Adopting a Russian Blue 3 -ish year old male Cat

I live in Israel, in the Negev, and sadly a Russian Blues' owner had to go into a convalescent home. Rather than see the Cat be put down, or pine away from loneliness, I am adopting "Jeffery" (named after a Police Officer who was head shot and killed in 1991, whilst I was a Paramedic for that same Police Department. I myself am a widower, and although "Jeffery", of whom I have only met twice, is a little 'wary' of me, I am of absolute conviction we will get down famously.

I live by myself, and outside of the price of Jefferey from the SPCA, I am spending one thousand dollars on food/toys/litter box(es), litter, food, scratch pads, a cat bed, and so on.

My question is that my apartment is rather small, and I wonder if it would be within appropriate means to put a cat harness on Jeff and take him for walks to the local park--of course, Jeff will have all POSSIBLE vaccinations so as to prevent any disease, and Jeff is neutered, so no little Jeffries to surprise any one. If this is OK, do I need to fabricate 'booties' for his Paws to prevent chafing/injuries? Any info would be most appreciated!!

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Oct 31, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Jeffrey's a winner
by: Jean from Tennessee

I really enjoyed reading about Jeffrey and you. I am most anxious to see a picture of this fellow: I am sure he is beautiful -- Oh, sorry: I should have said handsome, I guess. I hope you are able to train him to walk on a leash and halter. It would be good for you both to get out in the fresh air and sunshine, I'm sure. If you don't find booties for him that he will allow you to put on him, you can use petroleum jelly on his paws after he has been outside to help keep them healthy. I used to do that with my Chihuahua Taffy. Of course, being a cat he will probably lick it off ... but hopefully it would be on his paws long enough to help some! Good luck with Jeffrey and send us a picture as soon as you can!
Jul 26, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Looking forward to Jeffery's pic
by: Claudia - Admin

I wish you the best of luck with Jeffery and I'm looking forward to "meeting" him, even if only in cyberspace.

I didn't know about the drastic temperature changes in Israel. You're right about worrying about Jeffery's paws. You should look into getting some booties for him.

Jul 26, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Profound Thanks
by: Anonymous

Dear Claudia,

Thank you for answering my questions so timely.

Here in the desert of Israel, my 'bootie' question is due to the extreme variance in tempatures--there are no seasons here, to-wit. One day, it will be 35 degrees celsius, and two-to three days later, the temp will be 15 degrees celcius--that is why I am concerned with Jefferies paws.

Anyways, I am picking Jeffery up on the 28th, and I will, without fail send you a picture of us.

Once again, thank you very much.

Regards,
Joel Rosen
Be'er Sheva, Israel
Jul 26, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hello
by: Claudia - Admin

What a heartwarming story. I'm sure your compassion will be amply rewarded. Besides, you will have a furry friend to keep you company.

As to your question, I have a friend who walks her cat on a leash. But she started training her cat since he was a kitten. However, I've read that you can train older cats to walk on a leash. It does requires some training and lots of patience. Remember that cats do not like to be confined or strapped to anything. And many cats are not used to outdoors. They might be easily scared, so be careful with that if Jeffrey has never been an outdoor cat.

For tips, you can read my article on this issue, just click here. Fortunately, you can buy leash and harness sets especially designed for cats (you cannot use a regular dog leash due to the different anatomy of cats).

The booties might not be necessary during the summertime but maybe you may need them during the wintertime. I've seen booties made for small dogs, they might work for you cat. You may check with any large pet store or chain.

I hope this helps.

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