Post by Jeremy on Sept 9, 2015 22:15:53 GMT -8
When I was a kid I had a large black cat named Digit. She was named Digit because she had an extra digit on each of her front paws. Digit would sleep next to my head at night and I would fall asleep to her purring. She was a great cat.
My seven year old daughter loves cats and she has a higher expectation than simply sleeping next to her head at night. She has an impressively patient cat that she named Cricket. Cricket is glad to be carted around the house like a baby doll, willing to participate in dress up, tea parties, and literally pushed in a baby stroller.
Cricket is willing to be bathed but only for my daughter, the rest of us would be clawed. Although Cricket’s patience makes her a wonderful pet, there are a few things that Cricket is unwilling to do. Cricket does not like to be walked and although she will allow my daughter to bathe her, she does not enjoy water.
We have watched several videos of Maine Coon, so we know it is possible to find a cat with appreciation of water who we are hoping would at least be willing to sit behind her while she paddles her kayak. We have also watched video of hiking Bengal cats.
My daughter is our fourth child and each child before her has a canine companion that they are responsible for. She would like to have a large feline companion to take with her on the journey. This cat would not replace Cricket but would hopefully want to join my daughter on outdoor adventures. We are hoping to find a kitty who not only likes human companions but canine companions, Cricket can wrestle with the pups for hours (adorable).
I believe the Desert Lynx could be the special kitty we are looking for. We have heard that they have been known to swim, walk on leashes, and even play to occasional game of fetch. My daughter is hoping for a large cat, preferably female (she might have to wear dresses and attend the occasional tea party).
My daughter and I are hoping that those on the forum who have experienced some outdoor activities (hiking, paddling, swimming, camping, etc.) could please share some of their experiences here. We are pretty set on the Desert Lynx but we would love to hear your experiences.
Thank you,
Jeremy
My seven year old daughter loves cats and she has a higher expectation than simply sleeping next to her head at night. She has an impressively patient cat that she named Cricket. Cricket is glad to be carted around the house like a baby doll, willing to participate in dress up, tea parties, and literally pushed in a baby stroller.
Cricket is willing to be bathed but only for my daughter, the rest of us would be clawed. Although Cricket’s patience makes her a wonderful pet, there are a few things that Cricket is unwilling to do. Cricket does not like to be walked and although she will allow my daughter to bathe her, she does not enjoy water.
We have watched several videos of Maine Coon, so we know it is possible to find a cat with appreciation of water who we are hoping would at least be willing to sit behind her while she paddles her kayak. We have also watched video of hiking Bengal cats.
My daughter is our fourth child and each child before her has a canine companion that they are responsible for. She would like to have a large feline companion to take with her on the journey. This cat would not replace Cricket but would hopefully want to join my daughter on outdoor adventures. We are hoping to find a kitty who not only likes human companions but canine companions, Cricket can wrestle with the pups for hours (adorable).
I believe the Desert Lynx could be the special kitty we are looking for. We have heard that they have been known to swim, walk on leashes, and even play to occasional game of fetch. My daughter is hoping for a large cat, preferably female (she might have to wear dresses and attend the occasional tea party).
My daughter and I are hoping that those on the forum who have experienced some outdoor activities (hiking, paddling, swimming, camping, etc.) could please share some of their experiences here. We are pretty set on the Desert Lynx but we would love to hear your experiences.
Thank you,
Jeremy
As for the people who have taken their cats on boats, and swimming with them, Hiking etc. they are not on the forum. The Desert Lynx like to play in water, on their terms,, so I'm not sure about dressing up either.. maybe the Ragdoll breed , a Maincoon or a Pixiebob would work for that.. these aren't really a good toy for children. Any cat can be taught to walk in a harness, just have to know how to do it.. start slow with the harness on the cat in the house for a little bit then remove it, each day a few times a day you put the harness on them each time for a little bit longer till they stop struggling to get it of, then attach a leash to it and let them drag it around and play with the leash till it becomes a fun thing to them. It's best to start as a kitten but older cats can learn as well.. also a enclosed outdoor area to play is needed to make the cat feel relaxed out side or it will freak out the first time it is outside, even on a harness it could hurt a person. These guys have very sharp claws and if Jackie comes back on she can tell you the story of the time she was holding Emma and walked out to put her in the car.. not a pretty story 
I think she still has the scares to prove it ! 
Look forward to meeting her at the next gathering, who knows might even have the right cat.