Dear Miss Fifi: 

I read cats are to be on a leash when outside just like dogs. Is this true? 

- Rita 

~~~ 

Dear Rita: 

Horrifyingly, yes, it's true. My feline assistant, Dilettante Dilly, was mortified the first time she saw her friend, Ethelene, strolling down the avenue. So once Miss Fifi was able to stop howling with laughter, I was able to put ol' Dilly to the task of gathering a bit of information. 

Training cats to walk on a leash is, surprisingly, not too difficult. At first, they may just lie down in the grass wondering what in the world is happening, but About.com assures readers that patience pays off. Theirs is a 15 step process, so let Miss Fifi break it down for you: 

Once you purchase a comfortable harness, place it near kitty's bed so she can get used to the scent and feel of it. Then, truss her up during a normal meal time when you can add some of her favorite treats into the mix to show she's a good girl. Let her wear the harness around the house for a few days, then attach a leash so kitty can get used to the feel of being led. Try moving outdoors for short increments of time until you and kitty are ready for the long haul. And be patient.

Now, Dilettante Dilly would never stand for the thought of being led ... she likes to think she's in charge ... so Miss Fifi's more than happy to allow her that vanity when possible.

Woof!