so dang expensive, I would definitely own one or two) but I thought that cat leashes were just an urban myth. I'm going to have to get me a couple of those!

Emily Heizer Photography said...

Your kitties are so handsome! I also subject my cats to similar humiliating torture devices, although, their leashes are only about 6 feet, so they like it alot less.

LOL

Kelly said...

Cute...and I really enjoyed your article today. My kids just started soccer and I totally agree. Of course, they learn all about being a loser when they play me at board games. I absolutely will never just let them win. They have to earn it.

It reminds me of the time I thought I was beating my husband at ping pong. I was so proud of myself. Until I noticed that he was playing with his left hand. I was almost beyond furious!!!

V said...

Oh my! Your cat number two (in the pictures) does not look too happy there.

PS- I would love to have a family like you in my neighborhood. You guys rock!